Category: Ladies

Ladies

REPORT | BSLFC RES vs US PORTSMOUTH

BSLFC Res 2 – 0 US Portsmouth (Hampshire Trophy)

We welcomed US Portsmouth to Chapel Gate for the 2nd round of the Hampshire trophy. We were confident, with the club on a current run of home form that sees both Sports sides unbeaten in the 9 games we’ve had at home this season, winning 8 of them.

It was USP that started the brighter, finding themselves through on goal inside the first two minutes. Luckily Clarke was alert and the effort was straight at her body and she was able to hold.

We should have had the lead on the 8th minute, a first time shot by Benjamin was sliced wide thanks to a bobble but hit a defender and Nash was on hand to fire it across the goal, it found Mosley on the line but she was unable to get a full connection and it went wide.

6 minutes later and it was USPs wingers causing us problems again, they got away down the left but under some good pressure from Nhemachena the high shot was well saved by Clarke.

18 mins and Asira rounded the GK but was forced wide, she confidently took the shot but it went straight across the goal.

Clarke was quickly out to smother a through ball just before the half hour as both teams looked like they could take the lead.

Almost immediately after Nash had a shot from distance after two good touches took her clear of a couple of challenges, but it went narrowly wide of the far post.

33 and Asira had a great chance but the extra touch just gave the USP defender enough time to drop in and make the block.

Just before the half time whistle we looked like we might take the lead, some great football released stocker who took on the shot first time. It was hit well enough but hit the side netting of the near post.

Stocker was then released twice in quick succession from long balls on the stroke of half time. She took them both on her left side and both were a long way high and wide. It sort of summed up the half, good possession, some moments of good football but not enough composure in the opposition box.

Ht 0-0

We spent a long time at training this week working on kick offs, and it paid off. Stocker was released down the left and the half time call for more composure was met as she squared the ball across the box. The recovering USP defenders could only divert the ball past their own GK to give us the lead. 20 seconds on the clock and we were in front.

Chances were much harder to come by this half though. The threat of their wingers was pegging back Orton and Symes and in turn this meant the cms had limited options.

USP had a free kick in a dangerous area on 57 and while Clarke was setting up the wall they took it quickly. It was well struck and could have caused Clarke some problems but Benjamin put her head where it hurts and nodded it away.

A couple of minutes later and a great through ball from Benjamin found Nash. She beat the GK to the ball but the shot went narrowly wide.

Just after the hour USP had an audacious attempt, keeping the ball in on the byline the player tried to bend it round Clarke from the tightest of angles and did not miss by much. It was a warning that they were still dangerous and this game was not safe.

Stocker was through again on 66, she took a touch this time but still managed to slice her effort wide of the post as she just kept testing if she was left or right footed. We know it’s right now though 😉

Benjamin had a good shot from the edge of the box well saved down to the GKs right.

From the resulting goal kick, USP were through, Clarke came rushing out to put the pressure on but it was a very good lob that beat her. Unfortunately for USP it bounced too high and went just over the bar saving Nhemachena from any goal line heroics as she chased back into the net.

They had another good chance on 75, the ball played into the middle of box but the striker got her feet wrong and it went safely wide.

Mosley had a good chance a couple of minutes later but couldn’t generate the required power and it was comfortably saved.

There was then a delay, as a committed 50/50 between Anderson and a USP player ended with a knee injury for the latter. We wish her all the best and hopefully it’s not as bad as first feared.

The game was back underway 5 minutes later, and it was a nervy last bit of the game with everyone doing their best to protect Clarke clean sheet.

Asira won a free kick about 25 yds out on the 91st minute and up stepped Benjamin. With the firsts now finished on the pitch next door she had a quite a crowd and she didn’t disappoint. A powerful strike clipped the wall and flew past the USP GK to give us some breathing space.

Another USP player needed treatment on the 95 minute but was able to continue. Asira was a through on the 98th minute to add some gloss to the win but was denied by a very good save before the ref closed the game around 102 minutes.

Rory end to Emily Gard who needed 3 attempts to give the first team their ball back.

Managers player went to Ayuma Asira who worked incredibly hard all game and did plenty of chasing back when we needed her.

