We came into this match looking for our first win of the season. Having won the toss, we started the match very strongly. The forwards and midfields were quick at setting up the press, everyone hassled the opposition when defending and passing was really strong and accurate. There was great movement off the ball by the forwards with Georgia down the wings and Claude across the baseline and D. Hannah L did some lovely runs down the side, showing off her athletic background, Sarah showed herself to be problem for their Left mid with her stick skills and those who played in the middle: Laura, Crystal and Pam did some fantastic passing to the wingers. However, towards the end of the half, things began to slip. Pam got a green card for chatting back to the oppo’s umpire and a gap in the middle of the pitch began to open up allowing Reigate to gain the lead.
After a half time talk, we went about getting a goal back. Hannah W gained confidence with her skills and moved on up with the ball, taking on a few of the opposition along the way! Cheryl and Nettie proved an effective pairing in the middle of defence, picking up any forward/midfielder which managed to get through. Yet, after 15 mins gaps started to appear with marking slackening and 3 goals came thick and fast by Reigate even with Sam diving this way and that. Our passing also began to waiver, giving away the easy balls by hitting and hoping on a number of occasions. But once we regained our shape and positions our attacking became more positive and with 3 minutes until the end of the match we were awarded our second short corner. Pushed out by Georgia, stopped and hit by Pam, the ball was deflected by Reigate’s number 1 runner and looped over the keeper into the back of the net.
Overall the score did not reflect the effort and intensity of the match. What we should take away from this match is that as a team we are improving week by week in our confidence and skills which will lead to more goals and our first win of the season!!!