Report

Heavy rain on Friday and overnight threatened to postpone this fixture but the Cromwell Ground Staff (Steve) had worked miracles to drain the surface water in the goal mouths and centre circle. Fortunately the weather improved during the course of the morning so that by kick off the pitch was safe to play on, albeit a little sticky.

The atmosphere was electric before this long awaited derby match and the crowd were relieved when the game finally got underway. The Blues won the toss and kicked off, with Jamie in goal, Hannah and Sophie in defence, Ryan sweeper, Harry and George in midfield and Lucas up front.

Just like last week, the ball was immediately stolen from the Blues in the centre circle and Lloyd thought that an early shot might catch Jamie out. However his shot was well wide and Jamie shepherded it over the line for a goal kick.

The Blues got going when the ball broke to Sophie who was hugging the touch line and managed to beat two of the Reds players and continue her run well into “visitors” territory. Her cross found Lucas who’s shot forced the first corner of the match. After this the Reds started to put pressure on the Blues net. Steve’s team rode their luck a little but again the Blues team spirit was in abundance. With Harry and George working hard in midfield and Ryan was doing his job well, Lloyd could not find a way through. Sophie and Hannah were also very disciplined putting in great tackles at the back. The Reds did manage a corner after Jamie turned a shot around the post. The set piece was delivered well into the centre of the goal area but Jamie made sure of the save with a clean catch.

The Manager thought it time to mix things up 10 minutes into the first half and brought Alex on for Ryan. This seemed to change the dynamics a little and pushed the play further up the field, into the middle of the pitch. George made a penetrating run but his shot was wide while Max made an attempt on the Blues goal, which brought about another good save from Jamie. Both sides couldn’t stamp their authority on the match and it became a midfield exchange.

The Reds got a fortunate break when from one of their throw ins, Sophie’s header deflected the ball into the path of one of the opposition players who had a clear shot at goal. However the opportunity was closed down quickly as Sophie tried to make amends and his shot was wide.

Before the half time whistle was blown there was still time for Jamie to make another great save from a corner, Alex to cut out a dangerous long ball up the centre of the field and for Harry to shoot just wide of the post. When the ref did called time on the first half the Blues felt that the tide had turned and they now were starting to get the best of the game.

The Manager made some more changes at the break and the Blues started the second half with a new defensive line with Ryan (on for Hannah), Alex and Sophie in the centre. Luke replaced Lucas but took up a midfield position.

With Hannah off the field Sophie took over the throw ins for the early part of the half until Alex took over to ensure cover at the back.

A shot from Carter again was well stopped by the Blues defence but then confusion between the keeper and two defenders almost gifted the “away“ team a goal as the ball seemed to sit stationary feet away from the goal for what seemed like an age before Harry cleared the emergency.

The Blues were growing in confidence as the half progressed and a handball just outside the Reds penalty area was seen by the ref. George lined up the free kick but couldn’t repeat the success he had the previous week. He still managed to get on the end of the clearance and force a second save by the Reds keeper Ethan.

Ethan straight from that save put in a quick long goal kick which would have proved troublesome if it hadn’t been for Luke who controlled it and put the ball back into the Reds half. Soon after, Lloyd, who had been unusually quiet up until then, reminded the Blues that he could turn a game with a powerful shot which was just wide.

Daniel was brought on for Ryan for the last quarter of the match and Lucas needed to replace Luke after he bravely took a ball in the face. At this stage the Blues were in control with a series of throw ins which were put into the Reds box. Hannah was brought back on to the pitch to take advantage of these. Her long throws were building pressure on the Reds defence by constantly delivering the ball into the danger area. It was against this run of play that a good through ball put Max one on one with the Blues keeper. Sophie managed to get back and her challenge forced Max to shoot a little early and Jamie saved the Blues again.

Another long throw by Hannah allowed Harry to put a shot on goal that Ethan could only put out for a corner. This produced another shot from George which was just wide of the mark. The Blues didn’t give up and in the last minute another long throw by Hannah found Daniel in their box who hit the Reds post with his shot which rebounded across the goal. Harry was first to react and buried the ball into the back of the Reds net with almost the last kick of the match.

Player of the Match was Sophie and the Most Improved Player was awarded to Lucas.