BSLFC Res vs Widbrook United
Hampshire Division 1
Over the years, this has always been a tricky fixture. Despite the scoreline, in the end, this was no different.
Sports took the lead after a period of good pressure, Lander narrowly over the bar from close range, Sheppard striking a free kick on the bar from a distance, and Widbrook limited to brief glimpses from slight defensive haste. The breakthrough came after nice work from Captain Curtin, playing centrally but found herself released on the left, and her cross was half-cleared into the path of Lander, who smashed the ball low into the net.
Next, a little bit of fortune after a period of good Widbrook pressure, which resulted in us needing to defend many well-delivered corners, (many landing on Symes head) which led to a long ball by Nhemachena. This through ball seemed to be misjudged by all as it slid low past the midfield and defence. The ball fell to the anticipating Thompson, who calmly (ish) drove into the box and slid the ball past the stranded Widbrook keeper.
2-0 but not comfortable, McHillier was on hand to make a brave 1v1 save to thwart the Widbrook striker who was causing us all sorts of problems. It would not be long before a bit of panicked defending led to the ball being played to an abandoned winger on the back post. The lead now halved, 2-1.
Half time.
The second half started as the first finished. Widbrook on the front foot, and Sports pinned back. If not for a masterful intervention from Orton after the striker rounded our keeper, to make a goal line save that 2-2 was certain. yet somehow we kept them out. 2-2 and I think the game could have got away from us, but the game turned on this moment, and it wasn’t too long before Lander now playing on the right, fired a ball across the box to an eager Plummer who plucked the ball out of the air and smashed it home. 3-1 and morale-sapping for the visitors. With the opposition on the ropes, it was great to see two excellent goals finished off the tie. The first was a beautiful finish from Curtin from a Plummer lay off, off the post, top bins curling effort from the edge of the box! Then a sideline defying ball from Sheppard released Knapton down the right who pinged a low ball into the near post where Lander was darting. A slide finish, ball in the net, a heap of bodies on the floor, game over, 5-1.
The players recognised the pivotal point in the game, with players’ player going to Fabio.
Manager’s player went to Daisy Thompson for an excellent display of tenacity and calmness in her hold up play.
Rory went to Lander and Thompson for a comedy body slam clash in the second half, one where I think everyone stopped for a good giggle despite the ball being live!