The Scorchers went into the game knowing that only a point was needed but after a comprehensive win over Ripon in the cup just a few weeks ago the confidence was high and complacency was the biggest danger. Ripon started the game more brightly than Scotton and their centre forward in particular caused the defence of Molly and Georgina some problems in the early exchanges. The Scotton midfield of Honor and Grace also struggled to get into the game and the strikers, Emily and Chloe also had to work hard to create chances as Ripon played 3 at the back and closed down very quickly.
Sam, playing in goal, had to be alert early on to make a couple of good saves but just 10 minutes into the match a non-threatening cross was not dealt with cleanly by the defence and the Ripon midfielder pounced on the loose ball to slot home past Sam who had very little chance to stop the shot.
So the Scorchers found themselves 0-1 down and facing a very determined team. However, if there is one thing that this team has proven this season it is that they do not let set-backs affect their positive attitude and the team stepped up their game. Jes came on into midfield and Lowenna came on into the defence to mark the dangerous Ripon striker. This completely changed the game as Lowenna nullified the threat almost immediately and suddenly the Scorchers started to look more like the team that has won their last 7 games.
Scotton drew level after good play in midfield saw a perfect through ball to Chloe picked up and finished past the Ripon keeper before you could say 1-1! It was no more than Scotton deserved but it could have resulted in the Ripon girls heads dropping, but they stayed determined and the half progressed with opportunities at both end. On occasions Scotton failed to execute the easy pass at the right time, or took one or two too many touches but overall Scotton were more and more on top. The defence looked strong, with Lowenna being vigilant and dominant in the battle with their striker, the midfield were more in control with Jes and Grace pushing forward an covering back and the strikers, Chloe in particular, linking well with the midfield and finding the limited space that was available.
It was Emily however that was to score right on the stroke of half time with an individual run which saw her pick up the ball on the left wing, run past the defender to the by-line, cut back beat another 2 defenders and fire a bullet shot past the 'keeper. The half time whistle went straight after the re-start and the Scorchers went in 2-1 up.
The second half saw a much stronger performance from the Scorchers, Honor came on in midfield and was strong in the tackle and played some level headed football, Jes made some great runs on the wing, putting in 2 or 3 dangerous crosses which Chloe and Emily did their best to convert, while the defence of Lowenna, Molly and Georgina between substitutions were pretty much on top for the bulk of the half leaving Sam with only loose balls to collect and then pump back downfield into the opposition half.
The pressure was building with several near perfect corners being whipped in by Chloe from the right and Emily from the left. It was from one of these from the right that the Ripon keeper was unable to hold onto and Honor was on hand to poke the loose ball past the defender and into the net to make it 3-1.
Further chances came and went to Chloe, Emily, Honor, Grace and Jes but we were unable to build on the lead and the game eventually finished 3-1 and the 3 points secured 2nd spot for the Scorchers.
Player of the match was a tough choice as we attacked very well in the second half with Chloe's hard work being the difference but it was Lowenna's player marking that made the big difference in the first half especially and changed the flow of the game. Therefore player of the match was shared between Lowenna and Chloe but everyone made a significant contribution and each were involved in crucial contributions at both ends of the pitch.
Finishing 2nd this season is a great achievement especially given the improved quality of many of the teams in the league this year and the relatively slow start that we had. Congratulations to all of the girls for this great achievement.
