Match Report - EPSOM AND EWELL COLTS FC - 10 Feb 2024

Flag Says No!

On the road again, Tim driving most of the team in the WTFC minibus, Epsom and Ewell the venue. Playing a team that had given the girls’ a tough game at home, they would face them this time with 8 players unavailable through absence, illness or injury. Good to have Emilia back after her concussion injury and thankful that the good old English weather meant no work for Chloe, meaning she could make her debut for the team.

Although by no means fully match fit, Emilia’s return gave the formation a more balanced look on the LH side. She was the one player from either side that seemed most likely to make the breakthrough in the first half but could not find that ‘clean’ strike to make the difference from a flurry of half chances. Izzy shooting wide and good pressure gave Liv a clear sight of goal, her effort well held. Defensively, the girls’ gave nothing easy to a very mobile Epsom attack. An even first half came to a close with neither side finding a goal.

HT 0-0

There was no doubt that a competitive first period had taken its toll on a small travelling squad that was still nursing players back from injury. It didn’t take long into the second period for Epsom’s classy number 9 to find the space needed in the penalty box to clinically slot past Esme in goal (0-1). Wimborne’s best chances again were falling to Emilia, finding the space in the LH channel, from Ethne and Liv’s press she first shot wide before latching onto another pass and firing high into the goal!…….. hang on, the lines-person saw a reason to raise his flag and cancel the strike. Other half chances for Liv and Ethne came and went but a team that had given their all were unable to force an equalising goal…well they did…but….ah whatever!

FT:

Epsom 1-0 WTFC

POM:

Ethne (has settled into the team really well. Pressed and harried all game)

Summary:

Very frustrating, the team travelled with a delicate squad against an Epsom team on a good run and full of confidence. Esme went about her business without fuss, calm with hands and feet, a defensive 4 of Lila, Eva, Charlotte and a very committed Maddie gave very little away to a lively attack. Playing two CDMs bolstered the protection in the first half, Laila and Carly digging deep in these roles until a lack of depth forced formation changes. Chloe settled well, calm and assured, Ethne, Liv, Izzy and Emilia worked and worked but could not find that goal!….well they did…..but……ah, whatever!

Seriously, certainly not one to bemoan officials (we desperately need them) and apologies for it but standing directly in line, seeing a player fully 2 yards onside! Really!

Heads up girls, things will soon turn round! ??