In our first game of the season we played Cayton, and came away with a narrow 3.2 victory, so today we knew we were in for a tough game.
From the kick off Cayton had the Scorchers pressed back in our own half and defending in numbers. Just as we started to get to grips with the game Cayton put an attacking move together which beat our defence and for a second Cayton looked set to score, Olivia, managed to get back win the fast moving ball but only succeeed in putting it past the outstretched Amelia to give Cayton the lead. Just one of those things, all the worlds best defenders score an own goal or two!!!
The goal rocked the Scorchers who tried to hit back but with additional pressure found ourselves playing deeper and deeper and with Naimh up against a very tall and physically strong opponent up front we couldnt keep the ball, as the pressure mounted the second goal arrived, with nothing that Amelia could do to keep the ball out. Two early goals shocked the team after winning their last 3 matches. With the Scorchers all at sea, plan b and c didnt seem to fit and the coaches were definitely scratching their heads!!!
At 2 down we needed to change things so Niamh came off and Ella moved up front to add a bit more pace, experience and strength with Charlotte B on in midfield. This improved things and we scrambled to half time 2.0!
The Scorchers were much improved and matched Cayton in the second half but couldnt create any real opportunities to get back in to the game, a goal from anywhere could have sparked us back in to life, but it was Cayton who got the goal and the game, from a goal kick, quickly picking it up and catching our defence out of position.
Final Score 3.0. After the game coaches Mike and Rebecca reflected on the performance... The Scorchers never recovered from the first goal which was really bad luck that said we couldnt really get in to the game, a number of players were off form which sometimes can happen at any level. However we were pleased with the girls attitude and work rate, they never gave up, stuck together and gave it their all, today they showed character and can only learn from the experience, lots to work on at training. We think the girls have all been brilliant all season and today doesnt change that. Get ready for a great training session and raffle for a signed shirt on Saturday!!!!! Alice was girl of the game, great tackling and determination in midfield.
The second game was a 9 aside cracker, and was an evenly contested game, Cayton got the early goal, but Scorchers kept their shape much better, defended better and most importantly attacked better!!
Ella in the second half getting the Scorchers level with a brilliant run and powerful strike, a fitting reward for the teams hard work. Ella got girl of the game for the friendly match.
Training is at 9.30am at Percy Field, see you there!!!
Mike and Rebecca
