This Sunday saw the Divas playing Crawley Down and it was the first time we have had to travel a distance for the girls to play, but luckily for us owing to the fact that there were several tired Divas in the camp following party’s on the Saturday night, it was a lunchtime kick off.
A short hike from the cars to a very boggy pitch saw the girls begin their new high intensity warm up. Ok it was supposed to be high intensity but as we know we had many sleepy heads today…. Coaches Craig and Pete though managed to get the girls going with lots of positive encouragement. JB found out that Physio Carley had neat handwriting so she was placed in charge of writing names on the tactics board so the girls could actually read it.
Teams were warmed up and briefed and sent onto the pitch knowing it was going to be a tough game in the heavy pitch conditions and against some very tall girls. Crawley started well and were definitely on the front foot with the Divas struggling to find their passing rhythm thanks to the ball not liking the heavy pitch (Don’t think the Divas liked it that much either). An off side flag raised by the Divas new Lino Leven enraged the opposition coach, but this did not phase Leven who continued to do a brilliant job with his flag ignoring the noise from the opposition.
The first 15 minutes passed with the divas on the back foot but defending well with Megan back to her best taking no prisoners and when needed Holly controlling her box well. Changes were made to bring on some semi fresh legs and the injection of new energy woke the divas up a little and we started to get the ball into the Crawley half with some great runs done the wings from Nyah and Lucy.
The first half came to a close with the scores at 0-0 and it was time for a team talk and more changes. JB took the lead on the team talk and discussed with the girls some things that could have been done better and made it clear what he expected in the second half. Craig and Pete also offered guidance to the girls on the areas they felt that we had opportunities in. After looking at the very neatly written tactics board the Divas went out fully focussed and ready for the second half.
This time it was the Divas turn to be on the front foot and we were pressing the opposition all over the pitch – occasionally a little to hard and we did concede a pen, but luckily Crawley hit the post. More changes in the last 15 minutes saw JB reinforcing the defence a little by asking Lilly to sit a little deeper than normal and also throwing Amy into the CDM (FIFA term) role. We now had Melody Rose and Megan cleaning house at the back with Amy just In front – Khloee also providing cover, with our wingers sitting deep – it was almost as if the special one had taken over and parked his bus! But then everyone realised it was ok JB was still here as we had Captain Amy up front after changing with Lexi who had excelled in the ‘Pivot’ role all game!
The game came to a close and it was clear to see that the Divas coaches were super pleased with the efforts the girls had put in and after the customary three cheers to the opposition the divas went for a little cool down run with Craig.
Diva of the match was awarded to Melody for her hard work in defence and everyone went home happy looking forward to an afternoon nap.