A midweek game and last match of the season for the Roses, we capped it off with one of our strongest performances against tough opponents in Albert Village.

We had the whole squad available which was fantastic, great to sign off with everyone involved.

We started strong as did the opposition as we kicked into the glaring sun. Katie was causing lots of problems down from our right side as she took players on and was aggressive to win the ball back when out of possession. She put in a couple of great crosses early which caused panic in the Albert Village defence. Lenna flicked the ball goalward from one of Katie’s corners but the goalkeeper saved well.

At the other end Lyla made a great save, a strong run from the opponents strong number 18 and a powerful shot was tipped over the bar with a strong hand. For the remainder of the half, Lyla dealt with anything that came through putting a strong name on the ball and taking ownership of anything coming into the box.

The midfield three were working hard and doing their job well, Tilly and Lily were breaking up play and finding feet and Hallie was pressing when we were out of possession

The Roses made a tactical switch putting an extra player upfront to support Ellie and it looked to pay off off when Chloe ran onto the ball and found Poppy, she finished into the far corner but it was chalked off for offside, frustrating as the referee had given the goal until consulting with the linesman, offside given for the first phase. Unlucky Poppy!

Defensively we were tight, Esme had a real battle with the skilful striker and Kayleigh was supporting the ever calm Lenna and the determined Lilia when anything came through.

Half time 0-0.

The second half kicked off and the Roses came out quickly, a wonderful bit of skill from Sophie saw her escape her marker and a perfect pass over the top found Ellie who poked the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

We almost made it 2-0 quickly when Caris skilled her way past the defender and put a great ball across to Ellie but she couldn’t finish and was then crowded out by some good defending.

We made it 2-0 with some good play from Kiri down our left and the ball eventually found its way through to Ellie who scored a similar goal to her first.

Lyla made a couple to strong saves at the other end, 1v1 she smothered the attack and won the ball and then moments later a shot looked destined for the far corner and she managed to divert it away from goal and then jump onto the loose ball from the rebound.

Ellie scored again to get her hatrick when when we won the ball high up the pitch, it was another well taken goal. The Roses could have extended the lead further through Poppy when Chloe B pressed the ball on the edge of the box but her chances were well smothered by the goalkeeper and Chloe GS also hit a shot which went over the bar.

The game finished 3-0 which saw the Roses cement 3rd place in the league this season. We were so pleased with the effort in the match and maturity in the performance. Defensively superb and well structured in the attack. Well done girls, you’ve been brilliant.

There were so many good performances today, we awarded our goalkeeper Lyla Player of the Match, she made 3 fantastic saves and commanded her area really well.