Match Report
BSLFC vs Woodley Ladies (league cup)

We welcomed Woodley to Chapel Gate for the first time as Woodley currently play a league above us. Although they currently sit bottom of the prem their recent form against teams we knew were very strong seemed to suggest this would not be a walk in the park.

The first sight of goal came about 15 minutes in when a run down the left from Eden out wide put her in a position to square across the goal but it was cleared off the line before we could touch it in

10 minutes later and Woodley were testing our defence, despite what looked like a foul on Vernon and then Yeo sliding in but not making contact with player or ball Woodley were awarded a corner. The first was cleared behind by a good defensive header before the second found an unmarked Woodley player arrive late around the penalty spot, fortunately she could only volley over.

Chances were difficult to come by for both teams and both teams tried to play football against two well organised defences. Eden drew a superb one handed save from the Woodley GK just after half hour as her cross deflected off the head of a defender and in to the opposite direction she was travelling.

Eden was having a great time running up and down the left like a puppy with a tennis ball. She rounded the GK on the 38th minute but the GK got a touch on the ball and pushed her to two wide to shoot and she was unable to pick out a sports player as the defence and GK recovered.

Miles attempted a long range free kick just before half time but it was just slightly too high and wide to test the GK.

Despite the fact Clarke was yet to make a save we’d seen enough to know that Woodley carried a threat and they were going to be very difficult to break down. Their GK also looked to be a very capable shot stopper so the last thing we wanted was the lottery of penalties.

Woodley came out fast in the second half and we were fortunate Clarke was on her toes to make a good save with her foot 5 minutes in.

The game seemed far more open second half and Eden drew another good save on 56 after a delightful through ball from Miles, she brought the ball down 6yds out just wide of the goal but couldn’t beat the GK from the angle.

A clever short free kick from Miles 3 minutes later gave Corredera Espejo a chance on the edge of the box but she couldn’t organise her feet quick enough and shot at the GK.

Brewer was finding a little more freedom as the game went on and found herself through just after the hour mark but didn’t take her chance early enough and the gk was out to smother the ball close to her goal.

Brewer then made a good run down the right fed the ball to Miles who’s cross was diverted by the recovering defender drawing another fantastic save from the GK to her bottom left.

63 minutes on the clock, we finally found a way past the Woodley GK and it was definitely worth waiting for.

A ball over from Miles was brought down on the first touch by Eden before expertly volleying in over the keepers head from 20yds. She might not score tap ins as we would see later but eventually comes up with the goods when needed.

Miles took aim from distance on 67 and it looked like it should have been a far more difficult save than the comfortable catch the GK made high to her top right corner.

Miles hit the cross bar on 77 as we pressed to put a bit of distance between us and Woodley, the rebound was crossed back in by Eden before good efforts from both Hughes and Davies were well blocked and then saved.

Eden was running out of time to defend her position as Rory from the week before and Miles was on hand to give her the perfect opportunity with 10 to go. Sliding the ball through for a close range chance, Eden meet the ball but managed to fire over when it looked easier to hit the target.

The game came to a close after what felt like an age of injury time and it was a repeat of the last round score line against Chichester 1-0 and an Eden goal.

Player of the match – Lauren Brewer

Managers Player – Becky Miles

Rory Rosie Eden for her last chance.