The girls were understandably nervous playing only their second ever 11-a-side game against formidable opposition. Sandhurst Warriors are not only a year older but also in 4th place in Division One, so we knew this game was going to be one heck of a challenge. For much of the first half the nerves got the better of us. Many of the girls were hesitant in challenges and gave the Warriors too much time and respect. We are one of the bigger teams in our age group but the age difference was apparent today and it definitely unsettled many of the players.
Despite spending much of the first 35 minutes in our half our defence was resolute. Neve, Dolcie, Sophia and Millie were fearless fighting hard for every ball and giving everything they had. The Warriors scored after 10 minutes as we struggled to get our goal kicks away to safety. Rose was awesome between the sticks in both halves, making loads of saves and being quick off her line when the ball ran through into her box.
As the half wore on the girls slowly started to gain confidence, being more competitive in midfield and we started to create some chances of our own on the break. Sienna, Frances and Jasmine were getting amongst it making some great challenges to break up the Warriors play.
At the start of the second half the girls started to show some belief in their own ability as they realised that we were still very much in the game. The hurried clearances became thoughtful passes and all the girls started to get more stuck in giving the Warriors much less time on the ball. Given the heat and big pitch we were switching the girls around more and many were playing in unfamiliar positions. Sienna and Jasmine found themselves in defence and Amalia, Chloe and Evie in an attacking role behind Maddie. All played their socks off!
The girls were starting to believe in themselves, being less panicked on the ball getting their heads up and looking for a pass and it was starting to pay dividends. At this point the teams look very evenly matched and Millie scored an equaliser off an excellent corner from Evie making the score 1-1.
After the goal the girls were visibly lifted. Maddie caused loads of problems for the defence up front, Chloe and Sienna were making some surging runs from midfield and the defence was dealing with everything that was thrown at them. Frances earned the POM award for a sterling performance at right back in the second half and tireless performance in midfield in the first half. A shout out to Evie, who on the wing, in the second half worked tirelessly sprinting back to help the defence when we lost the ball. The Warriors were still very much a threat though and scored with ten minutes to go from a brilliant corner that curled in on Rose who was unlucky not to keep it out.
2-1 the final score, but so many positives to take from this game. Many of the Warriors were bigger, stronger and faster than us, but after some initial nerves the girls stood up to the challenge. As we gained confidence we started to look for passes and didn't hesitate in the challenge and this unsettled the Warriors. They are are a really strong team in their own age group so we should be super pleased with the result.
MIM went deservedly to Rose, who helped keep us in the game in the first half making some great saves and was consistent with her kicks out getting some good distance up the pitch.
We came in expecting a battle and boy did we get one! I am so proud of how all the girls stepped up and got stuck in. We have another tough game to finish the season next week, but if we perform like we did today I am confident that we can cause an upset.
The girls have been epic this season, improving their skills and technique, understanding of the game and positional awareness while maintaining a strong camaraderie and team spirit. I'm excited to see what this group of girls can achieve next season. We've yet to face anyone that I don't think we can beat if everyone gives their all and we play to our full capabilities. Awesome job girls, you make both your coaches so proud!