ROSES FINISH YEAR ON A HIGH

A strong year for the Roses which started with a defeat to Coalville and ended with a win against Epworth, the team has navigated a promotion and a County Cup semi-final in that time.

On a cold but sunny morning in Newbold, the Roses took their own warm up getting ready for the match. Struggling with illness and absence, the Roses were missing Lenna, Esme, Sophie and Chloe B but still had 12 available. Additionally Chloe G was struggling with a foot injury and Caris also with illness. Epworth were very much in the same boat.

The Roses started brightly with the wide play effective, Lauren and Kayleigh linking well down the right with Kiri and Chloe down the left.

The Roses scored first through Chloe, some strong defending from Caris allowed Tilly to pick up the loose ball and play a through pass and despite missing an earlier chance she poked it past the keeper. The Roses could have scored several goals in the first half if it was not for some good goalkeeping.

Ellie made it 3-0 with two good finishes, again chasing down a through ball for one of the goals and a cool finish with her second made from her own hard work, pressing a defender and then capitalising before finishing to make it 3.

At the other end, Lyla was having a quiet half and doing the basics well, a couple of testing shots which she handled without problems however she was kept busy later in the game.

In the second half, Epworth were creating chances and they scored quickly after the restart. Some good play down their right and a cut back saw a good finish from close range.

The Roses had to dig in second half and although created chances with Chloe on the left causing problems for a good part but Epworth were on top. Katie was covering well and Caris was attacking the ball. Kayleigh used strength and power to win the ball having a good battle with their wide player and Kiri in an unfamiliar position was doing an excellent job. Beth put herself into the battle in the second half especially with some strong 50/50 tackles.

Player of the Match - Ellie

The midfield 3 of Evie, Tilly and Lily were having to work hard to protect our defence, making some important interceptions and Lily had a calmness about her play, she often even under pressure found a pass out to a forward or wide player to set us on the attack and this is why she was awarded Player of the Match, she was closely followed by Lauren who had a brilliant first half until she tired.