Abbey Rangers vs BSLFC

The home game was off again this week as the Reserves were to miss out due to the opposition not being able to fulfil the fixture.

So it was another day trip up the M3 for the majority of the coaching team.

We were looking for a positive performance and result to take us into next weeks FA Cup game against AFCB from 2 leagues above next Sunday.

Not the ideal preparation as GK Owen got injured in the warm up so we had to call upon the ever dependable Tilly to pull on the gloves.

Fortunately, Davies had been called up from the reserve squad and was ready to start at the back thanks to some great effort by her family to get her to Abbey in time.

The opening exchanges of the game were an odd affair, with Sports forgetting how to control or pass a ball and Abbey setting their stall out early that they were going to be tenacious in closing the ball down quickly.

We did get an early chance as Folkenstern danced through on 7 minutes, but as is her unselfish nature she opted to cross instead of taking on the shot and Brewer could not bring the ball down as it hit her arm following her touch.

Brewer was down the right a couple of minutes later and did well to get along the byline but crossed high over everyone when a low drive should have been the option.

This seemed to be our issue for the opening half hour, we either opted not to shoot and overplayed or made the wrong decision in the final third. The positive was the build up play was good and the defence looked organised playing out regularly to build up play.

We would eventually take the lead in the most bizarre of circumstances after 29 minutes. Hughes put in a corner which was not exactly text book. It bounced low through to the front post, missing the first defender who was slightly unsighted by Asiras run, the GK then dived over it but there was a defender on the line to save it, she opted to clear first time but only succeeded in hitting the ball at her GKs head/face as she recovered from the ground and the ball crossed the line. 1-0 and the saying that they all count has never been truer.

For all of the luck involved in the first goal the second was a sublime team goal. Playing out from Tilly at the back, the ball was played through most of the sports team as they evaded the press. It eventually fell to Lewis who, supported by, Miles and Brewer on her left and right was able to make the 3 on 2 count, feeding Brewer in who finished very well into the bottom corner. 2-0 37 minutes gone.

Abbey Rangers then had a chance just before half time to halve the deficit. With Sports distracted as their right back Vernon was laying injured on the floor Abbey Rangers pressed on cutting inside from the right and forcing a good save from Tilly on her near post. We eventually got the ball out of play for Vernon only to see the opposition decide not to do the sporting thing and return the ball.

HT 2-0, the score line was ok but communication and movement had to improve if were to put this game to bed.

There was a good case for penalty in the first minute of the second half, Miles forcing her way through only to be clearly pulled back before she could get her shot away. Unfortunately much like the majority of the late tackles we tried to talk to the ref about at half time he didn’t see it.

48 minutes and Miles tried her luck from the edge of the box, while it was good enough to beat most, the Abbey GK was exceptionally tall and her reach was such that she could just catch the ball easily.

50 Eden was now finding herself further up the pitch and was having a great battle with their right back, she found Miles in the middle with a good cross but she couldn’t adjust her feet fast enough and it bobbled off her and wide.

It was a much better start to the second half.

Miles was unlucky not to get a goal on 57 intercepting a pass from the GK who immediately atoned for her error making a great diving save to deny Miles.

Brewer was through after a good 1-2 with Folkenstern but as she ran towards the Gk at an angle didn’t decide to pass or shoot and just ran it to the Gk.

Just after the hour it was Eden to Miles again, she couldn’t quite find the required finish and it went wide.

Miles was popping up everywhere and was a moment out on the right that would find us that elusive 3rd. She put in a great cross on to the late run of Roe who met the header above the defender at the perfect time and the GK was unable to prevent it going in. 67minutes 3-0

There were a few more calls for penalties Yeo taken down on a rare foray into the box, Miles taken down again and Curtin also upended. While the ref put his whistle to his mouth a couple of time he never gave the decision.

It would take until the 88th minute for us to find a fourth against a clearly tired Abbey Rangers, Roe crossed from the right, Brewer got a toe on the cross and it fell perfectly for Miles to finish in the far bottom corner on her left foot from 12yds. 4-0

Despite their fatigue it was Abbey Rangers that would have the last good chance 3 minutes into injury time, a long ball over the top released their striker. Fortunately, despite a quiet half Tilly was alert, coming out well and blocking the effort to keep her clean sheet intact.

🥇Players Player went to Sian Tilly, stepping up to play in goal 25 minutes before KO and making two very good saves to secure the clean sheet.

🏆Managers Player while Tilly was an obvious candidate here, a few players were discussed before we went with Rebecca Yeo who marshalled the defence very well and gave them the composure to continually build from the back.

