Ladies 5s 0 - 0 Sonning Vets

This week we had to overcome not just the drizzly cold weather but also an imposing team too, the lovely veteran ladies from Sonning.

It was a very even match with good play from both sides, we had youth on our side and the vets had their experience. We pushed from the start and within minutes had our first attempt on goal. Some great play on the wing by Bex T and driving by Maddie, who showed great command of the ball, but the ball didn't find it's mark and soon went up the other end to test our own defence. And so began the pattern of the first half.

Pippa had a great game in the middle, intercepting and channelling well, supported by Jess D. We had some great balls out to the sides and up the field. These were made the most of by All our forwards, Catrin, Bex, Maddie and Emily with some great attempts on goal. We just couldn't get it past their goalie.

We were well supported in the middle Rippon and Holly and Jess W. And our back line worked hard, Helen was especially steadfast in the back, especially as we had several short corners. I held my breath for every short corner but the defence team cleared it every time!

In the second half we got a bit scrappy and desperate. We all wanted to win but it meant we all lost a bit of composure. We didn't track back as a team, or make sure that every ball was passed accurately. And most importantly we did not keep it simple.

Again we had our chances in the second half but could not realise them. We had 3 shirt corners which we very nicely taken but ultimately didn't find their mark. Overall we lacked urgency in the D and seemed a little unsure of our positions. This is something we'll work on in training.

Sonning had their share of short corners and we saw some great defensive play and saves by TJ. We had a moments scare when a goal came off a short corner. But, as Hayley can attested as it whizzed past her back, it was lifted and didn't count. A lucky escape for us. And so we headed off for a warming tea at the clubhouse.

Playing against the vets is a very different type of game and their considerable combined experience highlights our weaknesses. For a lot of our colts this is not keeping the ball on the end of their sticks and keeping things simple.