As the rest of the club enjoyed a fun session the girls were hard at it in the league. We knew it would be tough without Ella and against the league leaders. Things got harder for the team when Jess was poorly, and Lizzie had to leave early!
However, with a new formation the girls battled bravely despite turning round 3-0 down. The coach called for mental toughness at half time and got it. Charlotte Mc. won countless tackles at the back and Charlotte H. closed down the space effectively, while Molly was a dynamo when she came on. Like wise the new midfield pairing of Olivia and Sophie gelled well in midfield breaking up attacks and setting us on our way providing ammunition for Saffy, Georgie and Victoria who battled gamely despite being ill. In fact, we went close on a number of occassions with Olivia and Saffy nearly scoring, meanwhile Elizabeth proved an able deputy in goal. Final score 5-0 with Charlotte Mc being player of the match. Considering a number of girls made the step up to a league game for the first time a lot of positives today!
The frindly game was a complete reversal and showed the strength we have in the squad. Playing against a genuine friendly team for about the first time this season (many clubs play the same girls in both fixtures) we were rampant scoring 7 unanswered goals and the defenders complaining they had nothing to do! Olivia scored 3, all in the first half (what a super left foot) which gained her the player of the match award, Saffy got 2, due reward for her energy, and Molly and Charlotte Mc stepped up from the back to grab one each.
All the girls performed heroically and Rose and Georgie were unlucky not to score, this result crtainly raised the spirits and left the coach with a selection issue for next week when we are away at Brayton Belles. In the jargon this is a 'very winnable' game for us so we'll have to show the same commitment and determination.
For those meeting at the Village hall it is 8.45, otherwise see you in Brayton for 10.30 kick off
Eddie