🦁 Rory – an early nomination come in for Justine Mosley who had to withdraw from the squad Sunday morning after introducing her car to a wall. Thankfully she was fine, the same can not be said for the car! However, Lindsay Roe came up with the ultimate hold my beer moment as she came out with her shorts on backwards and then proceeded to completely take Folkenstern out with her pass of the game. Ironically, Mosleys withdrawal actually gave Roe the chance to play so I guess she owed her 🙂

Down Grange vs BSLFC Res

It was off to Down Grange for the Reserves for some league action, while the Firsts were, unfortunately, were stood down due to safety issues at Chapel Gate.

It had been a few years since we had seen Down Grange but had many good games against them over the years.

Their results recently suggested we would be in for a good game especially being against the only team to take points off the team at the top this season.

We got off to a shaky start, 3 minutes in they found themselves clean through, fortunately for us they fired wide.

Thompson then found herself through from a good ball from Eden but could only fire wide too.

She would make no mistake with her next chance though. 7 minutes on the clock, and after some good work by Eden on left wing she was able to square it for Thompson to sweep in her first goal for us. 1-0

The response from Down Grange was almost instant, a loose pass in our midfield found their midfielder who played the ball out wide. Owen made the decision to rush out and the ball was placed into the far corner by the unmarked winger 1-1.

9 minutes we thought we had taken the lead when Eden got on to the end of a Thompson headed flick with a volley on the stretch, but the flag was up and it was quickly ruled out.

2 minutes later and we did have the lead. Curtin released Eden down the left again and she unselfishly squared again, this time for Lander to slide in and finish at close range 2-1

Eden got 1 herself 2 minutes after that, as she hurried the defence, she stole the ball and went through 1 on 1 finishing well from close range. 3-1

18 minutes and it was 4. Eden arriving late to a Knapton cross, took a touch and finished, just about, to make it 2 for her.

Orton then got her first assist ever as a long ball over the top was enough to encourage Lander to chase. She won the ball, and finished well into the far corner. 23 minutes 5-1

We were dominant and taking our chances well but got a bit complacent and started to over complicate the game while to their credit Down Grange continued to work hard.

Davies would find herself with a chance late in the first half but fired it over before just before the stroke of half time a corner for Down Grange presented them with a great opportunity that they could only put wide.

HT 5-1

The second half started as slowly as the first began, while we had a lot of possession our movement wasn’t creating enough space and despite the opposition fatigue they were organised enough that we needed a little extra.

The reintroduction of Eden in the second half seem to spark this, a cross from Eden on 68 was met by Curtin who was superbly tackled in front of goal before Thompson could only watch as her well struck follow up was blocked with some brave defending.

Then a moment magic from our youngest player, De Angelis won the ball on the half way line, ran into the Down Grange half, looked up for a cross from the corner of the box but with no support opted to shoot and lobbed the GK excellently to give us 6 and become Sports’ youngest ever scorer with her first goal for the senior team.

Knapton was still hunting for a goal and on 77minutes hit a good shot low across the GK who saved well but Edens willingness to run meant she was on hand to smash the rebound into the empty net for her Hat trick. 7-1

It was Knapton the creator again 4 minutes later, pressuring the defender in her box, she managed to get a toe on it which fortunately fell to Eden who knocked in our 8th from close range.

Down Grange were tired but there was time for one final nice touch for Sports. Curtin raced through with 3 minutes left, but was thwarted by a great tackle by the Down Grange GK just outside the box. With the goal at her mercy Wetton had the calmness to take a touch on to her stronger foot and finish from 20yds into the empty net between the recovering defenders for her first senior goal following a 6 week lay off after getting injured in our opening game of the season. Great to see two U16s from last season getting on the scoresheet in the same game. 9-1

The was a medical concern on the sideline with a couple of minutes to play so it was agreed to put an end to what had been a good-spirited match, albeit heavily one-sided at times.

🥇Players Player of the Match went to Irene Corredera Espejo for a good display in multiple positions (she also picked up Opposition player too) with honourable mentions for Eden, Curtin, and Wetton

🏆Managers player went to Abi Orton, despite our defence having a relatively comfortable day both Orton and Sims at right and left back, recycled the ball perfectly and Ortons support up the pitch was invaluable.

🦁Rory went to Meg Stacy who got confused with our new away kit colour (thank you Walker Wealth) and proceeded to tackle Knapton because in her words “she saw stripes and just went for it”

Wind and rain preceded the visit of Bursledon FC to Fortress Chapel Gate. The game began with some initial sparring from both teams as our opposition attempted some impressive forays down the Sports left side courtesy of Bursledon’s speedy No 15. These came to nothing, though, due to the twin pillars of Daisy and Liana. For Sports, Abi Lander picked up the ball in good spaces and broke the Bursledon lines with some clever footwork. The first quarter was absent of any clear goal scoring opportunities as both teams struggled to find that final pass. A glimmer of gold dust was witnessed around 15 mins in when Rebecca Knapton picked the ball up around 35 yards from goals and following some divine inspiration, struck a howitzer of a shot towards goal which clattered the crossbar, but sadly bouncing out, leaving the Bursledon Goal Keeper helpless.
Bursledon took the lead following a corner whipped in from the left which was initially half-cleared by Sports to a Bursledon player in the 6-yard box and then dispatched with a powerful reflex shot.

