STARLANDS 2 - SOLIHULL BOROUGH 4 (12th May 2012 - Home)
Starlands were disappointed to have their midweek game against Redditch cancelled due to a waterlooged pitch.
On this final performance - Redditch were lucky to escape!
When Starlands last played Solihull - they were on the wrong end of 8-0 beating,that could have easily been more - if not for a fantastic defensive team effort.
More of the same was going to be required today - and Holly was expected to be busy.
Becky called off sick last minute and a new management team of Simon & Simon aided by club Physio Kevin stepped up to the plate.
Starlands were a couple of players down - but Lauris rushed over from a music exam to make the second half.
Samantha - decided to hand the Captaincy over - and following recent good performances a decision was made to revert back to Starlands first ever Captain - Georgia.
There was a game plan - of sacrificing Samantha's natural wandering game to man mark the Solihull No.9 and leading goal scorer out of the game.
Sinead and Hannah looked solid at the back - with almost a 3 girl defence.
Hafsah back from her recent school team success was linking well with Georgia and Alex in a 3 pronged attacking midfield.
All the girls - seemed to be playing in their allotted positions and really working for one another.There was some lovely midfield wing play from Alex,Hafsah & Grace,
Solihull did not know what had hit them - and the game was very even for the first 10 minutes - with Starlands actually having more attacks. The ball for once actually seemed to be running to Starlands advantage.
Solihull, without a shadow of a doubt were a better footballing side - but what these other teams lack is Our Girls Hearts & Determination!
Solihull took the lead from nowhere, a stubbed shot by Zoe which seemed to find its way into the corner of the net. Supporters actually thought it had missed because of a hole in the back of the net. Holly could not believe how she had let such a silly goal in herself.
Starlands did not give up - and had belief. A lovely Team move forced the way through the midfield onto Georgia who went by the defender with some lovely skill and buried the shot into the top corner. Starlands were back in it 1-1. There was a look of shock on the Solihull players and coaches faces.The Starlands crowd went wild!!!!
This excitement was short lived as Solihull regained their composure - and once again took the lead with a scrambled goal by Eve.
Yet, Starlands continued to press - and the pressure resulted in a corner.Georgia crossed the ball towards the front post with pace, it forced the Solihull defender to turn the ball into her own net. 2-2 was the score ,and Georgia was claiming her 2nd goal of the match!
Just before the break Holly was called into action and made an outstanding save, tipping the ball around the post.
The half time break came - and Starlands were well and truly in this game.In fact, it felt to the supporters and girls as though they'd won the match!..just a shame there was another 30minutes to play....Could they hold on?
The second half, Starlands continued to be in the faces of Solihull. Not allowing them to settle on the ball and play their usual game. That was to Starlands credit , Solihull were forced into a change of tactics - and they took off their star player No.9 and top scorer of over a rumoured 60 goals?!! Samantha had well and truly done her job and stopped her scoring.
Grace and Lauris came on - and were interchanged between Alex,Samantha,Hannah and Sinead. All having faultless displays - trying to play the ball wide and making telling tackles.Hafsah and Georgia were running at the Solihull defence and were unlucky not to break free.
But,Solihull took the lead once again - following a lovely header from a crossed ball.There was nothing Starlands could do.
Holly had come off her line bravely on a number of occasions - and stopped one shot right in her midrift.
Jade came on - and was soon into the thick of the action.Firstly, she was on the edge of the Solihull box with the ball at her feet.Unfortunately a little disorientated kicked it back towards The Starlands end.The ball came back and was whacked clear!...the ball was hit with such force it struck Jade right in the face and knocked her backwards.To her credit she bounced straight back up and carried on!..That just sums up The Starlands spirit.She then even had a shot go narrowly wide!
Solihull - followed up their third goal with a replica 4th, straight form the corner it was headed in.
The whistle soon came - and Solihull were a very relieved team. Starlands had played their socks off! Everyone of them had given 100% and had given The League runners up a real scare.Well done girls.
Solihull Coaches - Said We were the most improved team they had seen all season!
Girl of The Game was awarded to Georgia for her 2 goals.But, in truth it was a magnificent effort from every single one of the girls. WELL DONE GIRLS! & THANK YOU PARENTS!
BIG Thank you to Jason & Tracy for helping out pre match.
Hopefully Becky will get well soon!
