Another Sunday Morning and another home game for our amazing Divas….. This week saw us in league cup action against our old friends from Bognor. This game was a special one for two reasons – firstly it was our first game since the death of her Majesty the Queen, but it was also the days that the Divas would be awarded their prize in the League Respect awards from last season where we cam joint Runners up as the most respectful team in the league. A really great and important achievement!
The sun was shining and as always we had our helpful team of parents putting up the goals whilst to coaches focused on the pre match procedures with the girls. 2 minutes silence done and award presented (Along with some posing for photos) we were ready to play. The Divas knew that this was going to be a tough game considering our opponents were in the first division, however this did not phase the girls who started brightly. There was some excellent play in the first half with the Divas adapting not only to the challenge of playing a team from a higher division but also continuing to adapt to our new shape combined with a change of personnel early on.
The Divas made it through to half time with the score line being a respectable one and feeling quite worn out in some positions. A quick half time chat and a reflection on performance with the coaches before JB briefed the girls on the line-up changes for the second half. New players on the pitch (in some positions) but the application was the same. The Divas working hard to close down the opposition and finding space when we were in possession. Every time Bognor scored you could hear the shouts of we go again coming from the Divas and the continued to play in Triangles and Diamonds confidence in their own ability continuing to develop regardless of the score line. A real trait of what it takes to be a Diva! The press was moving further up the pitch as well which was visible to see was rattling the Bognor players somewhat and then there was the most loudest cheer of excitement you will ever hear coming from the Divas! The high press had forced an error in the Bognor backline and Captain Khloee was there to capitalize slotting home a cool but driven finish to the bottom corner from the edge of the box! We had scored against Bognor!
The boost to the Divas was clear to see and even the Bognor Manager commented about how nice it was to see how much that Goal meant to the girls.
The match came to a close and a team of very Tired but happy Divas gave 3 cheers to Bognor who gave us our 3 cheers in return but also asked us to present Daisy with the Diva of the Match Trophy for her inspired performance in goal! Luckily for JB the parents (who vote for Diva of the Match) also chose Daisy so no need to make a second trophy out of sticks and grass….
As always our ever helpful group of parents packed the goal away and we all helped Tillie celebrate her birthday