After last weeks close defeat at Scarborough we once again travelled away this time to Copmanthorpe looking for our first win of the season.
We started very strongly and competed for every ball with the new defensive partnership of “Girl of the Game” Anya and Olivia looking very solid.
Unfortunately after being comfortable for much of the game we fell behind to a well-taken Copmanthorpe finish to go 1-0 down.
Our heads stayed up and we started to get a grip in midfield with Danielle playing a real captains role covering every blade of grass and making numerous tackles to win possession. Either side of her Emily and Jade worked hard to support her and we continued to apply pressure.
As a result of this pressure the ball broke loose to Ellie Mc who advanced passed two defenders to put a low shot across the keeper and found the bottom corner of the net to pull us back to 1-1.
At half time we went into the break quietly confident as we were starting to get our game together. Amber came on to replace Jade in midfield and we continued to compete in a very tight game.
Halfway through the first half we went into the lead when Emily won the ball in midfield passed the ball quickly to Danielle who found Ellie Mc on the hallway line with a pinpoint pass. With considerable work still to do Ellie Mc powered away from the defence and hit a crisp shot into the bottom left hand corner to put us 2-1 up and claim her second
The game continued to be a tight affair with both Grace and the Copmanthorpe keeper both having to make some excellent saves. Copmanthorpe managed to pull level when we collectively lost concentration defensively and were punished to bring the game level at 2-2.
We went close through Ellie Mc a couple of times in the last five minutes and with the game looking to end in draw we fell for a real sucker punch when Copmanthorpe broke late in the game. They scored with a great finish that left Grace with no chance to unfortunately edge us out 3-2 at the final whistle.
In the friendly game we made a number of changes with Emily. Grace, Olivia and Anya making way for Ellie L, Alice, Amber and our debutant Bella. It highlighted the depth of the new squad as we ran out 2-0 winners in another tight game with all putting in great performances. Star of the game was undoubtedly Bella who looked dangerous throughout and capped a fine first appearance for Scorchers by two well-taken goals where she twice weaved past two Copmanthorpe defenders to finish in fine style.
In both games all the girls worked hard and it was clear to see that the squad is improving with every game. The Copmanthorpe coach commented to me after the game that we were unlucky to lose and a draw would probably have been the right result for both teams I would also agree with his comment, a great game played in the right spirit by two very evenly matched sides. I am sure that if we continue to show the same application and commitment our first competitive league win will not be long in coming. Well done to all the girls, a great effort.
Bring on the next game!
George
