Phoenix went up against West Moor, who sat top of the table with a 100% record on Saturday. Having lost 10 – 4 to West Moor in pre-season, the team knew what aspects we had to address in order to try and win the game – match their work rate and keep our shape.
The girls certainly didn’t disappoint. From the onset the team were on the front foot, whilst ensuring we were secure at the back. Indeed, I heard the West Moor coaches comment after 10 mins that they hadn’t managed to get out of their own half and this was not due to the wind, which was moving across the pitch.
How did we manage to camp in their half? Well, Daisy was anchoring the midfield, Gracie was providing the support to Lucy’s hold-up play up front, with a dynamic box to box performance and, critically, our back 3 were staying high, condensing the space meaning we could maintain our attacks time and again by winning the ball back quickly. This was allowing Anya and Ruby to drive forward in the wide areas each time we won the ball back. We went close several times, with Gracie in particular shooting every time an opportunity presented itself. Some last gasp defending also lead to us having several corners. The only thing missing was a goal.

West Moor came into the game in the last 5 minutes of the half, with Ruby making one good save before West Moor took the lead with a great strike. We managed to half clear an attack to the edge of the area before one of their players hit a great shot into the corner of the goal. Half time, one nil down.

The second half started in similar vein as the first with the girls launching attack after attack. I can recall Anya, Jess, Gracie, Eve and Ruby all going close or were rebutted by 2 excellent saves from the opposition keeper. Somehow we were unable to force the equalizer. We would be made to pay, as West Moor were awarded a penalty for hand ball. Personally, I think giving a penalty in mini football for taking evasive action to the face - and where the action does not effect the direction of the ball - is a very harsh decision. We had a couple of further chances to force a goal back but it would prove one of those days.

When you reflect on a game, you sometimes get a feeling that you were on top, however, reflecting on the this game, all the numbers back up this thinking except the most important statistic!

Corners … we had at least 10, whilst I can not recall West Moor having any
Goal Kicks … they must have had a least 15, whilst I can recall Ruby having to take 2 at the very most
Shots at goal …. Must have been 15 to 20, granted a few were wide of the goal. Ruby only had one (excellent) save to make. Ruby’s highlight of the game was the brilliant catch she took grabbing a high ball out of the sky

Ultimately, we were left scratching our head wondering how we did not win the game. The strange statement I would make – considering we lost and did not score – is that this was the best team performance I have seen the girls play in 7v7 format … a) high caliber opposition, b) work rate, c) defensive discipline and playing a position for the benefit of the team d) confidence to drive at and commit defenders.

Opposition Player of the Match: Jess