On a small bumpy pitch, the Tigers started the match with the same ferocity as last week, flying out of the traps pressing the opponent and winning their 50/50 battles. It was from one of these tussles that Noomi picked up the loose ball from a throw in and curled the ball around the goalkeeper to put the Tigers 1-0 up.
Up to this point it was looking like the Tigers would avenge their loss to Bromham, however, a strange goal from a corner just before the end of the first quarter seemed to flatten the Tigers morale a little.
Kicking off the second quarter it became very apparent that the wind was going to play a part in the outcome of the match, not in the sense of long shots, more so that the girls struggled to anticipate loose balls and when to press/not press. This slight hesitancy led to the opponents having several good chances which Poppy had to be at her very best to deal with.
The Tigers did have their moments in the 2nd quarter with several mazy runs from Isabella causing the home side problems.
Half time 1-1
The second half kicked off, and the game continued much in the same way. Very tight, very competitive and very evenly matched.
Shooting with the wind the Tigers started to create chances, a lovely passing move between Marni and Isabella resulted in a fantastic opportunity which Carey unfortunately, could not finish.
Just before the end of the 3rd quarter a Tigers attack was broken down and a quick pass through to the Bromham striker was finished well. Thoughts of ending the quarter 2-1 were quickly thrown out of the window as another attack was halted, another pass through to the Bromham striker was played, but this time Poppy made a fantastic save at the feet of the striker. However, this was one of those moments every goalkeeper hates, the rebound from the great save fell at the feet of another Bromham player who rolled the ball into the empty net.
The score of 3-1 was definitely not deserved!
The final quarter kicked off and as usual the girls fought and battled tooth and nail, however, this grit and fight resulted in a free kick to Bromham. The free kick taker lined up to shoot from absolutely miles out and hammered the ball straight towards the goal. The ball seemed to take a deflection in front of Poopy as it deviated from centrally to hitting the inside of the post, and as with the third goal the ball landed at the feet of a Bromham player who rolled the ball into the empty net.
Almost from the restart Bromham nearly scored a 5th but in this instance the ball smashed against the bar and away to safety.
The Tigers still continued to fight on and continued to create chance. Right at the death Carey had a strike well saved by the Keeper.
Overall, I feel the conditions hampered the girls today. From what I can recall it is the first time they’ve had to play in windy conditions and I feel it knocked them slightly off of the heights from last week. That being said the girls work rate, effort and togetherness was amazing and they can be very proud of themselves. To not play at their best and push one of the top sides in the league so hard, shows just how far they have come.
Thanks to Coach Luke for the report.
