Neatherd V Northgate

Wednesday 1st November 2006

(Report written by one of the team, as Mr Sinclair on Paternity Leave!) 

Due to injuries Neatherd had only 11 players, the team trekked to Northgate…...what fun we had in the rain and wind. Once we arrived at Northgate Jess led a little warm up and we kicked a few balls at Becca to practice her goal-keeping skills. Neatherd had just heard that Adel (Northgate’s best player) wasn't playing, due to breaking her foot on tour! Shame, so all the girls were happy and fairly confident! Despite the horrific weather…..Rain, Hail, Wind; Neatherd were up for this match!

Neatherd started really well; there were some great runs down the right with Katie and Laurel doing one-twos. Neatherd looked to be the stronger side, until a ball slotted past Lu, Roxy and Emma towards a Northgate player, she was on a one against one with Becca (the goalie) and had a shot but luckily for Neatherd the shot was brilliantly saved! Well done Rebecca! 

After a good 10 minutes Neatherd had the most possession; Juliette, Zoe and Elaine had some great runs down the middle, Elaine crossed the ball into the area and Jess had a great shot and scored top right hand corner. Neatherd were 1-0 up! However this lead was not for long. The weather was changing every minute unfortunately for Neatherd it was hailing and blowing right into our faces, Northgate got the ball, had some good passing and managed to slot the ball through the Neatherd defense. Northgate’s right forward had a shot and scored.


A mistake by Neatherd's defense meant a 1-1 draw at half time.

After a little team talk Neatherd were lead back onto the pitch (raining at this moment) up for the second half. There was some great defending by Lauren, Roxy and Laurel and also some more great runs from Katie, Jules, Lainey and Jess. Despite the bad weather both teams were looking really good and were passing the ball well. Northgate got the ball and scored it was 2-1 Northgate, with only a few minutes to go Neatherd were getting worried and were determined to come back into the game! One of Northgate’s players took Roxy out by a bad tackle, she was not happy, but got a free kick for the foul, but the free kick went straight at Northgate in the wall. Northgate’s goalie made a great save from Jules shot and kicked the ball out to Lu, she booted it up towards the goal, the goalie looked as if she had it but it slipped out of her hands and Jess managed to get it in to the back of the net. It was 2-2 with only 3 minutes to go, Neatherd were so happy that they weren't going to loose!

Neatherd should have had a penalty due to a hand ball; but the refs decision was final and we didn't receive the penalty! If it had only been Mr Sinclair refereeing we would have probably won! The final whistle went. The girls played really well to draw 2-2, there was some excellent goal keeping by Becca! Well done to everyone. REMEMBER TRAINING!!!

Jess - Scored 2 goals
Player of the Match; Becca, Jess & Katie (Joint award today!)

Jess: midfield and striker
Roxy: defender
Becca: goalie
Katie: midfield
Lu: midfield
Laurel: defender
Lauren: defender
Juliette: midfield and striker
Zoe: midfield and striker
Emma: defender
Elaine: midfield and striker