Hard fought win for Roses

The Roses were up against GNG for the third time this season, previous meetings were a 1-1 draw in a friendly and a 2-1 win at Rushey Fields in the league. This league game promised to be a tight affair based on that.

The Roses welcomed back Sophie and Lyla but were without Lauren and Tilly for this match. After a good warm up and team talk, the Roses were ready to go at Ravenstone.

We worked on a new formation, which would give us lots of bodies forward in attacking areas. We were hoping for goals with Chloe G being supported by Ellie, Katie and Kayleigh.

The game started brightly and the Roses had three early chances but unfortunately did not find the back of the net and then a bit of a sucker punch as GNG hit a shot which looked to be heading straight into Lyla’s arms but it took a deflection off the unfortunate Lenna.

The Roses pushed for an equaliser, we were causing some worry down our left side with Katie working well with Chloe G but some excellent recovery defending from GNG kept us out. The equaliser eventually came after Kayleigh chased down a through ball from Evie, the keeper hesitated and Kayleigh finished from a tight angle for her first goal of the season.

After a few early scares, our defending was solid for the remainder of the half, Esme made a couple of marauding runs with the ball and was strong in the tackle making a number of recovering tackles and Kiri was using the ball well on the right side, 3 months ago she said she couldn’t do it when asked to play in defence, now she has made position her own. Lenna and Caris working well together and defending fairly but aggressively, both managed to step out of defence with the ball, Caris at one point ran the ball down the left hand side into the opposition half to cut inside and make a pass into Ellie to setup an attack.

At half time, the girls were disappointed not to have the lead but it was just a case of staying positive as the chances were there.

The second half was end to end, with both teams trading blows to try and take the lead. The Roses eventually took the lead and kept it after a good cross from Ellie found Chloe G, the ball was diverted into the goal by the defender under pressure from Chloe who had the first attempt.

Ellie made it 3-1 firing into the far corner, she had missed a similar chance moments before as she shot and the ball whistled past the post.

GNG had a good chance to equalise but shot wide after a brilliant take and run from the centre midfielder, she was a real talent on the ball all game.

The Roses had more control in the second half largely down to the good work in centre midfield, Evie was winning 50/50 challenges whilst Lily kept things ticking passing the ball around. Sophie returned and added her energy into the midfield but unfortunately had to leave the field and stay off with an injury.

The Roses had a couple more chances with Chloe G hitting the post and Evie shooting just wide from distance as the game ended 3-1 to the Roses.

Player of the Match - Evie

Players of the Match were awarded to Evie and Caris. Evie added bite to her game this week as she fought many 50/50 balls and won them, she did the job she was asked to protect the defence well.

Player of the Match - Caris

Caris had a solid game, first to every ball, putting pressure on the striker keeping her away from goal and she showed some nice calm play with the ball and made a couple of strong runs forward.