The mood was optimistic from Sports as up to that point they had been the better side, snuffing out the Bursledon attacks with some well-timed interventions from Keira and Daisy. We needed to get our creators Taylor & Stocker into the game higher up the pitch as the game was bypassing the midfield.

Improvement was witnessed soon after when with her back to goal just inside the Bursledon half, Abi Lander expertly controlled a long, high clearance from the Sports Defence, whilst turning and slaloming through 3 Bursledon players who were caught off gaurd. After breaking the lines and driving at goal Lander was joined up field by Stocker who received the ball in a great position outside the box but just overhit the pass to the rampaging Irene on the left wing. A missed opportunity but one that boded well for the remainder of the game. This pattern of play was repeated several times with Lander and Stocker combining brilliantly in the final 3rd but just falling short at the key moment. Following another barnstorming run from Lander around minute 35, she was halted unceremoniously in the centre of the pitch around 30 yards out and was awarded a free-kick by Lander’s favourite referee from the week before. The referee unsheathed his white spray (yes you read right, he had the white spray) to indicate where the Bursledon wall should be situated whilst Charlotte placed the ball down. Taylor took a few moments to size up the situation, took a deep breath and fired her free kick into the roof of the net, providing Sports the equaliser their endeavour deserved. In a quirk of fate, Lux had scored from a free-kick in the same position the week before with the same referee and his special spray, so it seems to be our lucky omen which we should continue to use on free kicks going forwards.
Bursledon had enjoyed only a few half chances due to the dominance shown by Kitty in the centre of the three, winning everything in the air and on the ground. To this point, the only attacks of note were a cross well parried away by Paige and a few wide shots at goal. Bursledon’s most successful attack led to a powerful shot at goal. Paige superbly palmed onto the crossbar, injuring her already-tender thumb. This was a re-enactment of the great save she had made the week before, showing there was no luck involved.
Rocket and Bentley joined the fray towards the end of the First Half, providing endeavour and direct running, placing Sports in the ascendancy as the 1st half came to a close.
The gaffer tried to encourage the team to simply pass to each other’s feet rather than sending the ball far ahead of their teammates, with them having to resemble a Greyhound chasing a hare.
In the second half, we came out with a change of Keeper (Sarah), who was excellent throughout, showing great handling and accurate kicking from hand and foot. This provided The Monk (Paige) the licence to venture outfield, leading to a hilarious incident to be covered later on.
Eager to stamp our mark on the game, the Keira/Daisy axis continued to dominate the midfield hoovering up any loose balls and feeding the advanced midfielders.
Lander continued to buzz around the back line like an angry wasp, colliding with every defender she could come into contact with whilst Bentley took up some dangerous positions on the left side of the midfield. The beginning of the second half involved some great cutbacks to Sports on the edge and across the box but not the final product warranted. A great chipped ball through to Lander placed her in a race with the keeper in the 6 yard box with a bouncing ball. Lander headed the ball over the keeper and with it spiralling towards the goal, seemingly destined to be a second for Sports, a Bursledon defender rushed back onto the line and executed a quality clearance leaving her wrapped in the net like a scottish haddock.

Sports had their tails up and were going for the Kill. Bursledon were beginning to slow due to a lack of subs, and Sports could smell the win. At around 65 minutes, Bursledon conceded a tired foul around 25 yards out, which we shall now call Taylor Territory. The white spray made another welcome appearance whilst Char sized up the distance and wind trajectory. The freekick was almost perfect until it cannoned off the crossbar and over the top.

In the closing moments, the subs, spectators, linesmen and gaffer were soaked through to the skin, eagerly awaiting a winner from Sports. We were not to be disappointed. Following another quality Taylor corner, the ball was only partially cleared from Bursledon, falling on the ever-reliable right boot of Rocket who duly dispatched the ball past the keeper in the 88th minute causing instant euphoria in the Sports ranks. There wasn’t much longer to hold on until we heard the sweet sound of the Ref’s final whistle. Sports 2 Bursledon 1 a wet, windy but ultimately victorious afternoon

BSLFC vs Bishops Lydeard LFC (FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round)

It’s was the 3rd qualifying round of the FA Cup and a chance to make club history by getting through to the First Round Proper for the first time.

We welcomed Bishops Lydeard to Chapel Gate for our first ever game against each other.

We knew little about our opposition except they are a tier above us in the South West Regional League.

Having lost both our captain Shaw and current top goal scorer Miles to knee injuries two weeks ago we didn’t have the best preparation but knew if we turned up we could match anybody.

