It was a bright and sunny Sunday Morning and for some was a shock to the system as the Divas had their first match for a few weeks. JB and Sponsor Dan arrives early to make a start on the goals and thought they were doing a grand job until Pete and Craig told them they had put the wrong goals up….
Quick change over by our always helpful parents and we were good to go.
Quick chat with the girls to manage some expectations as the team we were playing were from a division above and a briefing on our starting lineup and we were good to go.
The Acorns started lively but our press from the front proved effective with Lucy and Nyah running up and down the wings closing space at every opportunity. It was the divas who had the first clear chance. Khloee broke from midfield in what is becoming trademark style with a storming run through on the Acorns goal. A good save from their keeper followed. Lexi continued to hold the ball up really well bringing in those around her all the time.
The game continued with the Divas snuffing out the Acorns attack very effectively and a few more attempts at their goal followed. The Divas looking very comfortable indeed.
A few changes made at their 15 minute mark saw some fresh legs coming onto the pitch. Lilly joined the attack and quickly demonstrated her ability to run with the ball.
It was not long until these changes paid dividends, following the break up of another attack by Rose, Aimee made a run down the wing, driving into the box and calmly slotted home from a tight angle.
The scenes from the side lines and the excited coaches….
The Acorns responded to this with a tweak to their shape which allowed them to get more players forward but between Isla, Megan and Amy as well as some great saves from Daisy we went in at half time 1-0.
The second half saw more changes to personnel from the divas but the performance did not change one bit. The pass and move drill we have been working on in training clearly paying dividends as the divas elegantly moved the ball around the acorns players and across the pitch. More strong defending from Melody and the girls at the back held the Acorns at bay.
Aimee capitalised on an error by the Acorns defender and in the blink of an eye it was 2-0!
Hollie playing as a striker for only the second time caused the acorns all sorts of problems with her pace.
Tillie went from playing in defence to the wing and showed her versatility.
The game finished a very well deserved 2-0 to the divas and the coaches and parents could not have been more proud of the girls! Such a mature performance!
Diva of the Match was Aimee.
Crawley down up next…