After what can only be described as ‘a bit of a thumping’ from last weekend’s game against Flitwick, the Lionesses could have walked out into the sunshine this morning feeling somewhat apprehensive, but no, not a bit of it. After a fantastic Friday night training session, these girls were the very epitome of strong female empowerment – especially fitting that it was also International Women’s Day.
After a sombre minute’s silence in honour of aspiring footballer Poppy Atkinson, the game was on. The Bradwell Broncos were ready in their striking pink and black stripes, and an early corner with a great ball in from them illustrated that the challenge was on. Olivia’s gloves got to it quickly, grabbing the threat out of harm’s way.
A lovely pass from Indie to Eden up the middle proved that the Greens were equally ready to attack back but Eden’s fast legs were met with a Bradwell line of defence that was strong and defiant.
Much of the play in the first half was centred in the midfield, with both teams battling hard to gain and keep possession. The Lionesses were working their socks off, with some tactical, defensive interceptions and passes, particularly from Hollie and Maya.
A scrabble near the Bradwell goalmouth almost gave Eden the chance for an early strike, but she couldn’t quite get to it. Lily-Rose put in a great corner ball but it was intercepted and taken down the wing by the Broncos, until Captain Crouchy shut it down – ever dependable, always there to support her players.
It was great to hear more communication from all the girls, especially some of the usually quieter ones. Olivia was giving great direction from the goal as well, and the girls were listening, thinking about where they were playing the ball and looking ahead. Players were being marked and tracked and lessons from training were being remembered and put into action.
The Lionesses continued to press hard – some really fast turns and passes were on display which was great to see. Emma put in one of her terrifically speedy runs and tried for a goal, but it went wide.
Bradwell got it back and did an impressive run down the middle which got Olivia on her toes and ready to go, saving the shot and doing an impressive kick back up the pitch.
But the Broncos were hungry for more, and another run in with a great pass on the wing made it through the Green defence, giving them the first goal of the match – a high shot that was precise, fast and sailed past Olivia’s head.
A second goal from the Broncos followed soon after – Olivia saved the first attempt but couldn’t manage to hold the ball. The fumble wasn’t cleared out in time giving Bradwell an opportunity to snatch the ball back and trickle it over the line.
The second half showed that the Lionesses are fiercely resilient, and they were ready to fend off any further Bradwell attacks. An early threat on goal was grabbed out of play by Olivia, and a great kick back to the midfield found Eden’s boots for a speedy run that almost gave us a chance.
Amy was giving brilliant defensive support to Olivia, making some great deflections down the wing. (Amy’s new nickname is the ‘silent assassin’ – a brilliant observation from Eden’s mum – always there to deflect and defend with a quiet boot down the line. )
Indie and Kiani were both putting some serious battling time in today, with some fast footwork, supported by great efforts on the wing from Esme, who tried time and time again to get the ball back to a Green team mate.
Although the second half was mostly played in the Galaxy half there were a few glimmers of hope that we could get one back – some great passing play from Indie, Amy and Lily-Rose got the ball through to Eden, but it was too fast and she couldn’t quite get to it.
A free kick for the Lionesses gave us some further chances, with Lily-Rose doing a great stop and turn to try for a goal but it didn’t get past the defenders.
The last few minutes of the second half brough a couple of near misses where Bradwell managed to get a ball through but went wide of the goal with their strike, giving some heart-in-mouth moments for the spectators from both sides. Olivia was always ready, tracking the ball and making some solid grabs and saves.
A tenacious morning of football from the Lionesses, who defended well and worked really hard. Well done girls – we didn’t win, but we learned a lot. Coaches POM went to Hollie, with Bradwell picking Emma as their POM choice.
