Thanks to Nick del Rio for this weeks report.
Christelle said in preparation for this game that we should underestimate no opponents in this league. And how right she was. With Teddington having beaten Woking 5-2 only recently and having achieved a thrilling away triumph over Aldershot last week, most pundits would have put this down as a home banker. But Woking were to be no pushover. They arrived at Bushy Park off the back of a commendable fightback last week from 2-0 down to a 5-2 Cup victory.
The game started as brightly as the glorious autumn morning. And just as dazzling as the sunshine was the excellent wing-play in the opening 15 minutes from Sadie and Lola. A succession of quality corners from Elin on the right put pressure on Woking in the box but they managed to clear each time, until finally the ball broke free to Charlotje who dispatched the ball from close range to settle the girls’ nerves.
But it wasn’t all one-way. Woking were playing well to their strengths. First-time balls played behind the Teddington defence for the pacy Woking striker to run on to tested the defence’s speed on several occasions.
The first half ended at 1-0. And it was clear to everyone watching that the lead was not enough
The game restarted after a well-observed minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday. If anything it was immediately even more competitive than the first half. An early break by Charlotje showed promise, but once again Teddington couldn’t convert the pressure to goals. The midfield became crowded and it looked like a stalemate was developing. Then suddenly – from a long clearance – Woking pounced and equalized.
From then it was anybody’s game. Woking were not afraid to shoot from distance and Kathryn was tested on more than one occasion. Hannah pressed repeatedly down the right. The deadlock was broken when a superb through ball from Bella was clinically finished off from outside the box by Elin.
But still Teddington couldn’t relax. And in the dying seconds the failure to clear a corner cost the team dear as Woking scored well from a tight angle, leaving Kathryn no chance.
A disappointing end as we conceded another late goal, but the whole team can take great credit for a hard fought game against improving opposition. Next up it’s Aldershot again – and a chance to move into second place with a win!
