STARLANDS ST.ANNES U.12 Gi 0 vs 1 REDDITCH BOROUGH

<p>STARLANDS 0 - REDDITCH BOROUGH 1&nbsp;&nbsp; 26/11/11

<p>Saturday's game brought the far travelling Redditch Borough to Starlands ground. Redditch stood one place above Starlands with a game extra played.

<p>Starlands confidence was boosted by last weeks victory and the girls were looking to repeat their success.

<p>However, due to Martha playing football elsewhere and Rachel playing hockey - the girls were back to their usual bare bones starting 7.

<p>Redditch had travelled with players , subs and supporters in ambundance.

<p>From the kick off Starlands looked good. Yet, Holly was the first goalkeeper brought into action with a fine save rushing out to claim the ball from the Redditch striker.

<p>Starlands were putting so much pressure on Redditch from Loris Delaps long throws.Time after time she was peppering their box but Starlands just could not make the pressure pay.

<p>A corner taken by Georgia went straight through the Redditch defence - but no-one could get on the end of it!

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<p>A long range effort from Samantha followed but the wind took the high ball wide.

<p>Redditch were quick to break but a resolute Satrlands defence allowed the ball to go for a goal kick.

<p>Redditch followed this by a couple of quick corners - but Hannah had positioned herself short and blocked both with her head.

<p>Starlands defence was standing firm - and there was some great tackles and shadowing.

<p>Again Starlands pressured with a bombardment of throw ins.Redditch kicked the ball out for a corner.

<p>Hafsah took possession and played a lovely pass to Sam who shot with her left foot which was blocked and then Hannah hit the rebound. Four shots on goal followed one after another - one from Georgia , two from Hannah and the last cleared off the line! It was so exciting -and how Starlands had not taken the lead was unbelievable.

<p>The half ended 0-0

<p>The second half Georgia broke - and the Redditch goalkeeper came off her line and took out her own defender - this in turn left an open goal , but Georgia had been pushed wide and could not force a shot goal bound.

<p>Another fine tackle from Hafsah allowed to Hannah to get a shot away only narrowly missing.

<p>Then Samantha was put through, the Redditch defence had been split wide open. For once she did not hit the ball immediately and the on rushing goalkeeper - took Sam and ball in one sweep. The goalkeeper was down and injured and another certain goal was saved. The goalkeeper had to come off - maybe this was the luck Starlands needed?

<p>Sinead gave away a free kick on the edge of her box. The Redditch No.9 hit a screamer just wide of the top corner. The danger signs were looming.

<p>Holly made another save from a corner. It was now corner after corner - The Starlands defence was standing firm.

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<p>However, Starlands lost the ball in the Redditch half. They broke and there was a mix up and Eleanor the Redditch striker uted a well taken goal - albeit very much against the run of play.

<p>Starlands did not let their heads drop..they continued to battle on. They had come back before against better teams and could do it again.

<p>Captain Loris was marshalling the defence with Sinead - and Starlands pushed forward , with Georgia dribbling more. There were some lovely one two's being played - and a last minute run and cross by Georgia was just missed by the on rushing Samantha.

<p>Redditch finished the game with another shot from their No.9 saved by Holly.

<p>The game was over -and players and supporters were drained. This was a game Starlands did not deserve to lose. They had played some good football - and plenty of chances. Redditch on the other hand only needed one chance!

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<p>Great effort girls! Shooting practice on Tuesday?

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<p>Girl of The Game went to Georgia for some good skills in control and dribbling.

<p>A great Captains effort from Loris and some great tackling by Hafsah.

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<p>Next week the girls travel to Stratford - who they played for their first ever game. Let's see if we can run them a bit closer? Good luck Starlands.