Result : WIN 3-0 vs Harrow 2
Match Report : Kim Bishop-Laggett
It was a cold lunchtime slot high upon the hill at Harrow when the W5s arrived hoping to recreate some of the magic of the previous week. We wrapped up with our extra layers and set about our task of bringing home three points.
We started the game with energy and positivity and quickly set up camp in their half leaving Harrow in no doubt of our intentions. Lara, Ella, and Sally dominated the midfield with their attacking play and the Harrow defence faced a sustained barrage of shots towards goal. Their keeper reacted well, but there was nothing they could do when Lara scored our first goal from a well worked short corner.
With the Harrow coach shouting instructions from the side line, and our players pushing ever higher, gaps started to appear and Harrow capitalised using the old ‘long ball’ tactic forcing our defence to react swiftly to protect our D. Great interceptions and deft tackling by Bhu and Lily (playing her first Ladies game) kept us out of trouble, whilst Amba was super cool at left back breaking down their attack.
Lynn worked tirelessly with her runs up front pulling apart their defence and several attempts by our attackers narrowly missed the target. Frustratingly a goal from Izzy was disallowed when it was deemed the incoming ball had hit her high on the leg. Several short corners followed but we struggled to take advantage.
On any day, our junior players can run rings around the opposition with their pace, but our team play best when we move the ball on quickly and use our passing, this was demonstrated when Mon picked up a beautiful ball from midfield to rocket home our second goal.
The game took an eventful turn just before half time when we found ourselves down to ten players, but we dug in and a very makeshift reshuffle by Kim saw us safely through the first half.
After taking advice on board from our two wise Coaches – Coach Stroller and Coach RBL – we set about the second half. We were certainly under some pressure at the outset, but we defended like mad. Some great direction from Helen in goal meant that we marked tightly, and a crucial save frustrated the Harrow forwards.
Back up to full strength we regained our composure and a quick break found Jos in perfect position to slot away our third goal.
More Instructions from the side line and some deft substitutions by our coaching duo saw us safely to the final whistle without conceding a goal or a short corner.
A well deserved win and, as we enter the business end of the season, promotion is in our sights. Woman of the Week votes were spread around but Lara took the honours – well done.
A big thank you must go to the two Richards for coaching and running the side line and, as always, to our lovely parents and supporters who are just the best and really are part of our team.