We didn’t start well and were let off inside a minute as they switched from left to right, the ball perfectly taken on the strikers chest into her path, luckily she couldn’t find the finish dragging it wide of Clarkes covering dive.

We hadn’t settled and were giving the ball away far too easily, while Bishops Lydeard pressed and hurried us at all opportunities.

We got our first chance on 8 minutes from a corner, Lewis flicking it onto the back post, but it was headed clear, and Hughes could only send a difficult volley wide.

Clarke was then on hand to spare Yeos blushes on the 12th min. Yeo trying to switch play at CB hit their striker who ran through but Clarke was swiftly off her line to smother the ball before the striker could reach it.

It was all pretty much one way as Bishops Lydeard applied more and more pressure. Yeo found herself in the ref’s notebook after 13 minutes for bringing down their striker out wide as she looked to escape after already evading a Benjamin lunge. Benjamin made a great-headed clearance from the resulting free-kick to keep it level.

They eventually broke the deadlock on 18, following our corner, they cleared long, charged down the left-wing and cut inside to finish superbly across Clarke. 0-1

They looked to make two quickly as Clarke had to a make a good save to deny them again almost instantly.

It wasn’t long though, a soft free-kick from Lewis 19 yards out and almost straight in front of the goal, was well finished on the 21st minute 0-2

We were not playing well, 3/4 players were well below par and Bishops Lydeard were so good going forward we couldn’t afford to keep giving them the ball. However, it was at this point we started to grow into the game, a couple of bits of good football and a few assured moments of control and confidence seemed to flow back into the side.

Brewers tenacity was winning us a few corners and throws high up the pitch but we couldn’t make it count.

We had half a chance from a Benjamin corner being played back across by Asira but Lewis couldn’t get the required power on her header.

While we were growing into the game Bishops Lydeard gave us a quick reminder of the threat they posed smashing the crossbar with a close-range header from a corner just before the half-hour mark.

Tilly saw a good effort from a free-kick go just wide of the far post on 34 minutes and we were now spending more time in the Bishops Lydeard half. By this time Folkenstern and Lewis had switched to get Folkenstern on the ball more in centre midfield and see if Lewis could hold the ball up top with her back to goal.

It would be those two that would combine to give us our best chance of the half on 41. Lewis putting Folkenstern through but their GK was out quickly to deny Folkenstern.

We came in at halftime 2-0 but no one felt we were out of the game. The team were keen to get back out and pick up where we had finished the half. Parsons was off the bench for Asira to see if she could repeat her FA cup heroics of the previous round.

We got out the blocks quickly, Hughes turning superbly on the edge box but could only shoot at their goalkeeper.

50mins Lewis found herself clear through after squeezing between two defenders but could only fire wide after doing all the hard work.

Roe was on for Yeo a minute later as we looked to add a bit more attacking spark to the centre of the park.

Folkenstern had a good chance from our corner soon after but could only fire over and it was beginning to feel like one of those days.

We were now dominant but couldn’t make it count while Bishops Lydeard relied on the counter to try to add to their lead. They very nearly did this on the 55th minute but somehow Clarke held a very powerful effort straight at her that winded her at the same time.

Roe couldn’t repeat her free-kick trick from last week on the hour mark after winning us a free kick in a good position as she struck it at the wall.

Bishops then had two more decent chances on the 63rd minute, a long ball putting them through which they fired over and then shortly after a good effort from distance that Clarke had to save with her knees.

Eden was starting to get forward a little more now from left-back and a little adventure found Roe but she could only fire wide.

Benjamin limped off on 68 to be replaced by Davies, with the 17-year-old taking up centre back.

It was then heartbreak for Sports a minute later, a shot/through ball that looked like it was going safely wide caused concern at the back and Captain Eden stretched to cut it out but only succeeded in diverting the ball into the opposite corner leaving Clarke no chance 0-3 with a little over 20 to play.

The team refused to die though. We knew we were playing well and while the third goal was a tough pill to swallow no one wanted to go out with regrets. It was now a case of pride.

Parsons came up with the goods in Shanklin and this time she was brave to win us a penalty on the 76th minute. Getting to the ball before the defender and being taken out. No one was persuading Captain Eden that she wasn’t taking it, having been the only player in our team to score in the game so far it made sense, and all of the frustration of the own goal went into the penalty as it was smashed high and left. 1-3

Parsons then got her chance to set up a tense finish 2 minutes later, Hughes playing her perfectly through on the left she ran in behind and calmly slotted it past the outrushing GK. 2-3.

We suddenly had a game on and Bishops started to look nervous while Sports had their tails up.

Folkenstern had a free header on the 80th minute from a Hughes free-kick out wide after brewer caused some more problems out on the right. Unfortunately, she couldn’t get the required power to trouble the GK.

