From now on we should only play the second half of the game as for the second game in a row, half time has been the point where the team wakes up, starts believing in itself and plays good attacking football. Last time against Birkenhead the girls got it back to 4-4 but this time they came so close to winning the game after being 3-0 down at the interval. Unfortunately the visitors scored a great goal in the final minutes to take the points but this should take nothing away from a fantastic performance and a second half which was a real advert for girls football.
A good squad turnout and the nice Autumn sunshine all looked good at 9:30, but by 9:31 things didn't look so rosy when on the first Celtic attack the ball was in the back of the Waverton net. Cara was still eating her Weetabix, this was unfair. A few minutes later the score was doubled as our defence struggled to clear the ball. Although another goal gave the visitors (and some of our parents it must be said) the impression that this would be a thrashing, the team started to play and to look more solid. Olivia had a couple of chances to score including a great run down the left which left her one on one with the keeper. Nicola too had chances which she put just the wrong side of the post and Waverton won a number of corners as half time approached.
At half time the advice was again about not just watching the ball but players drifting past us and the need for our girls to give everything and keep tracking back and forward as their were play hungry players itching to get off the bench. The second half performance was much better and with Nicola looking to use her strength and speed to run at the defence with every opportunity, a goal looked likely. It came from Nicola following a cleared shot from Kiera which boosted confidence more. Then a great attack involving Nicola worked the ball to Olivia on the left who coolly slotted home to collect her first goal of the season. At the other end, Cara was in absolute top form in goal denying attack after attack with some brave saves that would have graced the Premier League.
Another Nicola goal brought the scores level and a real feeling that a win was possible. The Greenleas 'keeper got hurt in a challenge with Nicola but recovered well. In the dying minutes though a breakaway from the hooped shirted girls resulted in the fourth and deciding goal for the visitors.
This was an excellent performance which would have brought victory against a good side had it not been for the poor start. The encouraging things were the rise in confidence levels, the great team spirit, a determination to not be beaten, discussing and learning from the mistakes and the excellent football all over the pitch. Most of all the girls obviously enjoyed it.
Have a good weekend
MOM for AFC Waverton - Kiera Berry, for Greenleas Celtic Danni Boyard.
Training Tuesday at 5:30. KEEP AN EYE ON THIS WEBSITE THOUGH AS HEATHER'S KNEE RECOVERY HAS GONE BACKWARDS AND THERE WILL A FITNESS TEST ON MONDAY!
Game away at Greenleas (Wallasey) next Saturday. It is the first Sat of half term. Can players let Mike know asap if they can't play if they haven't done so already?
