And in the 11.00am at Ascot…’They’re Off’!
After the away defeat at Charlton where it seemed that everything that could go wrong, did go wrong, the team were again on their travels, this time to Ascot. If you read into results, Ascot beat Charlton last time out so another tough test was sure to be in store against another very good outfit.
A predictable first 15 minutes, the hosts making the early running (Sorry! No more horse racing puns!!) and the girls’ digging in. A slight change of personnel and positions which was going to take time for things to settle down, Rhianna paired with Charlotte in the heart of defence, Eva in the holding role with Jess and Laila playing higher up the pitch than usual. Gradually, players settled into roles and the team began to look more cohesive. A talented Ascot team had attacking strengths left and right so full backs had to be ‘at it’ and stay fully switched on. Lila, Maddie and Sophie were rotated throughout the match, that bit of extra freshness that the team had not been afforded the previous week. The team had to soak up a lot of pressure, this was expected of course, in transition they looked to pass and move quickly, the team looked stronger and more accurate in possession as the half went on. Emilia and Emilie were looking dangerous in the wide areas and with the former stretching play on the left side it was Maddie who had the teams’ first effort on target, her high looping shot fielded well by the home goalkeeper. A strong first half showing looked to have taken an even scoreline into the break but today, well, we had one of those referees! Into the forth minute of first half added on time, Ascot opened the scoring with the final action of the half (1-0). Absolutely gutting for the girls’.
HT 1-0
The half time discussion, apart from bemoaning some strange officiating, was to put the last 49 minutes to one side, start again but to build on the commitment the girls had shown in the first half. With Olivia having a short break up front, Izzy stepped back in after illness to remind all of her talent with two early efforts at goal, first the GK fielding a cross shot but getting nowhere near a well struck drive that flew past the left hand upright. Lila stepped out of the defencive line to carry the ball into opposition territory and threading a pass but a good save at Olivia’s feet preventing an equaliser. Momentum was building, the team now moving the ball well and playing in advanced areas. Shock horror! The team were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area with Izzy bearing down on goal, she picked herself up to strike sweetly but narrowly over. Shock horror! The team were awarded another free kick with around 15 mins left for a mis- timed challenge just inside the attacking half. Charlotte lofted the ball across the area to where Emilie controlled and stroked a deserved levelling goal (1–1). Esme confirmed the well earned point, clawing out an awkward high lob from underneath her crossbar before the clock ticked past another 45 minutes….and kept going for another few minutes of added on time of course ?????! The whistle finally blew and the girls had been rewarded for a gutsy display.
FT: Ascot 1 WTFC 1
POM: Rhianna (Strong and dominant at the heart of defence, always looking to get on the front foot).
Summary: The team stamped their mark on a very good game. Eva as shield worked well, Carly, Jess and Laila gave the tempo needed, Bay worked hard to secure the ball and Izzy seemed back to her best and a constant threat. The two wide Em’s were at their sharpest and a special mention to Liv who’s hold up play was exemplary. Certainly not one to berate officials but the girls were not given the ‘rub of green’ to say the least! They stood strong when things got fiesty, battled, and rightly earned their first point of the season. This team is evolving and improving, it was no coincidence that their best training session to date was followed by their best performance of the season to date….bring it Tuesday girls! Very well done!
