The Roses were in league action against Loughborough Sapphires for the first time this season.

A windy morning and quick rondo to warm up and we were already facing kick off. The Roses got underway and looked bright early, good to see players starting to lift their heads up and make a good choice of pass as we moved the ball forward well.

An early goal came following sheer determination to win the ball from Esme who played a well weighted pass through to Lenna and she chipped the ball to the back post and Ellie volleyed it in, a real controlled finish and one Coach Chad was delighted with given we had practiced playing the diagonal pass to a cross and finish at training this week.

The Roses continued to put pressure on the Loughborough goal, a similar move to our first goal fell to the ever lively Poppy but she snatched a little at her shot and it was well blocked, Lily T had a shot on the rebound but it needed more power.

The Roses were winning the midfield battle with Lily T providing the calm, she made a lovely turn on the ball sending the opposition in a different direction and played a good pass which was a great moment in the match, she is playing with real confidence at the moment. Alongside the calm we needed the Storm and Kayleigh was doing her best to disrupt play and win the ball, a real combative performance in the middle.

Largely the defence of Katie, Tilly and Esme were difficult to beat, the same for Lilia when she came onto the field for a puffed out Esme, all credit to her hard work. The few times they did get through Lyla cleared up with a long kick, she did provide security with what are now routine saves for her as she is getting so comfortable with her handling. Katie and Esme stepped out of defence with the ball really well, it was a worry that we could get hit with a counter attack but we always recovered when needed as we created space for others with their marauding runs.

Caris was introduced on the left and she played some nice passes with Ellie and Chloe to keep possession. Later in the game she would go on the right side where she would put in a lovely cross which was met by Kayleigh at the far post but we couldn’t find the target.

Just before half time the opposition had their best chance as they got through one on one but Lyla made herself difficult to beat and the striker put it wide of the post.

In the second half we seemed to go up another gear, Hallie had appeared after a little car engine trouble but there was no problem with her engine as she got around the pitch as she normally does, making it so tough for the opposition midfield, she won the ball a number for times and it is great to see her really pushing hard for a goal as she is starting to shoot from outside the box.

A good break down the left from Poppy and her effort was too strong for the goalkeeper and it was good to see Chloe pounce on the loose ball and finish the opportunity that presented itself.

A second quickly became a third when Esme took the ball from defence and up the wing to cross which was deflected into the goal, it was fantastic from Esme who had been doing this all game. Poppy almost added a fourth but her powerful shot was well saved by the goalkeeper at the second attempt as it crept away from her grasp.

Loughborough scored a goal late on with a looping shot as the Roses failed to clear. With several minutes remaining the Roses held out following a good all round display.

Player of the Match was awarded to Esme in this game, her all round play was excellent, this season she played as a striker, a central midfielder, a winger, a central defender and a full back. Testament to her character she just gets on and does a solid job in every role she carries out for the team, in recent weeks she has really made the defensive position her own. What is really pleasing is she is pulling all elements of her different roles into one and becoming a great all round player. She makes tireless runs and always gives everything she has for the team. It was extra special this week as several of our players also put forward Esme’s name for this award.

We also awarded Lenna for our Moment of the Match. She has really taken to her new role as a winger and she has listened in training and it’s starting to show as she is understating the importance of width in her role and a special moment on Sunday as she received the ball with a well timed run and chipped across the box for Ellie to finish.