First Team Result - Season Opener
Posted by on 3 September 2023
Football was finally back on the menu at Calverton M.W. this afternoon, as the Arnold Eagles 1st team began their East Midlands Regional League Division One Central league campaign.
Beaumont Park were our first opponents of the season and worthy opponents they were, after their promotion up from a tight Leicestershire County league last season.
I think it’s fair to say both teams showed opening day nerves as us and our opposition strived for that opening day win and those all important 3 points.
After said cagey start, we went in front when Tasha broke through the away back line and finished coolly into the corner. However, our ladies were pegged back just before the first half drinks break after some sloppy play resulted in a Beaumont equaliser. Ciára was then forced into a fine full length save to keep us level after we needlessly gave away possession.
We had talked before the game about not giving our opposition any encouragement but unfortunately their avoidable equaliser gave them a real lift as the first half continued.
Our ladies managed to weather a spell of pressure before it was Tasha again who weaved through the Beaumont back line before being brought down.
Penalty to the Eagles which was dispatched into the bottom left hand corner, despite a good hand and despairing dive from the keeper.
HT 2-1 Eagles.
With the game in the balance and the next goal going to be crucial, the 2nd half began with us having our most dominant period of the game. Our passing was much improved and we looked a threat going forward. Demi, Hannah D and Hannah H were dominating the middle of midfield, Jenna and Ellie-Mae were working hard out wide and our overall shape and composure was much improved.
Beaumont were still causing us problems on the break though and their strong, quick forward line continued to cause our back three concerns.
The next goal was always going to decide the outcome of the game and we had a glorious opportunity to go 3-1 up after Tasha was again adjudged to have been fouled and another penalty was awarded.
This time however the away keeper kept out the spot kick and the score remained tight. Finally with about 15 minutes to go it took another lofted shot from Tasha, after good build up play involving Amy and Hannah D to complete her hat trick and give our ladies some breathing room.
So we held on and secured an all important win, which will hopefully relax the squad as we head into the F.A. Cup competition next Sunday at Sleaford United.
Player of the Match went to Ciára Button, for making a few important saves at crucial times during the game.
⚽️💜🦅
