Another Sunday saw another road trip for the Divas – this time to Gatwick Utd. With a 12:30 kick off it meant mums and dads could have a bit of a lay in, but did leave the quandary around Sunday lunch…. The Divas were a little depleted for this trip thanks to the gift that seems to keep giving (Covid). The absences saw a full debut for our new Goalkeeper Daisy and the decision to play a new shape to try and provide a bit of support and save the legs somewhat from our usual high pressing style of game (well our usual attempts at a high pressing game that is….).
Warm up completed and Divas briefed on the new shape and the roles they were required to fulfil; we took to the pitch. The game was physical from the off and you could see the Divas struggling with the physicality at times, but after the opening minutes we found our rhythm and worked out if we move the ball quickly, we overcome the press quite easily. All was going well until a loose pass was pounced on by the Gatwick striker whose pace took everyone by surprise as she ran clean through on goal and slotted home nicely! 15 minutes in and fresh legs were required with yet another tweak to the Divas system. It was not long until the changes paid dividends and a beautiful passing combination saw us move the ball from defence to the wing and Nyah – fresh on as one of the changes. She unleashed her own pace knocking the ball past the onrushing Gatwick girls and leaving them in her dust. As she neared the edge of the box the now trademark change of direction and drive towards goal was finished off with a cool finish to the near post. The crowd went wild!!!
The goal gave the divas excitement for moments, but it was not log until that excitement was dashed as we failed to move the ball quick enough and the physical nature of Gatwick meant we were overpowered with their striker once again coolly finishing.
Half time arrived and with it some stern words from the manager and coaches. Out comes the tactics board again only this time with arrows all over the place – luckily the girls knew what the arrows meant, and we took to the pitch fired up and confident. A new attacking partnership focussed on pace on the counter was deployed which saw the captain Amy and Nyah up top with Annie playing in just behind them as an attacking threat loaded with pace and power, supported by Lilly and Lucy on the wings with Rose in the backline providing some protection. A few minutes in and the game plan was executed perfectly. A short goal kick was pounced upon by Captain Amy and a neat little lay off on the edge of the box to Annie saw a powerful first-time drive result in the equaliser. Game on!
A few moments later and the high work rates were starting to be felt and Nyah had to come off with a stitch. Team Physio Carly was missing from the game, so JB deployed his best compassionate skills. Luckily for him Rachel had spotted the fact that JB being male could not multitask and came over to support Nyah’s recovery whilst JB continued to encourage the girls on the pitch. In all the excitement we conceded a goal or two and then we lost Rose who finally had to give in to the fact she was also under the weather. More changes but by this time the game was beyond us and we knew our first defeat of the season was upon us. With minutes to go Moo came off following a painful challenge and that was that. 6-2 defeat for the Divas but, the score line did not reflect the at times scintillating football on show by the Divas as well as some superb saves by Daisy who has only been with us a couple of weeks. Positivity shone through at the post game debrief and expectations were made clear that this season is for learning and improving now that we have a good size and stable squad with cover now for all positions. The girls seemed to understand and agree with this or maybe they were just eager to move onto the Birthday Celebrations for Lilly.
Diva of the match for Annie and another tough fixture to follow at home to Mileoak…..