On Saturday 25th February the Phoenix were at home against Garston- a reverse of the fixture last weekend. Games against Garston are always very competitive and the last few have been close contests. This game would turn out to be very one sided in the Phoenix favour, which really highlights how good the team were in this match.
The girls started well and were full of energy. In the early moments Garston were put under pressure and were not able to make their passes – the Phoenix on the other hand were making passes and forcing the ball up the field.
The first goal came in just under 6 minutes. SDB made a perfectly timed tackle in the middle of the pitch – cleanly winning the ball and then charging forward. As she sprinted forward, she saw JM making a run. SDB made a perfectly weighted pass which fell straight into the path of the advancing JM.
JM had already made a great run forward – with the momentum behind her she needed only the slightest touch of the ball to roll it into the back of the net. It was a well taken shot. She was delighted to have scored and was soon surrounded by celebrating teammates.
The girls were buoyed on by this early lead. They were enjoying their football.
The lead was doubled 7 minutes later. SDB, who had been unlucky not to score with some earlier shots, dribbled through the Garston defence and powered the ball into the goal. As soon as she had the ball, she knew where she was going to run, and she executed it as intended.
LV played in midfield and made some excellent bursting runs down the wings. Her energy had a positive impact on her teammates and caused Garston to back off, which allowed the Phoenix to push up. She got into some excellent attacking positions when teammates had the ball – this created options for the attack and stretched Garston. She was just as important when Garston had the ball, she used her pace to get in front of their wingers forcing them to play inside.
AW was putting in her usual energetic performance in midfield – balancing the defensive cover with pushing forward when the Phoenix were in possession. She showed both sides to her game in the 18th minute. She dropped back and won the ball from a Garston player deep in the Phoenix half. She ran with the ball into the Garston half, shook off the defender, cut inside and laid a perfect cross into the box.
On the receiving end was AP. She struck the ball first time with her left foot to score the 3rd Phoenix goal. A well worked goal.
AP was in good form in the first half. She constantly harried the opposition and whenever she was in possession she made an attempt at goal. She was then also on hand to pounce on any rebounds. She scored two further goal to cement a first half hat trick. One of those was a great individual goal, the other after receiving an attacking pass from LS.
LS had been solid in defence prior to this. She gave Garston no chance and easily dealt with, and closed down, any opposition attack. She also played an important part in the attacking pressure. Whenever she could she drove the ball forward, moving it away from Garston and creating space for teammates. This kept the Phoenix marching forward and placed her in good attacking positions to create goals for teammates.
As much as the team were driving forward, Garston did occasionally hit the Phoenix on the counterattack. MK was always alert to the threat and made sure to keep the defence organised. There were very few clear chances for Garston, and any that did materialise were swiftly dealt with MK’s well timed charging saves. She made a very important save in the last few minutes of the first half.
YC took a free kick which was awarded 20 yards outside the box. She stepped up to the ball confidently and struck the ball with power and precision. It glided passed the Garston defence and into the top corner. It was a perfect free kick and a well-deserved goal – YC had created several chances for her teammates, with her usual selfless passing.
FLS powered away in midfield - she put Garston under pressure in the centre and worked hard to break down any potential attack. When she won the ball she was always quick to drive the ball forward – either by running with the ball, or passing it to the attacking players.
Despite the score line, Garston did have some chances in this half. There were a number of Garston players who were skilful on the ball and liked to run at players. CD was kept busy and needed to be alert to stop the runs and close of attacking options. She read the game well and prevented any real attacking threat. Later in the half she played as striker and enjoyed some time on the ball in the opposition box.
2nd half
CD took on goalkeeping duties in the 2nd half. Although she only initially agreed to spending some time in goal, she wanted to stay there for the whole half. Clearly, she was enjoying the change. She was kept busy, and made some really good saves – long and close range. Her long goal kicks were used to great advantage. Early in the second half she kicked the ball straight into the Garston box and straight at the feet of SDB who neatly tapped the ball into the goal. Clean sheet and an assist for CD.
FLS was unlucky not to get a goal in the second half. She had made several excellent runs into space and was at one point through on goal. The goalkeeper was quick off her line and it was a battle as to who would reach the ball first. FLS managed to get her foot to the ball, however the goalkeeper was now so close she was able to quickly smother the ball. It was a very close margin. She did set up a goal for SDB, winning the ball in the Garston half and playing it forwards. A well-played assist.
SDB made no mistake when she got the ball. She beat several defenders, moved the ball into position and struck it cleanly. Throughout the second half she troubled Garston with her tackling, running and passing. Whenever she had the ball the opposition were on the back foot and usually sent two players to mark her, which created space for her to run into, and pass the ball into.
YC controlled the second half. She dropped deep to shore up any Garston attack and she would either hold up the ball, or play a long pass out wide. Even when under pressure, she found time to think and find the right pass. In that position she influenced the game and ensured that the Phoenix were always heading forwards and that Garston were pushed back as soon as they tried to breakaway. A very disciplined performance.
LS made use of the fact that the Phoenix were in a comfortable position and played in midfield for some of this half. She clearly enjoyed this and battled away, winning the ball in midfield and taking on the Garston defence with her dribbling. When she had the ball they could not get it from her. She also took on throw on duties and launched a number of long balls into the box. She was a constant threat to Garston and she made it impossible for them to get into the game.
AW and LV took on defensive duties and worked really well together. They were organised and communicated – making sure that every attacking player was covered. AS the Phoenix pressed forward, Garston did counter attack in numbers. Often AW and LV were left outnumbered, but they always made the right decision to stand or charge forward and they won every ball. Their positioning and organisation was crucial and paid off with a second half clean sheet.
JM and AP carried their energy into the second half. AP always seemed to be in the midst of the action and JM was always running into space ready for the ball. AP could have had another goal – she won the ball outside the box and took a shot which just missed the goal. She constantly put pressure on Garston high up the pitch. JM was always in a dangerous position and she had several touches in the opposition box. Quite late on she was also unlucky not to score – the ball was crossed into her and she hit it first time, but it just rolled wide. Her positioning made her difficult to mark.
A great performance from the Phoenix – and an impressive score line against a team that usually give us a close game. This was a real showing of individual talent, with every girl playing at their best coupled with team work and a fantastic team mentality. Another positive is that a number of players were in unfamiliar roles to really showcase the versatility of the Phoenix.
POTM was AP – her energy today set her apart – she constantly pressured Garston in their own half. She scored a first half hattrick, with a combination of great team goals and superb solo efforts. Hard work pays off!
TOTW is LS – she battled away today with her usual tough tackling, but also showed how good she is going forward. She kept running at Garston and could not be beaten. Her dribbling, and passing, ensured that the Phoenix were always pushing towards goal.
Report by C.Williams
