Never one to not rise to a challenge, when the call came 10 days ago with the offer of a friendly against Brandon Lasses, recently crowned Suffolk FA League champions I just couldn't resist. Ellie-Mae, Emily and Louise were missing but with Megan kindly offering to join us for the trip and the quality across our squad I knew we would be there or there abouts against what I expected to be good opposition.
Brandon Lasses didn't disappoint. A lovely big pitch, a half-time changing room filled with jelly babies and jaffa cakes and well coached, high quality footballing opposition gave the blues something to get their teeth into.Both teams opened brightly, making good use of the space available for passing. Brandon were first to threaten, and early showing from their pacey striker, but Skye and the defensive line of Simi, Megan and Tyler were equal to the challenge. Stortford were making their own openings too. Inka managed an early strike whilst Scarlett, Abigail and Simi orchestrated a nice move to make their way through the Brandon midfield. 15 minutes in and Abby came on for Faye, each side feeling the early pace yet still eager to create chances, which came for both sides. Elly on for Tia now. Scarlett put Inka in for another attempt, blocked away by the defence and Abigail picked the keeper instead of the net after another nice Stortford move - the chances had been there to take the lead but it was Brandon who took the advantage, a nice build up and passing allowing a clean shot from the edge of the area. An immediate riposte almost came when Scarlett sliced the defence with a ball that put Inka through, but the finish again found the strong Brandon keeper who saved well. All the Stortford team were working hard, Abby putting in hard yards on the right to support Simi in defence and support the attacking play, Scarlett down the middle, dropping to help Megan then picking out Inka and Elly, Tyler reading the attacks and combining well with Abigail on the left.
Jelly babies and Jaffa cakes consumed in the cool of the changing room, the girls returned to the field in high spirits, unphased by being a goal down and full of optimism for the second half. Abigail took up station in the centre of defence, allowing Megan to have a run out on the left, while Tia returned for Inka. Skye had an early save to make but that aside, the opening minutes of the second half were all Stortford. Tia was showing great strength, skill and passion up front and fought incredibly hard to roll her defender and get a shot on target, but it was Megan who found the net, stripping her defender and shooting powerfully into the bottom corner with a fine left foot finish - her second of the weekend. Abby again was working hard against her opposite numbering harrying her in possession. Tyler made an important tackle too and Skye pushed a high shot over the bar - Stortford tails were up and everyone was working hard for the cause. Inka returned now for Elly, in time to see Tia give further evidence of the team's desire as she streaked through to run down a ball sent into the corner. Stortford were benefiting from big performances in the middle of the park, Scarlett and Megan meeting each challenge with strong, no quarter given tackling, high balls dealt with unflinching headers. The team's determination and good work were justly rewarded now, Tia pouncing and finishing, the arch-finisher with over 30 goals to her name this season.
Faye came back on for Abby who had worked her socks off, just in time to take a ball to the face, which she shook off with the shake of her head. A couple of changes set up a change of keeper, Elly on for Abigail and then Abigail for Skye, just in time to make two important saves and show that we are blessed with good goalkeeping coverage when the need arises. Megan had another shot on target before Skye took up position on the left wing, Megan dropping in behind her, Tyler taking an early rest before the finish. The closing minutes saw strong clearances, good concentratioin and further hard work from Faye that produced a shot on goal and some hard tackling in defence. One final interchange between Tia, Elly and Faye earned a corner which Inka sent in without further success, but at the final whistle both sides shook hands with great respect for each other after a super game of football.
Another scalp for the girls in what has gradually become a season of great vintage.
Many thanks to everyone for giving up another morning of their precious weekends for a football match, to Amar for taking down the match notes and a very big thank-you to Megan (and Paula who did the driving!) for turning out for us. Hopefully a goal and the sandwiches afterwards made it an especially worthwhile trip!
Result: won 1-2
Team: Skye, Simi, Megan, Tyler, Abigail, Scarlett, Faye, Inka (c), Tia
Subs: Abby, Elly
Scorers: Megan, Tia
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