Post by themonk on Sept 8, 2008 11:19:04 GMT
As this was the first match in the history of Rovers ladies I have to say I am very happy with the players and the result.
Late funding from the FA and the registration deadline meant we were pressed for time and couldn't arrange any pre-season friendlies. We managed to assemble a squad during the preceeding 7 days - all of whom had never played an 11-a-side game together, with a few players completely new to the squad.
Still without a keeper for the opening league match Lucy Thompson and Izzy Forster bravely volunteered to play half each. It was evident that the team didn't quite know what to expect. Initially conceeding 5 goals in 20 minutes without reply the girls battled on and kept their heads up. A quick change of keepers 20 minutes in saw Lucy return to head the attack and centre half Sherry Clifford take up position between the sticks. *Cue Sherry playing the game of her life*.
The change immediately added pace to Rovers and withing 5 minutes of the change a throughball saw Lucy speed off and score a well deserved - and well constructed - goal.
Middleton, although still a fairly new open-age outfit were abviously well prepared and well organised and their attacks were relentless. Rovers were being to settle in now though and it became apparent that the players realised what was required. Sherry continued to make great saves and side began to settle in.
At half time we established certain areas needed improvement and implemented changes to rectify. The defense; Charlotte, Izzy and Kat - led by Moe - realised the importance of holding the line and being first to the ball. This aided the keeper - who was pulling off great save after great save. The midfield was chopped and changed in the second half which saw Ellie switch from right wing to left wing and Chloe move out to the right with Hayley and Sibhan holding the centre. Kat's balls to the wings were superb and we caused a few scares with great runs from Ellie, Nicole, and Hayley.
We could have scored another 3 or 4 but a great save from the keeper that wasn't spotted by the ref and few strikes over the bar and wide of the post meant we were to finish the match with only 1 goal.
As the team beds in a gets to know each other the wins will come. Improvement is required in certain areas - awareness and communication high on the list of priorities. Players need to be stronger in the challenge and not be afraid to head the ball. These can all be addressed in training - and I'm sure the girls will respond well and begin to grow and improve together.
I'm very proud to be part of Rovers Ladies, and the fight and passion shown by the players on Sunday is very encouraging. Well done.
I have to list 3 players of the match here.
Squad choice: Ellie & Sherry
Opposition choice: Sherry
Manager's choice: Kat
Overall POM: Sherry Clifford
Late funding from the FA and the registration deadline meant we were pressed for time and couldn't arrange any pre-season friendlies. We managed to assemble a squad during the preceeding 7 days - all of whom had never played an 11-a-side game together, with a few players completely new to the squad.
Still without a keeper for the opening league match Lucy Thompson and Izzy Forster bravely volunteered to play half each. It was evident that the team didn't quite know what to expect. Initially conceeding 5 goals in 20 minutes without reply the girls battled on and kept their heads up. A quick change of keepers 20 minutes in saw Lucy return to head the attack and centre half Sherry Clifford take up position between the sticks. *Cue Sherry playing the game of her life*.
The change immediately added pace to Rovers and withing 5 minutes of the change a throughball saw Lucy speed off and score a well deserved - and well constructed - goal.
Middleton, although still a fairly new open-age outfit were abviously well prepared and well organised and their attacks were relentless. Rovers were being to settle in now though and it became apparent that the players realised what was required. Sherry continued to make great saves and side began to settle in.
At half time we established certain areas needed improvement and implemented changes to rectify. The defense; Charlotte, Izzy and Kat - led by Moe - realised the importance of holding the line and being first to the ball. This aided the keeper - who was pulling off great save after great save. The midfield was chopped and changed in the second half which saw Ellie switch from right wing to left wing and Chloe move out to the right with Hayley and Sibhan holding the centre. Kat's balls to the wings were superb and we caused a few scares with great runs from Ellie, Nicole, and Hayley.
We could have scored another 3 or 4 but a great save from the keeper that wasn't spotted by the ref and few strikes over the bar and wide of the post meant we were to finish the match with only 1 goal.
As the team beds in a gets to know each other the wins will come. Improvement is required in certain areas - awareness and communication high on the list of priorities. Players need to be stronger in the challenge and not be afraid to head the ball. These can all be addressed in training - and I'm sure the girls will respond well and begin to grow and improve together.
I'm very proud to be part of Rovers Ladies, and the fight and passion shown by the players on Sunday is very encouraging. Well done.
I have to list 3 players of the match here.
Squad choice: Ellie & Sherry
Opposition choice: Sherry
Manager's choice: Kat
Overall POM: Sherry Clifford