We weren’t to be denied for long though, operation come back was complete on 82 minutes. Eden was off on another adventure carrying the ball through the middle, before Hughes took up the ball and fed Brewer. She made no mistake, taking a touch and then finishing into the bottom corner.

Neither team could find a clear chance to win the game, Brewer almost wriggled clear in injury time but was denied by a superb tackle from the Bishops defender.

It was off to penalties, whatever happened now the team could be proud of how they had got back into the game.

The first 5 volunteered quickly. Eden, Tilly, Davies, Lewis and Roe.

We were to go second (statistically the harder option) –
1-0 BL score
1-0 Eden hit the left post with our first.
2-0 BL score
2-1 Tilly despatched an excellent pen
2-1 BL miss – over the bar
2-2 Davies confidently finished her chance to draw us level
2-2 BL miss – hit the post
2-2 Lewis decided not to respot the ball as it dropped in a dip before her run up and it was tamely hit at their GK
3-2 BL score – Clarke got a hand to it but couldn’t quite keep it out.
3-3 No mistake from Roe

Sudden Death!
4-3 BL score – Clarke gets two hands to it and it goes in off the post.
4-4 Hughes penalty somehow creeps over the line, straight down the middle, their GK gets something on it and just as they go to celebrate it creeps in.
4-4 Clarke guesses right, dives right, and saves one
4-5 Our trusty German Folkenstern steps and finishes the penalty shootout with a great penalty high to the right.

🏅Players player – went to Becky Clarke in the Sports goal beating Folkenstern on the tie-breaker vote. Considering she hadn’t played football until 3 years ago and wasn’t a GK until last season she should be very proud of herself (I imagine the goalkeeping coach Lee Westron is happy with himself too).

🏆Managers player – Abbie Vernon for a great display at right-back, getting forward and supporting the attack and staying composed all game.

🦁Rory – Abbie Vernon – I’m sure the team just love seeing her as a lion. Although dropping the ball on a throw-in which actually went down as a foul throw and lost us possession was pretty special.

The draw for the next round takes place at 1pm today.

Match Report

BSLFC vs Winchester City Flyers Res (Hampshire Trophy)

We welcomed Winchester back to Chapel Gate for the 2nd time this season.

Three things are certain death, taxes, and a cup game vs Sports and Flyers.

Always full of games regardless of the teams involved and this was to be no different. Having lost 3-2 a few weeks ago in the league, a game that we had actually played quite well in, we knew it was going to be another difficult day.

We got off to a good start and Lander fired across a good corner after 4 minutes which was headed off the line.

7 minutes in and Asira and White both brought out the best of the Winchester GK. A diving save to her left, before getting up quickly and diving the same way to deny White on the follow-up. The resulting corner fell to Lander, who got her control right but could only smash the bar from a few yds out on the volley.

We had started with a similar intensity to the week before but this time we were trying to avoid the GK with our shots. Unfortunately, she kept moving in the way with some great saves and assured handling.

We would eventually beat her on the 16th minute, a ball out wide from Roe to Asira, who cut inside and laid off an inviting ball to white. Her low shot across the GK was well saved but Roe was on hand to tap in the rebound from close range. 1-0

Roe would see another powerful effort from the edge well saved just after 20 minutes before a nice flick from White fell to Asira who couldn’t sort her feet fast enough to direct her left-footed effort on target.

Most of the play was in the Winchester half but our DMs Hughes and De Angelis were working hard to win and recycle ball while Bradford kept Orton and Sims organised at the back. It was key we didn’t let them get back into the game as our undoing last time was giving them chances.

Curtin was beginning to stretch the play on the left wing as well, giving some good chances to get crosses in.

It would be Lander that would make it 2-0 in the half-hour. Roe with some good battling high up the pitch won the ball and it fell kindly into Landers path. She was calm and collected as she ran through and slotted it in the corner.

5 minutes later Lander was at it again, with her back to goal and defender behind her she chested the ball down on the turn, rolled the defender and scored superbly from 20yds out. However, the flag went up and the goal was eventually disallowed for offside much to the bemusement of Lander and the Sports bench.

There was time for another couple of good chances for Asira and White before the halftime whistle but neither could find the target so we went in 2-0 at HT

While we were relatively comfortable we had seen enough of Winchester to know they wouldn’t give up and 2-0 was still close enough to be a concern.

Hughes gave us a bit of breathing room 4 minutes into a second half that had started a more even contest. White found her on the edge and Hughes took a touch and then finished into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. 3-0

Winchester then started to apply some of their own pressure, Owen tipping away a dangerous cross as it looked to loop in on the 57th minute and the defence having to dig in to keep the lead.

Winchester got one back on the 67th minute, a free kick 35yards or so away from the goal that looked relatively inconspicuous was hit high into Owens goal leaving her very little chance. 3-1

It was almost 3-2 a minute later, some nice build-up play from Winchester around our box have them a great chance but Owen was able to keep it out with a smart save.