Players player went to Ellen Benjamin who put in a real captains performance and scored a wonderful free kick to top it off.

REPORT | BSLFC FIRST vs ABINGDON TOWN

Hard to explain what’s going on at the moment. BSLFC are playing well enough to dominate the ball, but not doing enough to put games to bed. A string of league games with 1:0 and 0:0 have led to a great points tally, but nervy encounters. Today was no different. 1:0, against a resilient Abingdon Town team.

It was a game lacking in quality as both teams played overly direct. Abingdon being the better at this strategy, soaked up pressure in the middle, pounced on loose passes and twice threatened. The second of which was a real let off!

Once sports settled, it was the host that would spurn chances. Folkenstern on the sharp end of a few blunt attack. Miles forced a good save and Brewer testing from the edge of the box. No breakthrough, halftime, 0:0.

The second half remained a frustrating affair. Sports would probe but untimely couldn’t get into rhythm. The goal did come however, Fowell playing a vertical ball that evaded many bodies and Brewer was fronted with the oncoming keeper with time to spare. The lively striker tucked it under the unset GK, 1:0.

Abingdon responded well. Putting pressure on the back line, and forcing mistakes. One poor clearance, fell kindly to the opponent, and a sweet volley looked destined for the far top right corner. Chrippes watched in surprise as the ball fizzed onto the woodwork. A mental turning point.

The final phases were again cagey, Sports not giving much away and probing, and Town exploiting space in behind but it was well marshalled. The game tamely ended, 1:0.

Rory went to Hughes for thinking it was 0:0 at the end. No wonder she was flying forward to the end.

Players player went to Shaw for a balanced and energetic performance through the middle.

Managers player went to Vernon for nullifying a potent threat in the opposition striker.

REPORT | BSLFC FIRST vs PUCKLECHURCH

BSLFC VS Pucklechurch LFC (FA Cup 1st Round)

It was only our second-ever appearance in the proper rounds of the FA Cup having got to this round for the first time last year. We were happy to have repeated that success but hungry to go one better.

We fancy ourselves against most teams at home, and with our defence beginning to forget what it is like to concede having gone over 540 minutes since conceding a penalty against Winchester on the 18th September, I am sure not many teams fancy the journey.

Summer signing Chrippes has been eyeing up the records and fancies herself to break the record of clean sheets for the season (currently 10) and being on 6 consecutive already I’m not betting against her.

The opening exchanges were as expected for such a big game. We looked nervous and both teams tried to make their mark on the game. A couple of mistakes at the back gave them a few sights of our goal without troubling Chrippes. While up the other end Folkenstern and Hawkins had good chances but both were straight at the GK.

26 minutes in a corner to the opposition almost gave us some trouble. Chrippes was crowded but did well to push away the initial cross before saving the next well as it was fired through the crowd.

5 minutes later and it was another good save from Chrippes on another corner.

It was a strange game in which we had a lot of possession but their striker was clearly experienced and very dangerous.

We opened the scoring from the spot, Lauren made a run into the box and was knocked down. On watching the replay it looks soft but the player clearly looks to play Lauren and not the ball and as we found out earlier in the season when you give the ref a decision to make in your own box it will sometimes go against you. Fair play to Eden having missed a pen in this game last season she showed nerves of steel to fire it home this year. 1-0

If you’re going to get a little bit of luck the FA cup is the place to do it and as Pucklechurch tired near the close of the half we were able to apply more pressure. Miles had a shot very well blocked from a Shaw cut back and as the rebound fell to Shaw the flag went up. We quickly won the ball back from the free kick and Eden went running down the left, tried to cut the ball back. She got it wrong and it ended up finding it’s way into the bottom corner via their gks foot. Eden is claiming it was on target but not even she had the audacity to claim the shot was deliberate. 2-0 42 minutes gone.

Shaw had a good chance to make it 3 in added time but got the shot wrong and it went wide.

2-0 HT we knew this was far from over, Pucklechurch have an incredible record having never failed to score in a game since they were created and only losing one game in that time.

It was the away side that started the second half brighter, a good effort evading Chrippes dive but ending just wide.

