ROSES DISCIPLINED PERFORMANCE IN DRAW

We were missing Lauren and Poppy for this game against Epworth Forest Lionesses. An early kick-off at Holmes Park, you will struggle to find a better surface all season at the Leicestershire and Rutland FA headquarters.

After a disappointing fixture previously, we spoke about discipline and culture today before the game, doing a role for the team in the positions given, getting back into position out of possession and making us tough to play against and generally doing a job for the team and getting behind each other and supporting individuals in the team and backing them up. We did that all the way through, it was no surprise we came from behind twice as we kept going until the end and great to see all celebrating the equaliser. Great support from the girls on the side at the time as well and throughout. They really took everything onboard today!

In the first half, we felt like the more dominant team however we were not getting our shots off. Chloe ‘Gazza’ was causing concern for the Epworth back line with her powerful running and she lobbed the keeper but the ball went high and wide which was our best chance, however we were 1-0 down at this point following a good finish from the Epworth number 9 from outside of the box. Caris did a solid job marking her as she was a real goal threat and she was well covered by Lenna.

Sophie burst forward on the right and outmuscled the full back but her ball across goal was well dealt with. Defensively Sophie had a good game today marking the opposition number ten who was a real playmaker on the ball. She was well supported by Tilly who was holding her position in-front of the defence.

Despite being 1-0 down at half-time, we couldn’t make too many changes, we were in the game and had to stick to the task. Unfortunately we had to take Ellie off who was replaced by Chloe G who had come off just a short while before feeling unwell. We had also lost at times Sophie, Esme and Tilly with knocks during that half so had to be smart with how we used the squad. Chloe B and Lily who started on the side got into the game quickly, Chloe was causing a few problems with her strength and she battled well.

After a strong first half, we continued to be disciplined in the second, this was demonstrated so well by Katie and Kiri who worked their socks off all game out wide, smart with the ball and defensively solid whilst maintaining possession well.

Lyla made a strong save pushing away a shot from distance. Just as Epworth started to get on top, the Roses equalised, a good ball down our left found Chloe G and she really took control, powered past two defenders and smashed the ball past the goalkeeper with a powerful shot.

The Roses continued to defend well, Esme and Kayleigh were getting first to everything and were really strong at full back. Despite this we conceded direct from a corner, a wicked in-swinging cross from the Epworth number 9 and the ball found its way inside the near post with Lyla having lots of pressure on her. Epworth started to get on top as we tired but our defence was resilient, Lenna made some important blocks and was calm on the ball and Caris playing in her new role in central defence was covering well and nicking the ball from the toes of the attacker. 

Player of the Match - Chloe G

Ellie returned to the field for the last twenty minutes and Lily came back on after a short breather, Lily really came alive on the ball in the final stages of the game with some really smart passes and it was a quick interception and smart pass which allowed Ellie to put Chloe G through on goal as she burst through on goal and finished into the bottom corner.

The game finished 2-2 and for the first game of the season, both teams battled so well from start to finish.

It was a real team performance from the Roses today, we awarded Chloe G Player of the Match, she wasn’t feeling 100% today but had to keep going as we had a few struggling with injury before and during the game.

Very proud of them all! You could see they enjoyed it and took a lot from the game.