Report

Final of the Tina Marshal cup saw us up against Long Lane.  Long Lane are the only team we have lost twice to this year loosing both games by a single goal so we knew we were in for a tough game.  On a bright sunny the teams were led on a ¼ mile hike from the registration tent to our pitch which just happened to be the furthest away still I can do with the exercise.

We started the game really well playing down hill for the first half.  5 minutes and great work by Morgan saw her break through but her powerful shot went just wide of the upright. Shortly after Lucy was unlucky with another shot that flew over the bar after a scramble..  Half way through the first half we got the break through our play deserved.  Morgan burst free into the box but the keeper saved her first and second shots but third time lucky Morgan knocked the ball into the net for 1-0.  The game then became a but stretched but our Midfield centre two of Alex and Amy K were playing very well breaking up attacks and setting our two dangerous attackers Lucy and Morgan free at every opportunity.  Amy M playing wide left was having a good game also and when Charlie M replaced her she continued where Amy left off.  Frankie in right midfield was also having a very strong game with some great tackling against the powerful Long Lane player.

Defence were also on song with Meg and Charlotte at fullback playing really well and with their great Long Throws.  Sophie and Charlea were outstanding in the centre with a number or great headed clearances and tackles.  In fact we were playing so well in the first half our League Player of the year Rachel hardly had a save to make.

H-T  1-0

Second half carried on where we left off with our defence and midfield breaking up Long Lane attacks and with Lucy and Morgan have great games up front again we always looked like we could get a second goal.  This came after 10 minutes of the second half when Lucy put the Long Lane defender under pressure and with great persistence won the ball in the area.  Her cross found Amy K who thumped ball home from 8 yards.

Long Lane would not give up and they pilled on the pressure but the defence held firm.  Rachel was called into action a bit more the the second half with a couple of excellent saves and Verity  who came on for Charlie at half time cleared one off the line.  Time seemed now the drag as Long Lane kept coming at us and we were now having to defend for our lives.  Amy K was having a great game in the middle and must have won a dozen powerful headers.  We were now limited to a few breaks but Morgan nearly escaped twice but was narrowly offside and the was very close to another goal when a fantastic pass from Amy put her through.

5 minutes to go and Long Lane got a lifeline when the broke free down our right and a cross in the middle  found their forward who finished despite a great effort from Rachel.   The last 5 minutes seemed like for ever as Long Lane pushed for the equaliser but our fantastic girls hung on for a well deserved victory.  Everyone of the them gave it their all today and they can be really proud of the way they played against a very good Long Lane team. 

The girls then received the Tina Marshall Trophy and as a bonus Rachel picked up the League Player of the Year award for her fantastic form throughout the year.

Great season girls and with a little more luck in some games we should have finished higher in the league but you have all been a credit to the club this year and I look forward to next year and more success fingers crossed.