***Pauls Match Report*** Blistering Start For Magpies!
The team made the short trip to Eastleigh to face a Stoneham side that the girls had faced in pre-season. The hosts had shown enough in that game to suggest a tough gig for the team today. A full squad of 16 travelled. A stunning opening for the girls, with only 90 seconds on the clock Izzy’s measured finish left the home goalkeeper stranded and handed a very early lead to the visiting team (0-1). From the first corner kick, Laila pounced on the loose ball to increase the advantage (0-2), all this within 5 minutes of the referees first whistle. To be fair to Stoneham, they cleared their heads and worked hard to gain a foothold in the match, Brooke’s fingertip save prevented an almost immediate reply to Laila’s strike. As in the previous week, Wimborne’s football was probably not at its flowing best in the first period, the team however were making the most of their dangerous moments, clinical in front of goal. A free kick on the edge of the penalty area was clipped in by Brooke and Sienna’s looped effort found the back of the net for her first of the season (0-3). Still the home team came again, far from burying heads in the sand, they pressed, looking to hit channels down the sides of Lila and Eva, their persistence was rewarded, a Stoneham player with the whole goal to aim at after a stunning save from Brooke rebounded from the crossbar (1-3). Still they pushed and only one of Eva’s last gasp tackles stopped another certain goal. The home GK saved well from Izzy but could do little about Towns’ fourth goal, Brooke linking with Sienna who gave Scarlett the tap in after her support play drove her to the front post to open her account for the team (1-4). The referee’s whistle brought an end to a very satisfying 45 minutes of football. HT 1-4 As in the previous weekend, a muched improved performance in the second period was to see the tie over-with comfortably. Emilie and Izzy both went close prior to Brooke continuing her goal scoring run, finishing well after rounding the goalkeeper and guiding the ball back into the goal (1-5). Sophia, back in the team after a quad injury was again to be withdrawn, a strong challenge upending the talented left back, a possible concussion from the impact. I’m sure with a bit of pampering she’ll recover in no time! Wimborne’s defence seemed to have the measure of the Stoneham attack, Grace, now playing at centre half with Scarlett, set Emilie away, her confident low drive under the goalkeeper made for a more emphatic score-line (1-6). As the game drifted to its conclusion Belle earned herself an assist, her through ball latched onto and fired home, giving Laila a brace of goals on the day (1-7).
FT: Stoneham 1 WTFC 7
POM: Belle (just edged it from Emilie). Another confident defensive display. Bright and alert, never gave an inch????
Summary: An emphatic scoreline maybe but the team had to work for it today, especially in the opening 45 minutes). A Stoneham team gave as good as they got for long periods of time but a dynamic opening 5 minutes from the team gave their opponents far too much to do. The girls battled through the first half, converting chances that were created, clinical in front of goal. Another more composed second half saw the team home and comfortably into the next round of this much desired cup competition. Brooke, again exceptional in goal, Lila and Eva complimenting each other at centre half were rested for the final 20 minutes, a seamless transition with Scarlett and Grace stepping up. Full back areas very good, Belle, Maddie and Sophia (probably still seeing stars) coped with a lively attack. Jess and Sophie setting the foundations, Carly literally spilling blood for the cause and pretty well everyone else scoring the goals. Congrats to Sienna and Scarlett with their maiden goals for the team, Laila with her brace, Izzy and Brooke’s well taken finishes and Emilie who added a goal to a very strong physical game that had a real impact for her team. Deservedly into the next round, well played ladies.