The game had become far more open and there were half-chances for both sides with neither team carving out a clear-cut opportunity.

As the clock ticked down it appeared our cup progression was secured but with 3 minutes left Winchester had other ideas. The ball went out of play for a throw halfway inside in the sports half but the linesman didn’t see it so Winchester continued down the line, winning a corner. It was dangerously whipped into the back post, which either gave our defender no chance (I had an OG confession later) or a simple tap-in to an attacker. It was difficult to see where we were as it was pretty crowded back there but either way, it went in making it 3-2 with 3 minutes to play.

Roe was reintroduced to get us on the ball and keep hold of it to see it through. It turned out to be an inspired substitution. She won us a couple of free-kicks in the Winchester half. The second being 22 yds out on the edge of the box. She stepped up to take it herself after a bit of team persuasion and unleashed a superb effort to the far top corner leaving the GK with no chance. 4-2 and game over.

🏆Players player: Lindsay Roe secured it on a single vote from Lucia White and Jasmine Hughes as the midfield dominated the voting.

🏅Managers player: Lucia White for an energetic display covering box to box.

🦁Rory: Abi Lander for arguing with the ref after her self-described “best goal I will ever score” was chalked off. Having seen her play for many years I have to say I’m in agreement with her too.

0 – 10

The scoreline tells you a lot about the game. Also, a single shot, off-target, for the hosts, tells you another.

Quite simply, we knew we had a hard time coming, and with the recent loss of 4 of our key players, there was a little dread pre-game. So 0-4 after 15 mins was the worst possible start, and that the visitors didn’t have to do anything special to score, it was easy to fear the worst.

Fast forward to the final 10 minutes of the game with another 3/4 goals coming in a final flurry when the majority of BSLFC were entirely out of gas, and there you have it—our biggest defeat in over four years. We move on.

The only thing worse than a 0-10 defeat would be for a loss in bad nature and or a failure without a lesson. Luckily we have such a strong group of personalities, all far too stubborn to give up.

After that horrid start, to get to half time 4-0 was a testament to their grit and teamwork. Defenders still accepting the ball to feet and still looking for passes. Forwards tirelessly hunting lost causes and the midfield holding shape and breaking up play with the subs eager to get on and help. All positives to leading into the tricky FA cup fixture next week.

Rory – Kitty Norman – on her tricky first-team debut wins Rory this week, partially for tripping herself up and in part for calling for a Poole Town ball.

Player of the match – Liane Folkenstern – for moments of sheer quality in her movement off the ball and desire to disrupt the opposition. Sian Tilly was a close second for a battling display in DM, fierce off the ball and calm and simple on it.

Manager’s player of the match – stand-in captain Rosie Eden – for an infectious display of running, dribbling, tackling and positivity right to the end.

The reserves welcomed Rushmoor to Chapel gate for our 4th league game of the season.

Having been involved in some very close games with Rushmoor in the season our 1st got promotion we knew it was going to be a difficult game.

However, we got off to a great start, Roe drawing a great save from the Rushmoor GK after only 4 minutes.

Some smart defending blocked another Roe attempt 2 minutes later as she volleyed a rebound goalwards.

We were dominating the game in the early exchanges with Norman marshalling the defence to good effect to stop the quick breaks and Roe and Mosley controlling attacking possession through the middle. Chances were being created regularly but none that overly threatened the Rushmoor GK.

We finally broke the deadlock at 18 minutes, Curtin crossed to Mosley, she was denied by the GK at the first attempt but was on hand to tuck in the rebound for 1-0. There was no doubt we deserved the lead but Rushmoor were dangerous on the break with considerable pace in their attack.

Mosley and Roe were regularly getting chances around the Rushmoor box but constantly under pressure they could only hit the GK. Just before the half hour mark both Mosley and Roe had good chances saved.

We were to be punished a couple of minutes later, a quick break, a quick one two, and it was 1-1. Owen doing well to get a hand on it but it hit the post and rolled across the line.

A couple of mistakes at the back for both sides almost saw the lead taken. White with a great chance for us. As we cleared a Rushmoor corner long, the player at the back misjudged the ball and white found herself clear, overly concerned about the player chasing her back and checking her shoulder she could only drag the shot wide. We then made our own mistake at the back but luckily they opted for a shot from distance and Owen was able to easily collect it.

Roe had two more good chances in first half injury time, the first hitting the GK at a tight angle and the second going wide after being put through by Dennis.

Despite dominating large periods of the game and having considerably more chances it was level. Rushmoor were making life hard at the back and were so quick when they did break they were always going to cause us problems so we knew we needed a lead.

The second half started similarly to how the first ended, us with a lot of possession but barely threatening the Rushmoor GK and Rushmoor breaking quickly and with numbers when they had the chance.

