FA cup 3rd Qualifying Round at our home at Chapel Gate against visitors AEK-BOCO for the first ever encounter between the two clubs. Both teams have started their league campaigns brightly and were in good form.
The game started brightly with BOCO coming close just over the bar after a well-worked corner. Playing 3 up top, the visitors looked to pin our full-backs, but it left our midfield enough room to counterbalance the threat.
The first goal came after 15 mins with sympathy for the BOCO keeper who would go on to make some wonderful saves, but her goal kick fell to Miles 30 yards out, she controls wells and strikes off the bar and in: 1-0.
Next up was fine goal from Folkenstern who found the net for the first time this campaign with a low strike from the edge of the box after Shaw drove into the box and neatly pulled it back: 2-0.
BOCO stuck with their plan, they came to attack and put us under pressure. Sports knew that we had to starve their striker who remained busy. So when the third goal came, it was with a feeling of relief. A set by Shaw to Davis, a left foot cross to Miles who inexplicably was on the six-yard box, unmarked, to sweep home the ball; 3-0, and half time.
Three goals in the second half sealed the game, the first from Brewer finding the net after another smart pull back from Shaw. Then Shaw getting in on the action herself, finishing off perhaps the best exchange of the game, this time left back Rosie, who had been largely contained, got forward, played the ball through nicely with the midfield then made her way to the byline and pulled the ball back to Brewer who had the job of provider for Shaw.
Substitute Hawkins also continued her fine goal scoring form to make it 6-0, with a measured through-ball from Hughes and a fine finish.
The game then unfortunately had to end prematurely, 84 mins played and a bout of hail and rain descended the game into darkness and dangerous conditions. Not see anything like that before as the supporters ran for cover. 6-0, final score. The visitors were most gracious in defeat hopefully enjoyed the warm food and made the most of their south coast visit.
Players player of the match went to Liane Folkenstern for the display we have been waiting for after a disrupted start to the season.
Managers player went for the second consecutive week to Emma ‘Bambi’ Davis, who not only contained but commenced many of our attacking phases with calm transitions.
Rory could have gone to Bambi also for a eye curdling miss-kick in front of goal, but Lewis with a Speaker that needed six people to carry got the vote. I actually hope she brings it again, but for now she is ?
All eyes on the next round where we face Pucklechurch Sports who play in the same league as AEK-BOCO. Last year we faced AFC Bournemouth in the first round which was a spectacle, but it’s always special to face an unfamiliar team in these cups.