L6s tame Thame to get the 3 points

The morning was cold and fresh leading up to the game at Hawks. We knew that the game against Thame was going to be a difficult challenge, especially considering we only had two substitutes.

In the first 15 minutes we found ourselves in some good positions around their D, and won 3 short corners in quick succession. We were unable to covert these early opportunities, but our confidence was growing and it showed in our high pressing and fluid play.

In the 20th minute, Thame found a break against the run of play and Linda came to our rescue by making a great save to deny their attacker. Hawks then were switching the play and transitioning the ball quickly (something we have been practising in our training sessions), and finding ourselves in some good positions.

Thame were trying hard to get back into the game and were awarded a flick when a shot on goal was ‘saved’ by Jan’s foot. Despite Linda’s best effort Thame scored the flick to go one up.

In a short corner not long after, Cat received the ball and scored a great goal, shooting accurately after receiving the ball to level the score. The goal spurred us on and 1 minute before the end of the first half Romi played the ball to Karen, who flicked the ball towards goal and scored!

At half time we were confident about how we had played, and eager to get another goal to extend our lead. Phil gave some encouraging words to the team, and we discussed how we wanted to press even higher to make more space.

Early on in the second half we had to dig deep and defend as a group, where Phil and Jan made some excellent saves/interceptions keeping us in the lead, and Emily’s work rate with and without the ball ensured Thame were kept on their toes.

In the dying embers of the game, Thame had a last-minute corner which we counter attacked from and Yas played the ball to Jess who finished off the move and secured the victory.

Shoutout to Karen who ran around the edge of the D on a mission to find a way through, no matter what it took.

After the full-time whistle went, we were congratulated by our stand in mascot Barney (Emily’s Golden retriever) who was as excited about the win as we were.

There were lots of nominations for player of the match, with so many of the girls having put a lot of effort in, including Jan, Phil, Karen, Linda and Jill. The winner however was Ella who was playing for the first time in defence and had a great game and contributed greatly to the victory.

Thanks to Dave and Mike for umpiring.