The first good chance of the half fell to Rushmoor, Norman’s clearance header hit the back of their striker and Owen had to make a superb save to keep it level from the close range volley.

This then set up a bit of basketball match for 15 minutes.

Bradford put in a superb cross from the right but Symes was only able to touch it back across goal on the stretch.

Rushmoor then broke on us but fired safely wide, then a minute later a good cross from our left gave them a header from close range which clattered Owens crossbar before bouncing to safety, although the flag was up against the striker.

Mosley found Symes on the hour mark with a great ball but she fired over.

It appeared that whichever team took their chance would likely win. It was Rushmoor, 70 mins on the clock and from our corner they won the ball before putting through their striker. There was no catching her as she ran through and calmly slotted past Owen. 1-2

The frustration of our wasted chances and the way we conceded seemed to take the wind completely out of us and 3 minutes later it was 1-3. The Rushmoor striker sprinting down the left wing before crossing to an unmarked player who fired in from 12yds.

It was frustrating but not unexpected, the players wanted to play better teams and we knew as we worked our way through the leagues the opposition would punish us more. A similar thing had happened to us the week before as well, when you’re on top you have to take your chances.

We kept working hard, and eventually we would find a way past the resolute Rushmoor defence again as White reminded everyone putting the ball out of the GKs reach is easier than trying to put her in the goal with it. Roe playing ball in to Bentley who laid it off for White and she was able to fire into the far corner on the 88th to set up a nervy finish. 2-3

We couldn’t find the final chance required and Rushmoor took all three points.

While the squad was left deflated it’s actually a credit to the team that after 2 promotions in 2 seasons we are disappointed with ourselves for dropping points against some of Hampshire 1s most experienced teams and there was plenty of positives to find in our build play.

🏆Players player went to Kitty Norman who did a superb job of marshalling the defence.

🏅Managers player went to Liana Sims for another superb defensive display.

🦁Rory went to Lucia White for checking her shoulder when through on goal instead of kicking the ball in the back of the net

A double home week for both teams saw the firsts entertaining newly promoted Woking this Sunday. A bright start saw us open the scoring after just 9 minutes as Lewis played Shaw into the right side of the box, where she finished well past the approaching keeper (1-0 Sports).

The game then settled into a pattern of comfortable control for us without being as dangerous as we might be. Chances were still coming though, with Brewer firing over the top corner and Asira hitting straight at the keeper after a short corner and Hughes and Miles (after chasing down a hopeful long ball) doing the same. Their keeper was extremely busy, but was proving the equal of everything that we threw at her.

We lost Shaw after 25 minutes to a knee injury, her replacement Tilly, slotted in nicely to the middle to keep the attack going.

The breakthrough came just before the end of the half as Lewis got Miles in, again on our right for her to lash home.

HT 2-0

The second half started brightly, as well, with a sighter from distance from Tilly after just a minute, a little glimpse of what was to come. Their keeper continued her form from the first half with excellent saves, firstly from Benjamin from distance towards the top right corner, then from Miles at her near post after a great run and pull back from Eden down the left.

Our own Clarke was called into action on a couple of occasions fielding two efforts from distance very well in between our chances.

There was nothing the keeper could do though, when, on 58 mins, a good move from right to left saw Brewer play a square ball for Knapton to roll into the open net for 3-0.

Benjamin saw a header go wide from a corner five minutes later and a Miles half volley went the same way soon after. Miles, again, tested their resolve with a lob that was clawed away as the keeper back-tracked well.

On 72 minutes Woking got in behind us for the first time only to see the resulting one on one saved well by Clarke.

Just three minutes later the points were seemingly safe, as Hughes played a well-weighted ball, which was left by Miles, to be finished well by Brewer on the right. 75 mins – 4-0.

A couple of chances came and went to put more of a gloss on the scoreline with Asira squaring to Knapton, but a last ditch tackle denying her and a lovely through ball from TIlly ultimately coming to nothing.

The final flourish did come on 84 minutes and was well worth the wait! A lovely flowing move resulted in Taylor pulling the ball back for Tilly to finish sublimely from 25 yards into the bottom left hand corner. Miles had time to be denied, once more, with another excellent save just before the final whistle.

FT 5-0 and probably a fair reflection of our dominance.

Both teams are in cup action next Sunday for another home doubleheader at Chapel Gate

Player’s player went to Stacey Lewis for tireless running in the middle.

Rory went to Rebecca Knapton for getting changed into different kits multiple times at Chapel Gate and then having to cycle home in one of them

Manager’s Player went to Becky Miles for her all round excellent performance throughout the match.

After a bye in the 1st qualifying round we started our Vitality Womens FA Cup campaign with a tough away day to the Isle of Wight to face Shanklin Ladies.

The squad are no strangers to travel but that small stretch of water provides a logistical, time and cost complication like no other game.

