Beaten by the Better Team

Today we played Newark Town, who have come down from Division 3. It was always going to be a tough game, but the coaches felt that if we put the same amount of effort in as we have for previous games this season, anything was possible.

A Slow Start

We seemed to start the game slowly, and it was made harder when Newark scored within the first 5 minutes, which had a suspicion of offside — but the ref explained why he allowed it, so we had to get on with it. It was made harder still when they scored again. We then seemed to wake up, and Cheska and Charliee continued to link up well. Estee and Naomi were running hard, trying to stop Newark getting a head of steam up, but we couldn’t get enough of a foothold into the game.

The game got worse when a ball in the box was blasted at Katie, who raised her hands to protect herself and the ball hit her hand. Hollie went the right way for the resulting penalty but was unfortunately just unable to keep it out.

A Goal Back

Suddenly Estee picked the ball up in the middle of the pitch and fed it through to an on-running Alice down the left, who drove inside and slid the ball past their keeper. The half ended with another Newark goal, as their best player on the day yet again rampaged down their left and, even with the attention of Naomi and Layla, blasted the ball past Hollie.

A More Even Second Half

The second half was a much more even affair, as both teams battled and stifled each other out. In defence, Georgie, Jessie and Katie kept repelling the attacks, but we just couldn’t sustain any real threat up front. Eventually Newark scored another goal, but then we were given an opportunity as Newark handled in the box. Charliee stepped up to take it and struck it well, but the keeper made a good save. From the resulting corner, the ball went through the 6-yard box, but no one reacted to tuck it away.

Newark got a 6th before we got a corner. Lillyana swung it in and Charliee reacted first to tuck it away. In the last kick of the game, Newark got a 7th, which probably flattered them.

Player of the Match was close. Estee, Jessie and Katie were all considered, but Naomi was awarded it for all the effort and energy she gave in 3 different positions.

Next week, we’re away to Cotgrave.