The girls took part in a tough encounter against solid opposition. The end result was a great game of football as both teams battled away in the middle and took turns in attempting to get close to goal. With less than 4 minutes on the clock CD was in possession on the left flank. She was able to pass the ball through the Lionesses defence, straight to SDB, who then took the ball round a defender and into the back of the net. AP kept the pressure on the Lionesses throughout the first half. She chased down the ball in the opposition half, breaking up play and starting attacking moves for the Phoenix. JM was an energetic striker, dropping deep to win the ball for her team, and then using her pace to get into goal scoring positions. The Lionesses struggled to defend against her movement off the ball. YC controlled the game in the middle. Playing against lively opposition, she found herself running back to support the defence and then running forward to support the attack. She remained calm and committed on and off the ball. A second goal did not appear in the first half. Equally, no goal was conceded. The Lionesses made a number of runs at the Phoenix defence, but were stopped in their tracks by the effective partnership of AW and LS. Between the two of them they worked together, winning every challenge, dealing with any long balls and supporting the attack during set pieces. There were a couple of Lioness attacks that did get beyond the defence. They were dealt with bravely by MK. She timed her runs well and pounced onto the ball before any attacking player could get a shot in. In the second half the game continued to be a very close affair. Both teams had opportunities, but despite the efforts it remained a single goal between the teams. LS and JM both took turns leading the attack as the Phoenix searched for another goal. AW ran at the defence down the right wing and was able to get a few crosses into the box. The Lionesses were unable to deal with the pace of the girls, and they were starting to show signs of tiredness. The Phoenix continued to pile on the pressure. AP battled in midfield, chasing loose balls and putting pressure on any opposition player in possession. CD was rock solid. She floated between defence and midfield to shut out the lionesses and push the Phoenix forward in attack. In the 38th minute, MK scooped up a loose ball in the box. Before the Lionesses had time to think she sent a brilliant long kick down the right flank. This fell into the path of SDB who ran at the Lionesses, holding onto the ball before releasing a long range shot right into the bottom corner. Minutes later YC added another goal. She picked up a loose ball outside the box. Despite being under pressure from a Lionesses defender, she controlled the ball, looked up and released a powerful shot that whizzed through the defence and into the back of the net. A well-earned win today. The foundation for the win was the rock-solid defence. Both teams battled for the ball for the entire game. It was a brilliant match to watch with a high tempo and plenty of action in both halves. A great performance from every single player. Some superb goals were scored, but it was the rock-solid defence and goalkeeping that was the foundation for the win. POTM was Matilda – another clean sheet, several important saves, and an assist. TOTW is Savannah – scored two, one from long range, and battled away throughout.
