26 Nov 2005, Girls U11: Woodbank Warriors 3 – 2 Oswald Rd (HT:2-0)

This match was extremely close. They kicked off and kicked it to their midfield. Naomi and Ruki bolted up towards the ball but they passed it outfield. Except Katie was up there and got the ball quickly and whacked it up to Nai who went down passing 2 or 3 people then passed it to Ruki who had a chance but their goalie saved it. We had more chances but they were either saved or hit the post. Aaargh! Their goalie kicked it up field to someone who shot and unfortunately it got past Sukdev. Making it 1-0 to them. We then had a few more shots, all were saved by their goalie. They got a free kick right near our goal which just got past our defence and into the goal making it 2-0. Minutes later the ref blew the whistle for half time. In the next half they managed to get another goal in making it 3-0. We suddenly perked up and Katie got the ball, passed to Nai who passed it to Ruki who crossed it in and one of their players ran forward and kicked it in to their net (an own goal). It was then 3-1. Later in the game Katie got the ball, ran down and passed to Nai who passed to Ruki who shot and. ………………SCORED. Making it 3-2. We tried our hardest to score again but the ref blew the whistle and it ended with 3-2. A close game in the end.

by Ruqayyah

It was frustrating on the morning of preparing for this game when we realised we had only six fit players, Sophie was unwell and Chantelle couldn’t make it. We drafted in Naomi to get us up to seven players but it still left us with little tactical options and no substitution or injury capabilities, however the players we did have, gave a good account of themselves and played remarkably well.

Woodbank started the livelier team, we were always destined to play ‘the defend and counter attack’ game. To an extent this worked, however a good Woodbank defence prevented Ruqayyah doing any early damage. Angie and Sophie were solid in defence and had an inspirational attitude of ‘they shall not pass’. Goalkeeper Sukdev again was awarded the player of the day by the opposition manager for consistently pulling off a series of confident and competent saves. The defence took a while to bed themselves in, but when they did by then we were 2-0 down and needed some inspiration.

At half time there was a mixed response to the idea that we could still win the game, but spirits were good in most quarters, this self belief was further tested when we went 3-0 down. Katie, Naomi, and the Ruq were by now playing some fabulous football, and passes were spreading all over the pitch carving it up to our distinct advantage. Ruq took advantage of a through ball took it down the wing and crossed a perfect ball into Naomi, she had her arm up in celebration of her first goal, when a Woodbank defender appeared from nowhere and took the ball off Nai’s toes and smartly tucked it through the goalkeepers legs for a great own goal! The celebration were mixed for Nai ! Katie was growing in confidence, and picked up a loose ball in defence, she threaded a remarkable pass to Ruq well inside the Woodbank half. Ruq picked it up in her stride, jinked to the left, and to the right, dropped her shoulder and wrong footed the Woodbank keeper for the Goal of the day. We were now 3-2 down and up for it ! Tanya was now well into the game and played some crucial tackles as well as sneaking the odd shot on behalf of the attack. The game was frustrating as we won the second half 2-1, but lost the game, with a full squad it would have been a different story and we are capable of winning games like these, however, the team are gelling now and their stature and confidence grow week by week, between now and Christmas we will pick up a lot of points and be placed in the league table where we deserve to be, close to the top !

by MikeG

Team: Sukdev, Sophie P, Katie, Anghie, Nai, Ruq, Tanya

Oppositions’ Player of the Match: Sukdev Kaur

Managers/Players’ Player of the Match: Katie Shaw

Goals: 2^nd half – O.G., Ruqayyah