Ladies 2nd Team vs Redcar 2

The ladies 2’s faced Redcar 2s at the weekend. The opposition didn’t have a full squad so we used this as a chance to try a new simpler formation. Our focus on making the ball do the work, trying to pass out way through the pitch and trust in each other. 

We quickly took the lead with Poppy Bell playing a forward role, usually in defence, making an instant impact. She drove along the back line passing the ball to Ava who was perfectly placed to get us on the score board within 8mins. We had a spring in our step now and the ladies settled well into the game. Elle fought hard, throughout the game, for the ball on the right hand side. She bullied her way forward slipping a lovely ball to Debbie who yet again showed her quality and finesse to make it 2v0 (18 mins). Two minutes later, Debbie was able to return the favour and slip Elle the ball who slapped it home! 3v0.

In the 24th minute, Danni grew in confidence coming forward to support the midfield and passed to Jules who hammered it home 4v0! Poppy was continually providing balls into dangerous areas and we had so many chances go just wide. Their keeper was constantly under pressure and made some fantastic saves.  Imogen was instrumental in winning the ball back in the midfield area. Channeling and jabbing to regain possession. We even saw some recycled balls from midfield to Jenny, through Sarah and back across right to Liz. It was great to see! Jules, Fran, and Lucy worked hard to keep the press high and kept feeding the forwards. Jules was top circle for a smash and Poppy gambled to put the ball over the line after the rebound. 5v0 (29mins).

A positive half time praised the passion and determination of both teams. We all said Redcar deserved lots of respect for the fight they put up.

Against all odds the 2nd half was a tough ask. Redcar flooded the defensive area to limit the damage and it was a clever move. Although we had extra players, it felt as though they had more. Despite numerous chances, Redcar’s keeper and defence made it so hard to penetrate. A short corner seen another post rebound! Finally a corner went our way. Jules smashed her trademark shot with Imogen bagging the rebound and 6th goal of the game. 

Thanks to poor Lucy who kept her spirits high 💃🏼despite seeing very little action.

After a tough battle the game ended 6v0. Huge respect and kudos to the tenacious Redcar 2s and a well earned rest before we face Stokesley in 2 weeks 👍🏼