After a two-week break and a few players missing from the line-up, it was always going to be a tough morning for the Greens on home turf at Vandyke Road. Every match is a worthwhile lesson, regardless of the end result. And as Coach Darren wisely says: ‘We go again.’
Amy stepped into the goalie vest for the first quarter (and may have regretted it after making the first of many brave saves using her face). But props to Amy, after few deep breaths she rallied and made further saves against Cranfield, who dominated from the off. The Oranges were very strong, with some fast footwork on show. But the Greens tried hard to hold their own, and the defensive line was strong. Esme may be small, but she was mighty in her confidence as she battled hard on the wing to keep possession.
Captain Crouchy, always dependable and giving clear direction to her team-mates, shut down the many Cranfield attacks at every opportunity. The wall of Orange kept on coming, but Lily Rose and Evie put in some solid defending to try and keep them at bay, with a further save from Amy.
Another Cranfield shot hit the post, but the supporters on the respect line knew it was only a matter of time until they scored the first. Indie, Emma and Eden worked hard in the midfield, but found themselves consistently swarmed by Cranfield players and found it hard to break through.
A penalty awarded to Cranfield from an unlucky hand deflection meant that the first goal was about to come, and Cranfield knocked it confidently into the back of the net.
A flurry of goals followed soon after, with the Oranges taking full advantage against the slightly shell-shocked Greens. Two further corners were ably batted away by Crouchy and Lily Rose, but the first quarter ended with Cranfield 3-0 up.
After a bit of a team talk from the Coaches, the second quarter saw Lily-Rose don the Goalie vest. Maya worked really hard to keep Cranfield at bay and cleared not one, but two threats on goal before they got closer to the box.
Lily saved a blinder of a strike, but the deflection gave Cranfield another chance, which they took and scored again. Another goal followed quickly taking it to 5-0.
Props to the Lionesses, they didn’t give up. Emma and Indie were trying their best to keep on attacking, with some lovely passing. Emma used her speed to play all over the pitch and support as many of her team-mates as she could. Eden tried her best to make the break, but was in need of more support from her team-mates as the Orange players surrounded her, meaning she had to fend off not one, but two opposition players.
Sadly, a very lucky goal from Cranfield dribbled past the line, but the girls were undeterred with Maya and Amy even more resolute than ever to get the ball away from the box.
Another great save by Lily-Rose brought an end to the second quarter. With a half time score line of 6-0, there was definitely an uphill battle ahead for the Lionesses.
Evie donned the goalie gloves for the third quarter and saved her first, giving her a little confidence boost. Unfortunately, a fumble and some inexperience gave Cranfield an opportunity to go in for the kill and they took it, scoring twice more.
Evie made another save, and her goal kick sailed down the pitch to meet Indie, who put in a wonderful run and almost shook off her player, but she was immediately faced with a very strong Cranfield defence. The Oranges came back to score again.
Another strong kick down the pitch from Evie gave Eden and Esme the chance to play in their half and some lovely passing between them almost worked, but again the Oranges were just too strong.
The Greens got a rare corner, and Emma put in a beaut of a pass into the box, but couldn’t find a Lioness to take a shot. One of the Cranfield players took a tumble and went down, forcing a substitution.
With fresh boots on the pitch, Cranfield attacked hard, prompting more saves from Evie (one definitely went close to the line as Evie fumbled to keep hold of a slippery ball, but Cranfield’s coaches made a very sporting decision, declaring that the ball hadn’t crossed the line.)
The last quarter finished with another goal from Cranfield bringing the result to a crushing 10-0. Another sporting decision was made for the last half and the Lionesses had an extra player on the pitch, which seemed to inspire a burst of confidence from the Greens – Maya was in goal this time and bravely grabbed the ball out of harm’s way at every opportunity, showing just how tenacious she is.
A determined run from Lily-Rose up the wing and a perfect pass to Eden almost gave us a first goal, but it wasn’t to be.
Cranfield sealed their dominant win with a goal that squeezed past Maya, who very nearly saved it, but luck wasn’t on her side. The match ended with a blow of the whistle, a sigh of relief from the parents and supporters on the respect line and some brave grins in the face of defeat from the Greens, who never fail to make us proud with their brilliant attitudes and big smiles. Esme was deservedly awarded Player of the Match by Cranfield. Big ups to the four players who braved the goalkeeper gloves today too and massive thanks to Russ for reffing. Pics courtesy of Karla – thank you!
