Starlands travelled to Woverhampton to play second in the League Wednesfield.
Just to get things in proportion - Wednesfield have won 15 games and drawn two.
They have beaten Warwick Angels 8-1 & 11-0
They have beaten Kingshurst Diamonds next weeks opponents 9-1 & 5-0
They have beaten Redditch 8-0 and 10-0
They have beaten Leamington 8-0 and 5-0
They beat Kingshurst Sporting 10-0
and Sutton 18-1..
They even beat Top of The League Stratford 8-2!!
So, LET'S GET THIS INTO PERSPECTIVE....STARLANDS bottom of The League held Wednesfield to 5! and could have scored a couple themselves! Tremendous effort girls !
Starlands had almost a team of substitutes this week! and The girls are going to have to get use to rotating subs - Therefore, when they are on the pitch there is NO EXCUSE for not giving 100% effort and running their socks off - and then having a breather.
Starlands held Wednesfield for the first 10-15 minutes, they looked organised and resolute in defence.
Alex was in the starting 7 making her debut -and was looking comfortable int he midfield. She and Samantha were full of running.
Sinead was solid in defence and Holly was coming off her line to make some really telling clearances.Although she was slightly worried about kicking the little opposition striker up in the air.
Georgia was having a really good game in midfield and later in defence.She was showing signs of a maturity and was playing for the team - encouraging others and getting stuck in.
Wednesfield were playing some delighful football - from a corner they played it back, drawing in the Starlands defence and then playing it back to the corner for a quick cross and a bullet header to narrowly go wide.
Starlands were closing down the home side - and when Holly remembered to come off her line encouraged by the away support - was making some great clearances.
Wednesfield were forced to shoot from distance - and took the lead from a shot outside the box.Holly had no chance and a low drive went in the bottom corner. 1-0.
Georgia was put through from a long ball, and as the ball bounced she was shoulder to shoulder with the defender. She pulled the trigger just as the challengeer went in. The ball flew towards the goal, but it was deflected just too high.Nothing resulted from the enuing corner.
Wednesfield went 2-0 up. Again, forced to shoot from outside the box through a crowd of players into the bottom corner.
Becky made a few substitutes and Grace came on replacing Hannah for her debut.
Grace like Alex was full of running. It was never going to be easy - with only one training session under their belts and still getting to know the other girls.But, the signs were promising.
Wedensfield had another shot blocked by Holly narrowing the angle - forcing the shot high.Followed by a reaction save from a bullet shot straight into her face.It was fantastic stuff - and to her credit Holly did not flinch!
Wedensfield without a shadow of a doubt were a class act.Starlands stood back too often and were too respectful at times - and forgot that they too can dish out some physical play.
3-0 came just before half time - again, a shot outside the box.
Already Starlands could claim a moral victory.
The second half, Becky made a few more changes. Martha and Hafsah coming on.
Hafsah was her usual lightening self around the pitch and put herself about, playing a few nice passes. Martha seemed a little out of sorts and a bit off the pace - which was strange considering she won Girl of The Game against Marston & was part of the recent successful District ChampionTeam.Without doubt Martha will be back to her best very soon, but Becky could not afford to carry anyone and put Jade on.This is something that Starlands can now afford to do with new signings.
Jade looked a little happier - and showed signs of improvement from last weeks debut.
Sinead moved from defence and played up front. She looked a physical presence for the Wednesfield defence to handle and was getting stuck in.Unlucky not to get a few breaks and a shot away.Georgia had moved back to marshall the defence with Lauris - solid as ever clearing the lines.
Georgia pushed forward - and found herself raining down on goal - but took a little too long to pull the trigger and was forced wide.
Wednesfield then showed Starlands how to pass the ball around. They were drawing the player and passing nice one two's.Players were running onto the ball and a 4th and 5th goal resulted from such play.
However, 5-0 it was to remain. This truly felt like a victory for Starlands - and the signs of improvement continue to come.
Next week, The girls play Kingshurst Diamonds. Becky is away in London - so Let's try and give her a nice surprise when she returns! a victory!!!!
Girl of The Game award went to ALEX - for her determination and effort. frequently tracking back to block crosses and shots.Georgia had an outstanding game and truly played as part of the team.Well Done!
Well done also to Grace - who gave 100% - and made a very encouraging first start supporting defence and attack.
Hopefuly we will welcome some more new players next week. WELL DONE GIRLS!!!! VERY PROUD OF YOU ALL.
