Late Strike Downs Wanderers!
The team made the long journey to Slough to face Wycombe Wanderers in what was sure to be a tough test. Continual improvement lately with a strong showing in the Hampshire cup in their last fixture but this team were desperate to get points on the board in the league. A squad of 14 made the journey with Sophia, Ashleigh, Izzy and Scarlett unavailable for selection.
A bright start to the game from both sides, Wimborne working the ball well in possession with Jess, Emilie and Sophie pulling the strings early on. Brooke’s touch and control, especially from the high ball gave time for the central midfield three to play further forward, her control and pass set Sienna away in the teams’ first real assault on goal, her cross turned goalwards by Laila, although smothered well by the home goalkeeper. The quality continued during the first 45 minutes making for an intriguing game, very pleased with the way the girls were going about things but also having to deal with a very real threat in the channels, a real test of concentration between Lila and Eva centrally in comms with Maddie, Belle and Grace in the full back positions. The threat persisted but it was Wimborne that looked that bit sharper at the business end of things. Sophie tested the palms of a good GK, Wycombe went close from a corner and Laila again was a threat firing just over the crossbar from Jess’s free kick. Brooke between the sticks clawed a goal bound effort to safety before a move set Emilie on her way, breaching the defensive line but not quite getting enough purchase on the ball to see it over the goal line, the defender clearing just in time, Emilie was to have her say later in the match. The teams’ went into the break scoreless but there was more to come in this one! HT 0-0 Wycombe started the second period well, pressurising but not allowed a clean strike at goal by an ever improving Wimborne defence although did have the ball in the net but from an offside position. For the neutral spectators (of which there were none!) the game was just lacking a goal and it would be the home team that were to profit from some fortune. A wide free kick that was slightly over hit deceived Brooke and those around her to sail directly into the corner of the goal (1-0) and light the touchpaper. From a seemingly comfortable position the girls’ seemed a little stunned for a minute or two and could not stem the flow, within 90 seconds a penalty, a coming together of feet adjudged a foul. A big moment for the hosts to increase the advantage with only 20 minutes left to play but a lack of composure saw the ball fired high over Brooke’s crossbar. The game flipped, the girls’ dragged themselves back into things and again began to look the more likely of the two teams. Again they worked the right hand side and from this area Sienna was the teams route back to parity, her driven cross/shot that the goalkeeper could not hold, the ball diverted into the goal for the equaliser (1-1). No more than the team deserved but they were not satisfied, pre-match vibes had been good, the girls wanted the ‘W’ today. The team had come out of their defensive shape allowing for more width, Georgia’s slick pass to Sienna real quality although this time her driven cross too close to the goalkeeper. As the game drifted into the second minute of four added on for injury the ball fell at Emilie’s feet on the edge of the penalty area, calmly she assessed and clipped a winning goal over the stranded home goalkeeper (1-2). A great moment for the whole team. There was little time for reaction and the final whistle blew to bring an end to a good game of football.
FT: Wycombe 1 WTFC. 2
POM: Emilie (plays with a passion and enjoyment, a real team player, capped with the winning strike for her team)
Summary: The girls’ worked hard for their rewards today, from Brooke S who lead the line superbly, Sienna’s constant threat and a big midfield effort, Jess always prepared to sit and cover when needed, Sophie again standing out, Carly with some shiftwork today, keeping the intensity high with Georgia, showing she is more than capable at this level. A special mention to Laila, working tirelessly in her recovery back to fitness and Emilie as stated above. The team are getting stronger defensively by the week, Belle, Maddie and Grace kept good players very quiet today, all used the ball well in possession. Lila calm and assured alongside Eva of who there is no better central defensive player in this league, her recovery tackle late in the game as important as any goal today. Brooke in goal nice and assured, good handling. Great effort ladies!
Footnote: a great day for the team today but it’s just a game! Much love Carly and Lou! ??
