If ever there were 2 halves of a game that were polar opposites, today was it, not sure what they had in their water bottles at half time but it certainly worked. No subs against last season's strong Tintwistle side. Safe to say they ran rings around us in the first half, scored a goal in every 5 minutes of the game, 4 nil down with ten minutes left of the first half. Feeling defeated, frustrated, making sloppy mistakes and letting the blues play through us across the field. Until Annie-Mae chipped the Tintwistle keeper from far out with ease which ignited a glimmer of a flame in the Millers' girl's bellies.
Played a different formation today, set individual challenges for some and still wanted to pressure the backline into having faith in their own capabilities and get higher up the pitch. It was both the coaches concern that we're playing a defensive player and winger up front but it paid off when a clever, right pass from Annie who found the feet of Grace to smash it in the back of the net, 4-2 and that little flame gathers heat.
Coaches were super tough on the girls this first half to get them to play the football we know they can play and to keep possession and calmly work the ball and opposition. Could they produce under pressure? The ball then received by Annie in the centre with a great turn of the body and powerful shot straight down the middle.. 4-3 and the half time whistle is blown.
A great buzz in the camp and despite the tiredness the flame grew stronger and the second half was a sight to behold.
Isla kept up with her physically strong player on right wing and made it difficult for her to play, well done, you're making those important runs and play with a smile on your face despite the adversity, it's great to see.
Now they were playing great football and it is certainly true that when you play the ball, think about your passing, be the option, think about decisions off the ball and don't panic, the goals will just come naturally.
They intercepted and battled and were first to the ball throughout, love to see Izzy receive the ball on her chest and push forward with strength. Lily again winning every tackle and bypassing midfield with her lofted pass, incredible throw ins too.
Mia completed her pre-match challenge, playing the ball straight down the line and great body shape from Alissa keeping her marking player behind her pushed down the wing to then win the 1v1 and play the perfect cross for Grace to push the ball across the line. 4-4. Mia fabulous defending in the box too.
Mentioning no names a certain coach showing pure emotion on the sidelines as the girls took control of the game. From despair to tears of happiness! Our keeper Taylor with great long ball decisions and as always covering the ball with her body, twice tipped the ball over the crossbar, no mean feat for the smallest player on the team. No fear and pure bravery.
Our usual striker Del, would have been forgiven for being out of her comfort zone today in defensive midfield but more than rose to the occasion, great runs, solid defending when needed, playing the ball out wide and making forward runs, this obviously suited your style of play today with many more touches on the ball, well done. Mia a great option for Alissa in that attacking third throughout the second half.
Again another challenge smashed from Alissa who we've been on at to use that left foot to whip in the cross instead of stopping the ball dead and trying to line it up, played your role superbly today, 3 assists and hard work, floated that ball in for Annie who flew in to secure a hat trick.
Proper team work. Tintiwistle pushed us and made us work hard to try and keep a hold of the lead.
Smaller highlights for us, excellent corner decisions, short sharp passing and another well executed cross from Alissa to pick up our newest player, Isla, on far right who took no prisoners to get her first goal of the season, not done there, turned this team flame into a bonfire with the final goal of the game. Superbly celebrated by the whole team, well done Isla.
Keep hold of those burning embers girls and keep them in your pockets until next week because that was fantastic and to come from four nil down to secure a result like that - pure class. Both of us very proud of you.
Our player of the match today, a tough one, but Del well deserved this and probably doesn't believe what a difference she made to this game. Well done.
Coming in a close second would be Alissa, for rising to the challenge and fulfilling her role of winger superbly.
Congratulations girls, you all worked hard and hopefully learnt a lot from today to take into the next match. Keep it up!
⚽️🖤💛⚽️
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