It wasn’t long before we had our 3rd though, another piece of good fortune, a shot by Hughes hit Brewer in the chest and ended up a perfect layoff for the arriving Shaw who this time made no mistake finishing into the corner. 3-0 51minutes.

There were chances for both sides but both defences were working hard to limit them and the GKs were relatively comfortable.

Plummer replaced Yeo on 70 as we looked to add more pace and test Pucklechurchs’ fitness.

As with the third goal it was a good chance for Pucklechurch then a sports goal. 75 minutes gone and they were through one on one, Chrippes denied them with a very good save with her feet.

77 Miles picked the ball up from Hughes about 10 yards inside the opposition half before rifling a shot into the bottom corner from all of 40yds to make it 4-0.

There was a couple more changes for sports as Mosley replaced Brewer and Lewis replaced Miles either side of a good chance for the opposition on 81 but they fired wide again.

Another chance on 86 was fired over as Pucklechurch desperately went seeking a consolation goal.

Mosley put the icing on the cake on the 90th minute from a Shaw cut back to make it 5-0.

We were in the hat for the second round but there was still time for the defence to keep Chrippes busy, losing the ball and giving them one last chance. Chrippes made a great double handed save before covering the rebound and that was to be the last notable event.

We move on to the second round for the first time in our history where will face a fellow Tier 5 team in Torquay United.

Rory Kitty Norman for not realising the game was an early KO despite it being talked about all week

Managers player Sam Chrippes who now moves to 7 clean sheets in row and really had to keep us in it early.

Players player: Liane Folkenstern for calm, positive play throughout the middle.

REPORT | BSLFC RES vs SHANKLIN

Tough battle for Sports facing top of the league. Shanklin crowned champions winning the league last year at Chapel Gate. They rejected the promotion, so we faced up again. This time it was Sports turn to grab a well deserved 3 points!

A sharp start despite the expected heavy tackles. We remained well organised at the back to frustrate Shanklin. 10 mins in and the breakthrough came. Asira was there to tap home after a Taylor free kick on the edge of the box. 5 mins later and we grab a second, Asira through from a measured Gard pass. Bearing down on the keeper she slots home, bottom left. As the rest of first half went on more heavy tackles and fewer chances on goal, settling first half 2-0 to Ressies.

After a great performance in the first half they carried on by keeping the ball well under control with some good link up play and well managed defending. Shanklin pressed and battled to the end. The pressure was rewarded with an 85th min penalty to make it s nervy end, 2:1! The last 5 mins were more of a fight. Sports holding on to seal 3 important point again a team that should be playing higher level.

FT Sports Res 2:1 Shanklin

Coaches comment

A prideful performance by our Reserve realm today, playing with the heart, passion and desire, they have shown character throughout. They knew it would be a rough game and battle more than a match, and our quality was shown right to the end. It has been an incredible afternoon, in charge of the team for the first time and taking all three points against the premier team in the league. Our focus now is on our next fixture in County Cup against US Portsmouth.

REPORT | OXFORD CITY vs BSLFC FIRST

Sports on the road in the league arrived in Oxford on the back of a good, 0:0 away draw the previous week against the top of the league team. However, a lack of goals lately added a little tension. Oxford has had a mixed start to the campaign, but we had not faced them before, so we had to navigate a lot of unknowns. Ten mins in, a goal from a set piece, delivery with quality from Miles, helped on by Norman, and finished by Hawkins at the second bite. The goal came after a lot of dominance and slick play. Sports looked like they would push on. However, despite plenty of possession and a bit of pressure, the game remained on a knife edge. Sports never got back into their grove after the goal, and the Oxford players were resolute in their game plan.

Chrippes was quiet throughout, yet Sports couldn’t get the second goal. Half-time came and went, and the second half continued similarly. Then, as one would expect, Oxford could gamble a little more, and they came into the game with a 25mins to go. There were good chances at both ends. Luckily for Sports, Oxford also spurned their chances, and the game petered out for a 1:0 away win for Sports.

The Oxford hospitality was fantastic, and their players gave everything. You feel they will kick on this year and go on a run of form. Sports somewhat gratefully took the precious points and headed back down the A34 with a sense of relief.

