REDDITCH 3 vs 0 STARLANDS ST.ANNES U.13 Gi

<p>Starlands went on Tour today !....travelling 30 miles down the M5 to Redditch. <p>After all the terrible weather - rain and snow, it was just nice to get out playing again. <p>We had 12 girls which was good after the last couple of training sessions only showing 4 or 5 girls. <p>The pitch was on a big slope from side to side - and was quite &nbsp;short, so much so Holly fancied her chances of scoring ! <p>The girls warmed up well but still seemed a little quiet just before the gane started. <p>Starlands were very much in the game and enjoyed most of the possession against the hosts. <p>We were conscious of having lost 4-0 at home - and were keen to improve on that performance. <p>The back three of Laurice,Chloe and Sinead were playing brilliantly. They were quick to clear any danger - and Sinead was hard in the tackle and making her presence felt. <p>Holly was Captain for the day. It seems to bring big performances from her - and she did not let us down. She was vocal inher encouragement to the other girls and came off her line quickly - and scared the opposition strikers! <p>We struggled to put any real passing game together - and I can only put it down to the lack of recent matches. <p>For some reason we were slow to react to the ball, allowing the oppostion to get there first - and shying away from headers?....Its a ball NOT a brick ! <p>Grace was enjoying some runs up the right wing supported by Alex. <p>Upfront , Amber was struggling with her foot and just could not latch onto the massive kicks from Holly. <p>Rosie was trying hard to get involved - and Samantha and Hfsah were their usual industrious selves. <p>Kiera came on for Rosie - and added more effort and coverage of the pitch - but she always does !....she asked what position she was playing?...why ? I replied...It doesnt make any difference to where you play ;) &nbsp; a terrific work rate and engine. If only I could get her and Samantha to put their foot on the ball occasionally. <p>The half finished 0-0 , and Starlands had never really been under threat. <p>The second half, was madness !....we tried to clear the ball, it rebounded of &nbsp;Chloes face and into the path of the on rushing striker who scabbed the ball past Holly. <p>The second was a brilliant save from Holly, yet as always the ball rebounds to the opposition who dribbled it in....2-0 <p>The third was not cleared from a corner. It was hit from the edge of the box - a loud shout from Holly caused all our defenders to freeze !...the ball then went rolling into the net 3-0 <p>oh well, these things happend. But, the girls continued on. Laurice who had come off earlier came back on - only for Hannah to go down after crossing the ball. <p>Some on the sideline heard her hip pop !...as she swung at the ball and over extended her leg and hip. Fortunately she managed to get up , but played no further part.Which is a real shame because she is a lynch pin of the team and a real role model. <p>Amber and Hafsah were linking nicely - and a through ball from Samantha set Amber on her way. However, on this short pitch it meant the goalkeeper was quick off her line - and although she got her shot away it narrowly went wide. SUch a shame she did not add to her 10 goal tally ! <p>Grace was throwing the ball in nicely and Alex was more prominent. <p>A special mention must got to the back three - who played really well today - as did Holly. Kiera had a great return - but, Sinead was without a doubt Girl of the game.&nbsp; <p>She got stuck in, was hard but fair in the tackle. She headed the ball and kicked it out when required...a shoulder charge knocked one of the opposition flying! <p>The match finished undeservedly 3-0...a loss nut an improvement ....and we should have been rewarded with at least a draw! <p>Redditch were great hosts - and treated us to sausage and chips after the game !....shame its so far .... <p>4 <p>