Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Not sure if yesterdays match report got through. Last 16 game v Sollentuna - a big club from Stockholm - ex Arsenal fav Anders Limpar on men's coaching staff. One of the best games the Girls have ever been involved in - tho sadly we were left looking back and asking "what if?".
Immediately evident that our opponents were technically very able, pacy but also physically assertive. We stood off a little for 5 minutes, then really gave it as good as we got. Had to change from 4 to 3 at the back, when Jet sustained foot injury after 5 minutes (she is basically fine today).
A very even first half, Aimee had a shot from the centre of the box well saved and Rosie also came close. Sollentuna's sole effort was a header from a corner that went over.Game played at a high tempo, with our Girls really supporting one another.
Second half saw Wigton dominating territory and possession and creating lots of promising positions, but the Swedes defending well and looking to attack on the break. Superb cross from El B was headed powerfully agsinst underside of bar by Ellies S - and she swears it bounced down over the line - but perhaps hard for ref to award a goal.
Inevitably, some Wigton legs beginning to tire and as fatigue set in, a first lapse of the game allowed the Swedes and easy run in on goal. Full credit to our Girls for then penning the Swedes back and earning a deserved equaliser when some super passing culminatedin Olivia putting in a cross which was headed over the keeper by a defender under pressure. Great celebrations by the Girls! At this stage, Wigton looked much the more likely winners.
Sadly,and completely understandably 5 games in 3 days did make it hard to sustain energy levels - for both teams - and limited substitution options with Megan and Juliet injured - and also Olivia Tyrell a commanding centre back unable to participate at all. With less than 2 minutes left on the clock, tiredness again was the main factor allowing Sullentuna's centre forward an easy run in to slot the ball past the advancing Leah.
So a 1- 2 defeat. Great joy from the Swedes - whose coach said they had enjoyed a good portion of luck on the day, and disappointment in the result for our Girls, but also a feeling that they could not have done any more.
We have now seen quite a few of the Girls teams here. the overall standard is a very good one. However, I don't believe we have yet seen a team with better footballers - although certainly a number more or less on a par.A USA team called Tidal Wave are superbly well conditioned and athletic and will take some stopping.They train 3 times a week - along with a number of the other teams here! I have pointed out to the Girls that the average age of most the teams we have been up against is about a year older - for example, Tidal Wave have 3 15 year olds and the rest are 16 (compared to our 3 14 year olds, 2 16 year olds and the rest aged 15 ).
So, football wise - a really smashing effort - certainly 4 superb performances in 5 games (3rd game a bit flat). An invaluable experience in terms of the Girls footballing education - think they have all learned loads and were not phased at all by the size of the tournament.
Also off the field all the girls have been superb in every way - and no doubt they will keep this up now the footie is over.it's been a great bonding exercise, with 3 of our new players (Dani, Rosie and Abbie) and the 3 older Wigton Girls being accepted fully and fitting in really well.There were 1 or 2 striking fashion statements being made for last nights disco!
A football free day. We are leaving in a few minutes, for lunch and then a bus to the theme park called Farup Sommerland. All the Girls are going. Weather here is absolutely beautiful.
- comments
pauline lewis well done to all the girls hope you've all had a great time. See ypu on monday. x
Gary Kibler Well done to all the girls,Howard and Gill,you can all be very proud of the way the trip has gone,a great experience for all of you. Enjoy the rest of your time there,see you soon.