***Match Report*** Izzy Strikes To Clinch Win!
The team welcomed Bristol outfit Bitton to the New Cuthbury. Recent form suggested a good game with the visitors beating a talented Inspire team last time out. Previous results between the two teams had been 2-2, 3-2 and 2-2 so the odds on both teams to score probably wouldn’t have been that appealing!
A strong start from the home team, on the front foot and asking questions of a tough defensive line. Some great football in the first 25 minutes but the only real chance at goal fell to Izzy who hit the side netting from Kacey’s assist. The girls persisted, playing through midfield, looking for an opening and it was Kacey that found the space, playing a neat 1-2 with Izzy before striking the opening goal (1-0). Rose went close to a second goal but the team took the single goal lead into the break, bringing an end to a superb 40mins from the team as a whole. HT 1-0 Town started the second period as they had finished the first, the more assertive team and their quality soon paid dividends. Emily picked up a loose ball to play in Talulla on the right hand side, still with plenty to do, Tallula’s pace took her clear of two defenders, her low drive under the goalkeeper and into the goal for a deserved second for the team (2-0). The girls had clearly been the better side for the first 50 minutes but Bitton were about to show their hand in the match. A turnover of possession and quick shot caught the home defence and GK off guard to reduce the arrears (2-1). Goals really do change games and this was no different, for the next 20 minutes the visitors proved a right handful! The game had flipped, the team were rattled and struggled to clear lines, Emilie’s goal line clearance only put off what seemed inevitable, a well struck shot soon after was not stoppable and parity was resumed between the two teams (2-2). The girls’ still had to dig in and weather further pressure, mainly from a string of corners and although riding a bit of luck at times they gradually began to re-group and impose themselves again. This team has proved time and again they have the heart to match their quality and they were again to have the final say. Assist machine Emilie advanced on the right side again, lifted a pass into Izzy to meet on the full and roll the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net for what proved the winning goal (3-2). Not for the first time this season, the talented Izzy had found a way to force a winning goal.
Summary: Previous games probably suggested a similar scoreline to this but for the first 50 minutes of this match the girls were outstanding. The first half was probably their best half of football this season, strong defensively, controlled in possession and clinical when the chances came. They weathered the storm re-grouped and deservedly bagged the win in the end. It has to be said that Bitton also showed great resilience when at times being outplayed which made for a good game of football.
FT: WTFC 3 Bitton Youth 2
POM: Eva (simply outstanding at the heart of defence)
