A first defeat of the season for the Phoenix on Saturday in a closely matched game with Bedlington, who had beaten the team twice last season.

A slow start saw the team two down early on, as Bedlington were dominating possession and reacting to situations quicker. Ruby also made a couple of good saves to ensure we stayed in the game. Gradually the girls started to get a foothold in the game, with Jess’ dynamic energy and Ruby's range of passing starting to give Gracie some service upfront. We pulled a goal back when Anya played a nice kick-in to Gracie who executed a brilliant drag back turn to create space and fire home from the edge if the box. We kept on pressing and a second goal came just on half time when the ball was fed into Gracie who turned quickly and fired into the bottom corner. Great centre forward play.

The 2nd half started evenly with both teams threatening. Ruby again pulling off some good saves. We then took the lead. Daisy went to take a kick-in, and with no movement ahead, Anya decided to make a forward run from the opposite wing back position. Daisy saw the run, played a great pass and Anya collected the ball, went past a defender and finished excellently. Initially I was thinking ‘no don't run as it will leave us exposed defensively’, but great initiative – recognising there was no movement and showing leadership to make an impact.

Bedlington both replied quickly and then regained the lead. The remaining quarter of the match saw us threaten several times, noticeably Gracie's driving runs from defence, whilst Ruby also had to be alert in goal. Ultimately, we couldn't force an equaliser.

Take aways from the game would be:
We have closed the gap over Bedlington that existed last season , so credit to the girls on how they are developing their game.
Defensively – we need to work on communicating. We all need to be talking to each other to help nullify danger. Our Goal keeper and central defender, in particular, need to be constantly talking and organising. Also, when we lose the ball, or the opposition has a kick-in, the priority is to get into a compact, defensive 3-2-1 shape and not to find a player to mark. Only our striker should be ahead of the ball.
Attacking – more of us must be willing to meet a moving ball and drive at pace at the opposition. Sometimes we are waiting for the ball meaning a) the opposition could beat us to the ball and b) our dribbling is easier for the opposition to stop as they we are coming from a standing start.

Player of the match: Ruby M. Made up from having little to do in the first three games to having plenty to do. Great saves and commanding her area Well. Well done.