23/09/2023
Kingswood United Gems v Malet Today.
Another game where injuries hampered the girls and lots of reshuffling was needed again proving what a benefit it is to have children who are confident and able to play in multiple positions.
The first half from the gems saw a lot of probing but just lacked that little bit of composure with the final pass or finish. After 20 minutes we saw 3 of our senior players within the team all sat on the bench receiving treatment and a reshuffle to a 4-4-2. When 3 big players leave the pitch early you look to the others to step up and that’s what they did today, voices where heard from our youngest players (we have 3 that play a year up and are almost 2 years younger then some of the girls!) We had leaders all over the pitch which is exactly what we ask for👏🏻👏🏻.
Half time came with a score of 0-0 and the girls looked like they had settled and started to dominate the game. We spoke about controlling the game and saving legs, playing the short game and moving the ball quicker. The girls started the second half and settled quickly and looked dangerous every time they had the ball. In the 49th minute they got their rewards, a move started by Belle in goal when cutting out a cross, her quick thinking set us off on the counter attack. A pass to Jess Hoff, at RB who inturn played into to Lucy in the centre circle who stoked the ball first time into the path of Maisie steaming down the right wing. Maisie took 1 touch then unleashed a rocket which beat the keeper only to hit the underside of the bar, but like all good centre forwards Marlie had followed in to ensure she capitalised and got the team the goal that the move deserved. 20secs to play through the 3rds, 5 players, 8 touches of the ball, plus an assist from the crossbar.
All was looking comfortable until the 70th minute which instigated the craziest 4 minutes of football I’ve probably ever seen!! An off the ball trip in retaliation to a late tackle, saw a red card issued to Holly. From the resulting free kick saw a deflection off one of our girls heads which put the ball into the roof of the net and out of Belles reach 1-1. From the restart we played out down the right wing where this time Izzy and Marlie combined well with a resulting cross from Marlie taking a huge deflection off a Malet defender and nestling into the near post. 2 minutes later and the Gems ensured they’d take 3 points for all their endeavours today, again it was Belle this time going straight down the Middle of the pitch picking out Bridie who swivelled and played into Marlie who likewise did the same to send Maisie racing clear. This time a low drive by Maisie found the bottom corner keeping her fine start to the season going 3 from 3 for our non stop number 14🙌🏻.
Today would of been so easy for the Gems to feel sorry for themselves and look to blame injuries shortage of players or even a red card as an excuse to not turn up and play. When odds are against you and big players are injured then it’s your turn to step up and shine.. every single one of them did that today🧡🖤
Coaches player of the game went to the full team,
Belle, Lydia, Emily, Harriet, Katie, Lucy, Abi, Jess, Izzy, Marlie and Maisie. With Cameos from the injured Jess, Bridie and Holly, although something tells me Holly will now regret not keeping the ice pack on her knee and staying on the bench 🤦🏻♂️🤣.
Parents Player went to Katie who impressed last week at left back when Emily limped out of the game and today with Emily covering Jess at Centre Back she produced another relentless performance and I believe one player was that impressed she even tried swapping shirts with her during the game 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
Goals from
⚽️Marlie
⚽️Maisie
⚽️OG