Thankfully we have an incredibly dedicated squad and were able to take over 19 players all knowing we could only name 18 and only use 3 subs. Also the added bonus that with no Reserve game we were able take 3 coaching staff to make everyone’s life easier!

Despite the torrential weather the day before, the Shanklin pitch was in immaculate condition.

The game started in a predictable pattern, we had a lot of the ball but Shanklin were very organised across the back and their midfield stifled any attempts for us to breakthrough.

It was actually Shanklin that would get the first chance. A long crossfield ball finding their winger who crossed towards the front post. The cross was dropped by Owen with it hitting the post/bar and bouncing across the goal. The proceeding goal-line clearance by Vernon was less than convincing but luckily under very little pressure in the middle we were able to get it away for a corner.

We’re struggling to settle into a pattern of play but eventually, with 15 minutes on the clock we won a corner. It was struck well but even in the very difficult wind the Shanklin GK showed her ability by taking it high in the air and easily holding.

Miles had a decent chance on 22 but her form from last week evaded her briefly as it sailed harmlessly over.

26 minutes in and we had what looked like a harmless free kick 45 yds out in the middle of the goal. Miles had other ideas, striking the ball superbly at the Shanklin goal only to be denied by a great save with the GK tipping it on to the bar.

It was proving to be a tough game for us, Shanklin defending well and their physical approach disrupted the game so we couldn’t build any momentum. That being said we weren’t at our best, while the defence of Vernon, Yeo and Eden were able to comfortably move the ball around the back we weren’t moving enough to create space to work with up front. Benjamin and Hughes were both working hard trying to create some link up to the midfield and attack but it was proving very difficult.

Shaw almost latched on to a good through ball on the 38th minute but their GK was out quickly and dived bravely at her feet to deny the opportunity.

Both sides had great chances in injury time to take a lead in, Shanklin were first 1 minute in when a mistake at the back allowed their striker a clean run through on goal. Fortunately for us her finish was far less threatening than the run and it bounced harmlessly wide of Owens far post.

4 minutes in to injury time and it was a rare defensive mistake by Shanklin as an attempted long clearance hit the back of another of their players and presented Shaw with a good chance. The GK made a great save at her near post, before Lewis’ follow up was well blocked by the defence.

0-0 HT while in general we were comfortable Shanklin had a couple of good chances and it appeared it was going to take something very special to beat the Shanklin GK. We knew we had increase our intensity and take a few more risks to create space.

We started the 2nd half much better, Miles had a good chance after 2 minutes. Benjamin put Asira through and she cut back for Miles to have a go on her left but it sailed over.

Our best chance came on the 49th minute, Asiras pace getting in behind the Shanklin defence only to find the GK too good again, as she made another fantastic save despite Asira doing everything right.

We were beginning to get a strong hold in the game with Eden and Asira attacking well down the left and our central players now getting a bit time on the ball in the middle.

Miles had another good effort saved on the 54th minute before we started to make some changes. Parson entered the game on the 57th minute replacing the ever-willing runner Brewer out on the right.

65 minutes in a Miles had two efforts well blocked in quick succession and it appeared that our pressure was beginning to tell.

It was to be substitute Parsons who would find that moment of magic to finally beat the Shanklin GK. Brilliantly played through by Eden on one of her regular adventures forward from left-back, Parsons found herself through and finished inch perfectly into the far corner. It was a great finish especially considering it was one of Parsons first touches inside their penalty area.

Asira made way for Roe on the 73rd minute as we tried to keep the pressure on to find a second. The game was becoming a bit more difficult for the referee as he had to quickly pull yellow cards for two tackles by Shanklin and then one for Vernon who reacted to being pushed by pushing their player back while the ref was looking at her.

Shanklin managed to win a couple of corners which Shaw defended well at the front post while Owen was hand to claw another effort at her near post away, after a good backheel flick by their midfielder.

80 minutes on the clock and we finally found our second. Miles putting in a good corner to the front post for Benjamin to arrive and flick in with her head at the near post.

Shaw had a good chance 3 minutes later as Parsons crossed to her in the middle of the box but her touch was a bit heavy and went to the GK.

Lewis made way for Tilly for our final sub with 5 minutes to go as we looked to calm the game down.

Miles had another chance with 2 to go after a good ball by Roe but was once again denied by the GK.

We kept the game in the Shanklin half the best we could for the last few minutes but the defence were resolute when called upon and we were able to see it through to keep back to back clean sheets.

FT – 0-2

🦁Rory went to Abbie Vernon, there were various nominations for her but the yellow card was the ultimate one. (She was a very grumpy lion!)

🏅Players player went to Jasmine Hughes who won on a tie breaker from Benjamin as the importance of our DMs was highlighted in the votes.

🏆Managers player went to Benjamin, who while shielding the defence brilliantly also added a great headed goal when it was desperately needed.