Women’s 4s 1 - 2 Wayfarers 3s (A)
By Thea Oakley
With a delayed start due to a long traffic queue, the clash between Surbiton 4s and Wayfarers 3s began. Hopefully we can burn off some of the few too many Christmas roast potatoes after a long restful break!
Almost instantly, Neve commenced our forward attacks with some brilliant dribbles down the left side, hoping to cut inside to make a pass to Tegan in the D. However, Wayfarers quickly reciprocated with some dangerous entrances into our twenty-five, calling into action our defensive warriors – Charlotte, Amber, Aoife, Maddie and Bessie.
Maddie especially stood out at the back, delivering awesome tackles and distributing the ball with precision, while the team effectively transferred play across the back line and into the midfield. But Wayfarers capitalised early with a goal, following a well-executed attack that put them 1-0 ahead.
Amber, Aoife, and Bessie showcased their versatility, rotating seamlessly between defensive and attacking play. Meanwhile, Charlotte Stacey acted as a funnel for linking midfield to forward with intelligent positioning and posting up to our defenders. Despite hard work from Lisa and Charlotte, forming the top and bottom of the diamond, we struggled to break through and find the back of the goal. And there sounded the half-time whistle!
The second half we came out with burning determination, grit and incredible teamwork to go for the goal we needed to narrow the close score. With a few changes to the formation, Charlotte G striding up front from defence and Tegan substituting into midfield from forward, we managed to earn multiple short corners. But we struggled to convert, thanks to the Wayfarers goalkeeper being on exceptional form - a standout moment was close to success as Charlotte unleashed two cracking strikes from the top of the D, only to be denied by two split saves.
It was not long until the ball was at the other end and our solid press was broken after being maintained for a large majority of the game. Unfortunately, the opposition extended their lead to 2-0 after converting a clean deflection from a short corner.
With time ticking away, hope seemed to dwindle until a miraculous short corner restored life to the game. Charlotte expertly took the top spot and slipped the ball to Thea on the right. Thea delivered a sharp cross to the left post, where Emily was perfectly positioned to tap in, making it 2-1.
Sadly, we couldn't find the equaliser, and the match concluded with a narrow 2-1 loss. So we pack up our kit ready for next week, except for Thea’s big two litre water bottle, left solemn and lonely on the pitch, waiting to be rescued by Amber and Aoife.
There are definitely positives to adopt from the game as we move onto next week with positivity, confidence and even more determination to climb the ranks of the table. Hopefully some more punctuality too!
POM = Maddie – for her solid defending and exceptional play out of the back.
DOD = Thea – for abandoning her poor water bottle and being late :)