Women’s 1st Team Vs Woodlands LFC (PSF)

A poor start was the difference between the two sides today as Arnold brought 6 new players into the 1st team squad. 3 were new signings, 2 from last years development squad and 1 trialist. Nerves may have been to blame as it was the first match of the preseason however losing both Centre backs within 30 seconds of the game (sickness and injury) didn't help settle the team. 

Woodlands scored with the first attack of the game, as a reshuffled back 4 were unable to deal with the ball over the top for the pacey striker to run onto and slot past the keeper. 1-0

Straight from the restart, Arnold kept the ball in midfield before Larissa Renshaw was put through down the left. Her teasing cross was missed by the keeper and Chrystal Smiley was able to tap into an empty net 1-1.

After 6 minutes, Woodlands again beat the offside trap with a ball over the back 4 which again gave the striker time to place the ball into the back of the net 2-1. Things then got worse as a long range effort wrong footed Kereng Mrwata and made it 3-1.

With roll on subs, Manager Andy Ingle was able to settle the side down and made the game from then on, much tighter. Arnold forced a number of corners and saw a long range shot from Erica Thacker hit the crossbar.

Another reshuffle of the back 4 saw the second half begin with Arnold looking more comfortable on the ball. However they became a little too relaxed as switching off from a corner saw the ball played back into the box and the Woodlands striker free to pass into the far corner of the net 4-1.

Other than a couple of crosses, the home side didn't really threaten again. Arnold knew they had a up hill task on their hands but they pushed on till the final whistle. Emily Obeng played a great one-two before dribbling through on goal. Before she could get a shot in, she was nudged off the ball with the Ref pointing to the spot for a penalty. It was going to be one of those days as the skipper Jen Lorimer saw her spot kick fly over the bar.

In the 75th minute, Woodlands goalkeeper pulled off an absolute 'Worldy' as she flung herself full length to flick Amelia Hall's long range shot round the post. Ten minutes later Amelia thought she had the beating of her only to see her excellent curling effort come back of the post.

A decent first 90 minutes in which the referee came over and agreed the score line could have been much different with a bit more luck. It really was a crazy first 10 minutes that produced a high score line and left the management with more positives than negatives to come away with, however it still leaves plenty to work on at training.

Thank you to Woodlands for another great competitive match played in the right manner. Good luck for the upcoming season.