After losing to Beckwithshaw back in a very tight game
earlier in the season we knew that it was likely to a very competitive game
between two evenly matched sides. This
proved to be the case in our first game of 2013.
As a result of lessons learnt in the first game we made a
couple of tactical changes to hopefully give us the edge in the match. Danielle
moved back into defence alongside Anya. Amy
dropped back into the centre of midfield alongside Hannah and Emily with and Bella
moved forward to take up the striker’s role.
From the start of the game it was apparent that it was the
correct approach as we looked a lot more solid during the opening period where
we competed over the pitch. This was
typified with Amy winning the ball in midfield passing to Emily who hit the
ball cleanly with a long range effort that found the bottom of the net to put
us 0-1 up. We continued to look good and
had a couple if great chances that we could not unfortunatly finish. Beckwithshaw however were always in the game and
levelled the score when a long range effort that took a bobble just before
Grace and agonisingly went slowly over the line. Again we came back with some great play where
work we had done in training over the last couple of weeks really starting to
show. We worked hard off the ball to create space and passed well. What was
really pleasing was that we looked good with the ball but we also worked hard
when not in passion to win it back. Amy
had a magnificent game in midfield and never took a backward step in what as
usual against Beckwithshaw was a keenly fought battle in the middle of the
park. She made numerous fantastic tackles
to win possession and this inspired others to greater efforts. We went back into the lead when Bella won possession
and ran at the defence and hit a fierce shot that just managed to beat the
keeper and just get across the line. 1-2
to Scorchers half time. The 2nd
half continued in the same vein as the first with Amy, Hannah and Emily working
hard across the middle of the park to just shade the game. At the back Danielle
slotted in seamlessly and looked assured on the ball and continually snuffed
out any potential danger, another solid performance from the skipper. Hannah made way for Ellie Mc in midfield but unfortunately
whilst we were getting to grip with the changes we lost a little bit of control
and conceded to bring the score level at 2-2.
This proved a hiccup as again we came back and got our game going again –
decent passing and competing toe to toe with Beckwithshaw all over the
pitch. The pressure paid off when Ellie
Mc broke free and finished well to put us back into the lead 2-3. The game continued to be a very close affair with
Grace having to make a couple of fine saves to keep us in the lead. We went 2-4 up when Ellie Mc showed some
class to get away from her marker and finish smartly passed the keeper. After looking comfortable for the last part
of the game we endured a stressful finish when Beckwithshaw pulled a goal back
with a minute to go. We eventually finished
a tight game 3-4 winners which on reflection was probably the right outcome
although it must be said Beckwithshaw contributed
fully to a very competitive match.
In the second game we changed the sides completely to give everyone
a run out. Danielle went into goal with
Amber and Alice in defence. In midfield
a welcome return for Olivia and Jade alongside Emma with Ellie L playing up front. Again we had a tight game with both sides
working hard to create chances. At the back Amber and Alice both had good games
with Olivia Emma and Jade starting solidly and getting better as the game progressed.
In the 2nd half Bella went in goal and after a great first start for
the season Olivia made way for Hannah in the second half and really started to
get involved and created a couple of decent chances. Ellie L made a number of good runs with the
ball but despite some excellent effort by all we could not break the deadlock
and the game ran out to a nil nil draw.
Again two evenly matched sides and probably a fair result.
On a very cold day it was great to see 14 players available
for selection and all so keen to take part. It was
especially good to see both Jade and Olivier back in match action after
returning from long term injury. Well done to both of you!. A number of people
commented on the progress we have made as a squad and it is clear to see that
lessons learnt in training are starting to make a positive difference during both
of the games .All of the players should be proud of the efforts today – all were
fantastic. It was very difficult task to pick a player of the matches today as
we had so many strong performances. However
Amy picked up the accolade as a result of her tireless running and tackling in
midfield which gave us the platform for winning the game.
Two great performances – well done to all.