Rory went to Captain Hollie Shaw for failing to count to 3 correctly.
Manager’s player went to Davis, who has been in fine form of late.
Players player went to Folkenstern for being a bright spark in an otherwise cagey affair.

REPORT | ASCOT vs BSLFC First

Ascot vs BSLFC

We were once again on the road for our 4th away game in the 5 October game weeks. Having not conceded in October and scoring 22 goals we were in high spirits to face top of the league.

It was a quiet first 10, Ascot clearly comfortable to play out from the back and Sports setting up to keep it tight to start with.

A mis-clearance by Yeo gave them a chance on 13 but defensive duo of Davis (block) and Norman (clearance) kept them at bay.

2 minutes later and it was Ascot threatening again, narrowly beating Norman to a 50/50 ball on the halfway line they released their centre forward into our half with only Chrippes to beat. Davis showed great speed to dispossess them about 25yds away from goal though.

20 minutes on the clock and it was our chance with some simple route one play, Lauren released through the middle from a long Chrippes kick. She tried to loop it over the outrushing Ascot GK who made a good save before clattering Brewer just outside the box. The ref awarded us a free kick with some confusion around if it was for handball outside the box or a foul on Brewer who then couldn’t get to the rebound. Either way no cards awarded. Miles hit the free kick just wide aiming bottom left.

We lost Yeo to a knee injury just after the 25 minute mark, hopefully we see her back soon!

We then grew into the half, keeping the ball and defending comfortably without being able to carve open Ascot who were incredibly well organised. When we did get chances from corners the GKs bravery in clearing them was a constant frustration.

We had a flurry of decent chances near the end of the half, a good miles cross on 39 just couldn’t be met by any body in the box and bounced through, collected by Eden who wriggled her way along the by line and cut back to Folkenstern. Unfortunately, her momentum carried her past the ball.

Folkenstern was able to get on the ball 2 minutes into injury time though, a clever ball by Shaw gave her a chance which was well hit but equally well saved and out for another corner.

We were far from our best, but credit to Ascot who were definitely playing their part in stifling us.

The conditions worsened in the second half, wind and rain was really settling in and it was going to take serious character to keep the game going.

It was a strange half in which we kept pushing further up to get the breakthrough which left us exposed at the back to a quick counterattack.

This gave ascot some very good chances to win the game. 63 minutes they played between our CBs and had a clear one on one which Chrippes, who has rarely had to be called on this season, had to be at her very best to close down and block the shot for a corner.

5 minutes later it was almost a repeat of the previous chance, this time they shot earlier and she dived full stretch to her right to palm away a very good effort.

2 minutes later and they were in down the right this time but fired into the side netting.

It was a wobbly 10 minutes for us, but we’d survived thanks to our GK proving just why she was the best in her league last season. We continued to frustrate them after this, and the refs lack of action in regards to cards started to take its toll on the game with tired and frustrated tackles getting worse. Brewer kept trying to get in behind them and was actually punched by a defender with 7 minutes to go. Unfortunately with no official assistants being assigned to the game and the ref following the ball, as she should, it went unpunished.

The game died as a real contest last 5 with free kicks making up the majority of the final part the game.

Players player went to Lauren who came away with a few bruises but never stopped running up top and was a constant thorn in their side.

Managers player end to Sam Chrippes for her part in the 0-0

Rory went to Faye Hawkins who was lucky manager Ricky keeps some spare kit in the car!

REPORT | EASTLEIGH Res vs BSLFC Res

We headed across the New Forest for what is one of our closer encounters against one of our increasingly familiar foes, Eastleigh FC. They beat us 2:1 a few weeks back, and despite a second-half surge, this young Eastleigh side outperformed us on that day. We arrived under no illusion. We had to be up for this contest.

Five minutes in, we had settled on the ball and looked dangerous, so it was a blow to find ourselves 1:0 down. A great show of pace and a neat through-ball unlocked our defence, and for all our neat passing, Eastleigh had reminded us that football is a game of simplicity.

We restarted and settled once more. Benjamin and Taylor assured in the middle, a platform that allowed Gubb freedom to take risks. Her experienced vision of Mosley’s skilled movement on the blind side led to the equaliser.

