St.Albans Derby Day

So, a local derby and our first meeting with ST. Albans City South. We travelled all the way to the other side of town not sure what to expect. Would the climate be different? Would se be able to speak the language? Were there any new customs that we needed to be aware of?

First up, many thanks to City and the parents, friendly and encouraging to all the girls.

The game started and the first few minutes were all midfield with both teams eager to break the deadlock, and then came El Cazo, took the ball, dropped her shoulder and we knew what was coming, a great finish after skipping past two to three players and calmly hitting the corner. The game then became fast and furious and this is where the dogged resilience of our newest player Amelia paid off. She tackled and tackled, won the ball, a little nutmeg and her first goal. Brilliant and worthy of player of the match. City then came back strong, hit the post and it wasn't long before they were also scoring. We had a change and Eva as secure as ever in goal was great, running out to clear and quick passes to the defence to play out was superb. Great goalkeeping.

At this point the game was back in the middle of the field so a quick change and Eda was told to break the pattern and create. She did this brilliantly, runs up the wing, crosses and one twos were what we needed. At this point we had either Anna or Milly in the centre taking hold of those crosses and pressing the City defence. Anna was so close several times with some class shots and Milly tackled and tackled until she ended on the score sheet. Well done Milly. Half time came and went and India was eager to get on pitch despite her injury. She came on and from that point the game was up and down the wings with her playing out and counter attacking skills. A final mention here to Hope, she was rested at training but you couldn't tell, a few drag backs and some shots on goal nearly got her on the score sheet.

What a great game and City really gave us a run for our money, we are looking forward to hosting them when they also make that long journey to ours!