After a wet and muddy training session on the Saturday morning the rain got progressively heavier and JB was up all night wondering if the Game on Sunday would go ahead. Sunday come round and the dreaded text came in from the Chairman – “ I have been told the pitches are not playable, but please check”. Luckily we have a parent who lives opposite the pitches and after a quick phone conversation Lianne (aka Statto Mk2, aka pitch standards checker) was deployed. A few minutes and some photos later the game was confirmed as on!
Cars were loaded and we were on our way and on track to arrive for 09:20 as requested. But then disaster – I had forgotten the team sheets, turn round and go back home – hopefully this was not a sign of how the day would continue!
When I eventually go the ground my excellent team of parent helpers were already putting up goals and the coaches had the girls moving a ball – very happy (and relieved JB).
We went through a new high tempo intensive warmup with the girls and JB remembered he was due to Ref this game as our usual parent ref was not available. Over to Craig and Pete to get the tactics board up and brief the Divas on the game plan.
The first qtr kicked off and straight away the divas were on the attack – a stark contract to the way we usually start games and it did not take long for a lovely counter attacking move to pay off. Ashington clearly shell shocked by our high temp start lost the ball and the divas moved it from defence to midfield and finally from midfield to attack with 2 excellent passes and that was it – Nyah was clean through one on one and even though she was under pressure from the recovering defenders cut in excellently from the left to coolly finish with her right foot. 1-0 to the Divas. The quarter continued in much the same way it started with the divas pressing all over the pitch. On the odd occasion when Ashington’s key player managed to lose her marker and get through our lines an ‘Inspired Hands’ was in goal to thwart her efforts.
The 2nd quarter saw a number of changes as the Divas made use of their squad and allowed some by now tired legs (The pitch was very heavy) to rest. The wholesale changes did little to change the way the game was played though and chances continued to be created for both teams but it was again the Divas counter attack that caused Ashington problems this time with some beautifully skilful running down the wing from Hat (Lucy). The quarter came to a close and JB was regretting all of the mince pies he had eaten over the festive break.
At the start of the 3rd quarter there were lots of changes for both teams now and the game started to become a bit more open. The pitch by now was getting quite muddy in places and you could see at times some of the girls just checking their runs a little for fear of slipping over, though this did not have an impact on the excellent energy levels shown by both team throughout. Some excellent defensive work at the back coupled with a brilliant diving save from hands saw the 3rd quarter end in stalemate and the frustration on the Ashington faces was there for all to see – whilst the Divas remained focussed and well aware of the task in hand.
4th and final quarter came round and even though the Divas were making full use of the squad there were some very tired legs out there now (including the ref). Shouts were coming a plenty from the side-lines as the dodgy ref had missed the fact that there was an offside flag up with Ashington clean through on our goal. I am pleased (and very relieved) to ay that the Divas remembered one of the golden rules of football which is of course to play to the whistle and forced the Ashington Striker to shoot wide. Mid way through there were more fresh leg changes made, which also helps to ensure where possible even game time is achieved and you could visibly see the Divas took a little time to adapt to this especially when Rose who was playing at centre half went on a barnstorming run to the Ashington Corner flag!
Right at the death Ashington managed to split the defence and their danger player was through on goal but again down to some excellent work in goal the attempt did not bear any fruits and the game was finished with the Divas getting the Win but more importantly for the Coaches and I, demonstrating how hard they are prepared to work for each other as a team whilst putting into practice what they learn at training!
Celebrations all round!!!