Unfortunately, we still looked a little shakey at the back and had not got a foothold in the wide areas, so seldom was our midfield dominance exploited. Eastleigh broke on the left, played across our back three and while we retreated, they took aim from a distance. A powerful shot was enough to beat Clarke in goal; 2:1.

During half-time, the mood was positive. We had prepared for a tough test, but this time the players knew deep down that the scoreline was not a reflection of the game. Sports had to go out and keep up the tempo and limit the quick Eastleigh strikers. That they did for the most part, and with positive pressing, Nash, on her debut, deflected the ball to Mosley’s path for her to slot home a second, 2:2.

A clipped through-ball with a measure of backspin put in the busy Plummer, who had the speed to beat the last defender, but the pressure made her touch heavy. The keeper sprung to action, not for the first time, and the two players clashed on the edge of the box. This time, the ball spun kindly. It was behind the striker, but she managed to turn neatly and evade a few lunges to slot the ball home, 2:3, and we led for the first time. It was not long, minutes even before Eastleigh struck again. Disappointingly, it came from a corner and a few failed attempts to clear the loose ball, 3:3.

The game was messy and stretched with time running out and the scores level. Both teams were happy to rely on pace up top to force a breakthrough. It was all just too scrappy, with both goalkeepers easily up to the task of sweeping up the loose play. It was from a rushed clearance that fell to White, who hit a ball sweetly from wide left over the advanced sweeper keeper. It took all by surprise, making it a special moment, 4:3.

There was still time on the clock, and this game felt like it had a few more swings in it. Eastleigh hit the bar and the post in the closing phases to show that they are a team that fights to the end. Just today, perhaps they underestimated us a little when we showed up with fire in the belly. This Eastleigh team will go from strength to strength, and I expect a spectacle when we meet again in the league.

Rory went to Stocker for blazing over from 10 yards. I think it may have been more for the reaction as if she had seen a ghost.

Manager’s player went to Ellen Benjamin for an assured performance in the midfield.

Players player went to Abi Lander, who played her first game at right CB and had an all-action performance.

REPORT | BSLFC Res vs HAWLEY

BSLFC Res 2 vs 1 Hawley (Hampshire Cup)

We welcomed Hawley to Chapel Gate for our first round of the Hampshire Womens Trophy. We had never faced Hawley before and knew very little about them, although they had previously won the competition while we were recent losing finalists so it shaped to be a good game.

With a storm threatening in the distance there were concerns we would get through the game but conditions were fine to begin with.

Both teams had a chances early, the pace of the Hawley winger was something we were definitely going to have to be at our best to defend while their organised defence were going to make life difficult the other end.

After the early exchanges it looked like it would be Hawley drawing first blood but a good save by Clarke on 21 and some great defending by Orton on 27 kept things level.

We created a couple of chances from corners just after the half hour mark, the best of which fell to Asira but she fired over.

The pace of their winger was still a threat and some good defending by Davies and Corredera Espejo was enough to keep them at bay before Asira found herself through 1 on 1 unfortunately a heavy touch gave the GK a chance to get down at her feet.

There was a shout for a sports pen at 40 minutes as Lander was brought down when through but the ref didn’t agree.

Just before half time we were reliant on Clarke again, the initial corner was cleared but a good back had to be dealt with by a good save.

0-0 at HT both teams had chances but Sports probably edged possession.

We started the second half very well and when Gubb broke down the left 2 minutes in Asira made no mistake from the cross slotting in to the bottom right corner.
1-0

Taylor almost added a second instantly from a Davies cut back but just stung the hands of the Hawley GK instead.

Anderson was on for her sports debut on 51 and it wasn’t long before she was in the thick of the action, a slight mistake on 53 gave the Hawley striker a sight of goal. Despite the angle being against her she finished into the far side very well to make it 1-1. Harsh on the young defender who had very little time to settle and was clearly a little nervous.

This did seem to wake us up though and a flurry of chances for Mosley, Asira and Gubb either side of the hour mark all ended straight at the Hawley GK.

67 minutes Anderson was unlucky not to make up for her initial mistake, a great reaction and now settled into the game she played a great ball in to stocker but she was narrowly beaten to it by the GK.

