Town In The Hat!
Quite a rivalry this one. Last outing with Andover the team were edged out in the seeding group 3-2. Not the greatest prep for this game, a waterlogged pitch 20 minutes away meant a diversion to another venue, this cup tie was to be decided on the slopes of Sutton Scotney with a strong side to side wind.
A tight opening 25 minutes, Wimborne eventually settling into a rhythm. Bossing the territory stakes, keeping their hosts along way from goal, Emily had the first strike to speak of, her shot well handled by the home goalkeeper. As the game nudged the 30 minute mark Emilia cut back on her right foot and crossed into the danger area, an awkward ball bounced from the goalkeepers grasp and Izzy was on hand to rifle into the roof of the net for the opening goal (0-1). A very solid first half performance, goal chance taken and a solid defensive effort took the team into a first half lead. HT 0-1 Out of the traps from the start of the second period, Emilie taking aim again although well fielded followed by what seemed the important second goal, Emilia’s clever finish from Charlotte’s free kick ruled out by a tight off side decision. The girls upped their intensity as they pushed for a second, Izzy went close twice, first firing over the crossbar and then a bobble ruining a great chance after good work from Eva. Laila forced two saves from the GK, Liv had an effort saved before quality passing gave Carly the chance, the home GK again saved well. Other half chances came and went, what attacks Andover had generated were either defended well or had been fielded well by Esme in goal. In truth the hosts had offered little, all their efforts spent on containment. As the clock ticked past 85 minutes, the hosts had their first and only corner of the game and although defended well, the realisation was there that only one goal separating the teams. It seemed all the team’s good work had been undone, with 3 minutes remaining a proper chance centrally for the home side and a well taken finish over Esme and into the goal (1-1). A good reaction to the goal by the team but with good possession the girls could not find a winning goal, the final whistle blew meaning a penalty shoot out would take one of these teams into the next round of the cup. Anyone who steps up to take a penalty in a shoot out at any level of the game deserves respect. Girls from each team took the pressure kicks and with Charlotte, Eva and Izzy decisive with theirs combined with Esme’s save and a couple of misses from the opposition, the girls won the tie and rightly took their place in the next round of the cup.
Andover 1 WTFC. 1 (WTFC win 3-1 on pens).
POM: Maddie (one player of a strong defensive unit, never missed a tackle, alert and intelligent with the ball…..well done Maddie).
Summary: Made hard work of a mostly dominant display. Created enough chances to win comfortably but the team lacked a second clinical finish to take the game away from their hosts. Defensively looking stronger by the week, the girls deservedly came through the shoot out and deservedly won the tie in the end.
Congrats team!
