ROSES BOW OUT TO SUPER STRIKES

The Roses faced Epworth in the League Cup, just several games after their 2-2 draw earlier this season.

The Roses were missing Kayleigh, Esme and Poppy which would pose some defensive challenges in the full back area.

We opted to change formation to try and cover those areas and compact centrally whilst maintaining two upfront. We defended valiantly but posed little threat going forward, generally relying on self made opportunities through Chloe G and Ellie.

Evie and Kiri slotted into the wide defensive areas and despite it being unfamiliar territory they did not let a lot get past them.

Epworth scored two goals fit for a match of the day goal of the month competition, after clearing a corner, a looping half volley and made it 1-0. The second another long shot which snook inside the near post and then a third which was hit with venom into the far corner.

3-0 down in the first half and not really a fair reflection on how the Roses had defended.

Second half we kept the play at 3-0 for the majority. Lyla made a superb save tipping a shot onto the bar. The resulting corner found an Epworth player who shot from the edge of the box and the ball took a slight deflection and found itself in the back of the net to make it 4-0.

The Roses had a couple of shots from distance through Ellie but she could only hit the signage behind the goal. One positive piece of play where we played the ball out from the edge of our own box through Lily, Kiri and Chloe G to put her through on goal for one of those chances.

In summary, the score did not feel like a fair reflection of the game but no doubt Epworth deserved the win. You make your own luck and if you don’t shoot, you don’t score.

Player of the Match - Kiri

Player of the Match was between a couple of players, special mention to Kate who showed good aggression at times to win the ball in midfield but it was ultimately awarded to Kiri, despite her pre-match doubt she slotted in at left back and did a really solid job for the team, she was rarely beaten and this match will give her a good understanding of what our defenders face and how she can help when higher up the pitch.

Keep going girls, we have real belief in what you are capable of, just believe it yourself, win your duels and stay positive for the team.