Lightning edge out Dynamite in an enthralling game

Under 13 Lightning v West Bridgford Dynamite 11.10.20

This was a cracking game throughout, with the result in doubt until the final whistle.

Starting line-up:

Olivia, Isla, Kayleigh, Scarlett, Chloe, Sharay, Crystal, Keeleyand Mia

Subs – Sienna, Edie, Evie, Grace, Keira, Autumn and Molly

The first half really was end to end with both teams resolute in defending, matching up in midfield, with lively strikers. Shots on target, shots wide, and defenders doing their job. Our shape was good and it was matched by Dynamite. Olivia was controlling her zone and shouting instructions to the back three of Kayleigh (always tackling first time as usual), Isla, composed and passing down the line and Scarlett, always using her pace to snuff out any danger. Chloe orchestrating midfield, using Crystal and Keeley down the wide, stretching the Dynamite defence repeatedly. Both these two can run like whippets! Sharay playing more as a second striker behind Mia, who was having her best game in Lightning shirt. Just before the break she received a pass from the left, controlled it and smashed a shot which the keeper collected superbly. The half ended 0-0 so which team would assert itself in the second half? Half-time 0-0

Well the second half started like the first – end to end! Then on 40 minutes Dynamite scored a superb goal. Winning a free kick just in their half the ball was clipped over our back three, who were slow to react, and their player latched onto the balland looped it over Olivia into the net. A great bit of finishing. 0-1 to Dynamite.

In a tight game like this that could be the important goal. How did we react – in the best way possible. We took control of the ball with Sharay an ever increasing threat. So much so that she was fouled twice in quick succession with the second foul just outside the box in the centre. Vicki shouted “Chloe” and she placed it, stepped back… and placed it into the top right corner – a text book free kick! 1-1 and 25 minutes to go sogame on!

We started to take control now and introduced our subs again on 50 minutes. Keira slotted in on the left and Grace on the right. Both of them always ready to take on players. Dynamite were playing more on the break now so we changed it at the back with Scarlett going central, Sienna on the right and Isla on the left. Sienna doing what she does well, tackling and moving the ball. Evie and Autumn were now running midfield and there was a lot of defending for Dynamite. Molly had a couple of strong runs and a couple of shots, whilst Autumn was unlucky with a couple of shots going narrowly wide. Evie buzzing around, her energy is legend. Then on 55 minutes Olivia collected the ball in her area and put in one of those kicks that soared over the half-way line, bounced once and Sharay pounced on it, controlled it superbly, raced into the area and slid it past the oncoming keeper! 2-1 with 15 minutes to go.

Still time for more goals but Dynamite were tiring and we were still attacking. We protected the lead well, could have had a couple more, but in the end happy to settle for the win.

Player of the Match was Edie, who played in midfield and at the back in her usual composed way.