Buzzards match report
Posted by Steve Weatherby on 4 November 2020
Arnold Eagles under 11 Buzzards v West Bridgford Vipers 01/11/20
Playing away this week against a side with a season’s experience behind them. We had a full squad for what could be our last game before a coronavirus national lockdown!
Starting line up was: Katie, Dobbo and Alice at the back, Millie centre-mid with Mossy on the left and Erin on the right, with Evie-Rose as striker.
From the kick off Vipers took control and for most of the first 15 minutes we were forced to defend, with Evie-Rose isolated up top. Mossy was busy on the left and Erin getting in a couple of good runs down the right, whilst Millie was winning plenty of the ball but losing it to a strong defence. Dobbo and Alice were somewhat over-worked but were defending brilliantly under pressure. The pressure told, inevitably, despite a several good saves from Katie.
Despite a pep talk from Adie the next 15 minutes were much of the same. Sav replaced Katie, Violet and Freya were on, supported by a changed midfield, with Mossy in the centre, Mala and Grace making themselves available down the flanks. Despite winning more of the ball we were unable to really test the Vipers keeper. Vipers had less freedom than in the first quarter and were forced to shoot from outside the box, Sav making some good saves and other shots going wide. A couple of mistakes let Vipers in again.
Adie’s half time message to the squad was to keep working hard and try for at least a goal or two. Grace went on as striker whilst Evie-Rose took a well-earned rest change and Millie was back in midfield for Mossy, also needing a breather. Erin and Mala were on the wings with Violet and Alice at the back and Katie in goal. It was an exciting start to the second half with both sides attacking. Then Katie was injured making a brave save, so Sav was back on. Vipers broke away and scored another before Sav had time to settle!
Despite the score line, heads were up and there was more purpose from the girls in this second half. Mala had a great run down the left and Erin, not to be out done did the same down the right passing a great ball into Grace, the ball hitting a divot just as she shot. Mala had another superb run down the left and passed to Grace, whose shot was saved. Then with 42 minutes on the clock…a bit of magic from Grace. Erin had another run down the right, passed the ball over the defender and Grace controlled it and hit it with her right towards the top corner; the keeper got her hands to it but couldn’t stop it GOOOOOOOOAL!
So into the last quarter of the game, the girls continued to play our passing game. Freya working well with Erin on the right and Evie-Rose always a threat. The effort was immense from all of them, and we still had a few chances that went wide. Twelve very tired girls at the final whistle! We had kept our run going – scoring in every game - and that team spirit continuing to grow as evidenced when Grace scored.
A couple of shout outs to the keepers for their shot-stopping, to Grace for her first goal and to Evie-Rose, a captain who leads by example.
Player of the Match went to Mossy for her work rate throughout the game.
So now we wait until December and hope we can get a couple of games in before Christmas.