After 6 weeks without a game I was really looking forward to get back on the pitch and see if our pre-Christmas top form was still intact - although looking out the window this morning I feared we would be made to wait yet another week !!!
The rain, cold and wind didn't give us a break today and the pitch was very comparable to a mud bath yet the girls were all up for it! The focus was a lot more on the rehearsal of the morning (Grease or something like that) that the game at stake but as the warm-up drills went on the girls got their game head on
The opposition looked big and strong, our line-up was 4-3-3 with new girl Ciara as right defender who made an awesome impression on her first game. Kathryn was made to stand in a mini-pond of her own in lieu of a goal line (and made friends with the local seagulls! well with the little time she had spare). Sarah D in an unusual mid-fielder position
From the kick off Enfield took possession of the ball and were proving organised, physical and skilled. The first goal wasn't far off and what followed was an avalanche of goals - 12..ish to be exact!. Enfield's #12 was outstanding and her left foot kept hammering in goals after goals leaving us very little chance despite the great defending from Ciara and Hannah Rose. Teddington showed great intent and structure but struggled to get the ball moving quickly forward as the mud slowed their progress and the fast moving opposition got on the ball first. Ruby, Hannah R and Lola were pushing on trying to take advantage of Lottie's hardwork in midfield to no avail. However the second half started well for the red and blue as they got off to a great start and scored 5 minutes in. The boost of confidence was a blessing for Teddington who deserved a bit of a break and to get some enjoyment out of the match - Yet it was of little relief, soon Sophia, Alice and Hannah Rose were kept very busy again!
Finished the game with 10 players as Rosie came off after twisting her ankle. The girls ended the game soaked to the bone and knackered and it was probably not the most fun they've had but we are safe in the knowledge that this is not a performance we want to repeat. That said girls, I am proud of you - I surely wouldn't have liked playing in those conditions myself and you tried to make the best out of it! Thank you
Girl of the match goes to Kathryn who had a very busy afternoon to say the least, was under constant pressure from the opposition and yet never gave up and pulled a great fight.
Going forward we need to show more hunger and drive to improve and consistently want to be the best they can be ...we need to want it 100% rain or no rain
As coach, Ed and I were left distressed on the side line not being able to help while Enfield were running rings around our girls - I trust that we have all learnt from today.
PS: For argument sake, the ref said that had it been raining a bit before he would have called off the game!!
No comments:
Post a Comment