Sunday saw the Lionesses take the short trip over to Barrow for what is usually an enjoyable morning of football with both teams trying to play attractive football. This week didn’t disappoint with a frilling contest that that saw the points shared. The Lionesses started strongly playing some purposeful and composed football, but were unable to make the early pressure tell thanks to some committed defending. That pressure eventually told with Aleeza holding the ball up in the final third, then having the intelligence to thread a pass through to Jess who fended off some robust last ditch defending to find the net. As the half continued, Barrow grew into the game and seemingly started to dominate the battle in the middle. Whilst defensively the Lionesses stood firm that midfield dominance eventually found their number 9, who created a bit of space on the right and curled one past our outstretched keeper, Lily to bring the scores level. That only inspired Barrow who could have gone in front if it wasn’t for the heroics of Lily in goal who rushed off her line to block what was seemingly a second for the home side.

The first half finished all square which on balance was probably fair given the strong Lioness start but Barrow ending the stronger. Half time brought about a tactical change for the Lionesses with the move to flood the midfield and counter the 3-5-2 formation that was giving Barrow the upper hand in the middle. The change worked with Gen bolstering an already strong middle of Liv and Immy with her relentless desire to compete for everything out of possession. The pace, relentless desire and vision of Daisy, Eadie and Edie out wide, together with an intelligent performance for Aleeza started to cause the opposition problems but we could not seem to break the deadlock.

Then arguable against the run of play Barrow executed a textbook corner to take the lead. With 25minutes left on the clock that brought about an immediate response from the Lionesses. Defensively they remained strong throughout so with a push for an equaliser we moved to a 3-5-2 formation. Unfortunately, Lily A was unable to shake off an earlier knock which was a shame as she was adding strength at the back, but the move to 3 left Aimee, Mia and Phoebe holding the back line firm. That three continued to build on the solid platform created by all the defenders, but also gave the assurance for the attacking minded players to push for more goals.

What was pleasing to see was the way the ladies responded to the tactical changes, showing their true understanding of football and the intelligence to respond to the challenges set to counter a determined Barrow side. That shift together with the return of Jess gave The Lionesses some instant success, thanks to a driving run from Liv to find Jess in another great position who calmly found the equaliser. It was only what the Lionesses deserved, but not content with that they pushed for the winner. Unfortunately, the Lionesses ran out of time but there was plenty of positives to take from the game. Well done to Barrow who played there part in a competitive match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

Bosworth highlights included the second half shift to three at the back which freed the wider players to drive forward and attack the flanks. Aims, Mia and Phoebe remained defensively resolute whilst showing bravery to play out from the back. That approach was particularly successful down the left were they demonstrated composure, vision and positional awareness from Mia, Phoebe and Immy who had some great success in transition. Liv moved to CDM in the second half, not only providing great protection for the back 3 but also the ability to dominate the middle, often driving forward or finding some cute passes to help build another attack. Gen and Immy, supported by Liv helped regain control in the middle but also had the bravery and creativity to build multiple attacks. Edie, know originally for her defensive attributes has turned into an important wing back, with great vision and some pin point balls into the final third. Eadie on the over side with her direct and purposeful driving runs constantly had the defence back peddling and was as equally relentless out of possession. Aleeza built on her strong start to her Bosworth career with another positive performance. Yes, she was not on the score sheet this week, but her link up play and relentless desire shows she is already a important Lionesses who played a part in our opener. Similarly, Daisy also worked hard and responded well to some positional changes to provide a threat on the left. That aside it was her defensive attributes from the front that really stood out, chasing down everything. Phoebe and Liv were also unlucky not to be up for an award. Liv for the commanding CDM role and Phoebe for her composure often under pressure in defence to transition us into another attacking phase of play.

The player of the week could of gone to several of the ladies not only because of their ability to adapt to the tactics we set to impact the game as it unfolded, but the high level of football they continued to play. That said there had to be an award and the Central Coop and PhD Architect Ltd player of the week went to Immy and Jess. First Immy for her dominant performance in the middle, linking well with Phoebe on the left to transition into attack, but also her composure and vision with some Beckham like balls. Its not just her attacking threat but her dominance out of possession that earned her this award. Secondly, we could not end without a second award gong to Jess. Jess worked tirelessly up top, defending from the front, holding the ball up, forming a great striking partnership with Aleeza and Daisy and having the vision to create a number of chances. Her clinical finishes, in part were not possible without the team ethos, vision and desire that is engrained in them all, but without her deception and well timed runs, then having the skill and composure to create the space to take two important goals at key moments in the game.

Well done to Immy and Jess on your player of the match awards, but also the whole team for the important role they play in a well-rounded team performance. Whilst the Lionesses were disappointed not to take all three points there was plenty of positives to take home which we will take into next weeks return fixture at Newbold. Up the Bozzy…….