Match Reports – Saturday 19th September

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Another hot Saturday and another host of friendlies took place this weekend.

Ladies 1st XI 3-3 London Academical 1s (friendly)
It was a beautiful sunny morning on Saturday when the Ladies 1s took on London Academial 1s in a friendly at home. Historically, we have always been very closely matched and, having both been promoted at the end of last season, we knew this would be a challenging game.

We started the game strong, putting Accies under pressure at their 16s with a strong press and moving the ball around well to create long passes through to the forwards. We had a couple of close chances but Accies were first to score when a break lead to an unlikely goal that dribbled over the line. Another goal for Accies followed soon after from a strike at the edge of the D. We picked up our intensity, working hard to win the ball and create spaces for each other. Helen and Nikki at centre backs continuously stopped Accies play with cunning tackles as well as stepping in front for some fantastic interceptions. Hazel at centre half consistently made intelligent transfers and balls into spaces. Our hard work paid off when Georgie Syms scored in open play from a reverse push and we went into half time with the score at 2-1.

Following some classic oranges provided by Captain Richie and a talk from coach Lauren we started the second half with a renewed sense of energy which soon lead to a well deserved goal from a Syms penalty corner strike. Our defence continued to fend off Accies attacks, highlights being Jackie stopping a goal on the line and Molly our keeper making some impressive saves. We were disappointed to have two goals dissallowed but didn’t give up and worked hard to create a lot of close chances. Accies managed to get 1 more goal away before we equalised once more with a shot on goal by Ellie Hauck which was expertly deflected in by Migs. All in all, a great team performance that has left us feeling super excited for the season ahead.

Ladies 4th XI 1-3 Leatherhead (friendly)
We started well and domineered immediately but Leatherhead on the break scored first.  However some lovely passing in the D and Lana on the post equalised.  Leatherhead were cutting out a lot of passes and we were not looking fit or energetic.  Final score 3-1 to Leatherhead.  Must do better.

Ladies 5s vs Barnes Ladies 7s (friendly)
The ladies 5s formed a mini-convoy along the river to Barnes for our pre-season friendly on Saturday.   Both sides were keen to dust off their sticks and integrate their new players which led to a well-natured and well-played game all round.
We started strongly taking possession and our pressure soon paid off with Lucy W finding the end of a nice cross into the D from the midfield.  First goal to us.   Barnes’ ladies quickly regrouped though and were increasingly drawn to our D, which was looking quite lonely with no goalie.  Their youngsters were putting in some strong attacks but our backs were on fire – particularly our Roz who ultimately was named Player of the Match – clearing all comers and keeping the rest of us at a high energy and high pace.
Socially distanced training seems to have done wonders for our ability to get into space, and we had a couple more near misses.  Then, repeating the earlier formula, a lovely long ball was chased down by Lucy G who slotted it neatly home.  2-0 and it’s not half time yet.   Barnes’ promptly pushed back a little harder and were rewarded with a neat strike so we closed the first half on 2-1.
The second half was more of the same with our three U16s demonstrating great skill and tenacity and keeping the rest of us on our toes.   Lucy G scored again and then Kirsty rounded things out with a beautifully timed run and shot home to conclude the game 4 – 2.
Bring on the rest of the season!