STARLANDS ST.ANNES U.14 GI 0 vs 8 STRATFORD

<p>STARLANDS welcomed Premiership opponents Stratford in the 2nd Round of the Cup.

<p>Following on from the heavy 17-0 loss to Halas last week it was going to be interesting to see how the girls performed.

<p>Fortunately, Wyrley had their game called off last night - so we were able to call upon our reliable trio of &nbsp;Georgiamai, Connie & Stacey.

<p>Still without our key player and keeper Holly ( who is making great progress in her rehabilitation.) we were without a recognised keeper.

<p>Stacey bravely stepped up to the plate - and accepted the challenge of Captaining the team for a 2nd week and playing in goal.

<p>However, she may not be as foolish again ......

<p>We had the luxury of 3 subs, which sometimes can cause its own problems in trying to give everyone a game.

<p>From the off, the ball came back to Kiera whose head was in the clouds - and she gave the ball away costing us an early goal.

<p>Stacey was doing her best - but was only able to parry the shots towards on rushing Stratford players. The Starlands girls were half asleep - and it was only Olivia, Samantha, Laurice and Hannah that gave 100% for the whole game.

<p>Too many were guilty of day dreaming , ball watching, standing still and not tracking back to help out!....Not the usual Starlands girls effort.

<p>Saying that , we did have a couple of efforts on goal - but Amber and Grace failed to communicate - and could not control the ball kicking it too far ahead making it easy for the Stratford keeper to collect.

<p>Now, this sounds quite critical of our girls...but when you know they are capable of better...it &nbsp;gets frustrating. Especially before the game when One player said they were too tired. In Graces defence she battled on having been ill with flu last week - and showed a clean pair of heels on more than one occassion.

<p>Georgiamai was getting stuck in as the match continued....but normally keeps her goals for afternoon games ;) &nbsp; ....don't worry ! the goals will come.

<p>Chloe and Connie looked comfortable at the back - and Connie had her attacker wrapped up in the second half when she was playing in her accustomed wing back position.

<p>The first half finished 6-0.....Stacey had done really well and I would like to thank her...you earned your pot noodle!

<p>Kiera played in goal the second half - and did fantastically well. She was brave....and sometimes exciting - although I'd like her to keep it boring!! She was off her line , diving in at strikers feet - and when she missed it...her defenders were there to help out. Laurice, Stacey and Hannah, Sinead,Connie,Chloe ,Alex and Sam &nbsp;were all so much better the second half.....well done girls.

<p>The best bit for me was Olivia - who was not afraid to mix it up &nbsp;- getting shoulder to shoulder in the midfield - and knocking one Stratford girl over who in turn knocked over another....a pack of cards! ....it wasn't a foul - but it looked like one! &nbsp;.....great effort.

<p>Starlands could have crumbled....but they didn't! &nbsp;We held them to 2 goals in the second half....yes we lost 8-0....but a battling performance...and a credit to you.

<p>Good Luck to Stratford in the next round.....and Thank you Starlands Girls for showing some spirit in the second half....

<p>Who ate all my jaffa cakes and wine gums????!!

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