By this time the storm was close, there was flashes of lightning in the distance and clear thunder but we plugged on hoping to get the game done. A few more sports chances went straight at the keeper before Benjamin had to put substantial pressure on a Hawley break away to make sure Clarke could make another save.

85 minutes and we had the breakthrough, some great play by Stocker, Asira and Mosley on a quick break and Mosley was on hand to make it 2-1.

We had the lead but the rain was now in. The ref clearly wanted to get the game done fairly with the correct amount of time.

Hawley had a great chance to equalise on 86 but out the chance wide before sports had two very good chances both saved quite superbly by the Hawley GK. The close nature of the game meant the ref was going to play the full 5 minutes injury time. Despite the fact we were in the eye of the storm and could no longer see the other side of the pitch we valiantly continued and when the whistle eventually sounded people scattered to cover.

A very good win against a very resilient side and we move onto the next round at home again to US Portsmouth.

Rory: MAJ

Managers player: Keira De Angelis

Player of the match: Abi Orton

REPORT | FA Cup | BSLFC vs AEK-BOCO

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.

REPORT | QK vs BSLFC Res

QK Southampton vs BSLFC Res (league)

It was off to The Hive for our 5th league game of the campaign. It’s always been a challenge for us here and after two draws last season we knew we’d have to perform to come away with 3 points.

It started as a pretty cagey affair, QKs plan was quite clear with a deep defensive line and 3 high strikers, and it was their right forward that was giving Orton plenty to think about as they looked to exploit her pace. Up the other end we just couldn’t find a way through and most of the first 15 passed by in the middle.

The game came alive after this though, a great chance fell to Lander who was through from a West flick. The defender managed to put enough pressure on the shot to make it easier for her GK to make a simple save.

QK had a two on one moments later, Gard made a good recovery run but Corredera Espejo had to defend the cross to stop the danger.

Orton almost found Lander with a good through ball from the back but the GK was out quickly to thwart it.

Lander was through again a minute later but with the previous chances on her mind she held the ball up a laid off to Symes who hit an effort on her weaker right side but it went straight at the GK again.

We were creating some good chances, but just lacked composure to finish them. Lander almost found Acott with a ball but it was just out of reach. She retrieved it and cut it back to Symes on the edge but it flew over to safety.

We had a free kick about 25yds out on 25 minutes but the GK did well with an awkward bounce just in front of her from Symes’ effort.

Despite sustained pressure it was QK that took the lead just before the half hour mark, escaping down the right and out numbering us they crossed and Corredera Espejo went to block the cross but only made contact with the striker and it was a penalty. Traves in goal had no chance with a good pen in to the bottom corner.

West had a great chance 5 minutes later beating the GK with a 1 on 1 but a superb block by the recovering defender denied her.

Asira had a chance just before half time from a West corner but it was very well saved.

HT we had some good chances but were wasteful and QKs pace of attack meant that we had to stay focused if we were to stay in the game.

We almost found ourselves 2-0 down a minute into the second half, but Gard made a great recovery to stop a 2 on 1 attack.

West probably should have levelled a few minutes later, her pace took her through on goal but she stumbled with the ball at the key moment and gave the GK a chance to cover the ball.

Just after the hour we were beginning to look more dangerous and more gaps were beginning to show in the QK defence. A great header from Benjamin was stopped but not held by the GK from a corner. The ball dropped on the line but was cleared by the defender.

Lander had a good attempt well blocked on 65 before we eventually forced an equaliser on 69. Lander hit a good effort following up from a saved Asira effort, it was once again well saved but Asira was there, a couple of yards out, to force it over the line. 1-1

No sooner had we equalised we were in front. A Taylor corner was flicked on by Benjamin and Acott was at the back post with a good touch and finish low into the far corner. 1-2

Combined pressure from Asira and Acott almost had us a third at 75 but Acott just couldn’t get enough on the shot.

QK could have been level a minute later, through on goal but Gard and Davies managed to put enough pressure on to force her to put it wide.

We played some great football on 78 which ended with a good chance for Corredera Espejo but fired narrowly over.

We made it 3 just after. Acott played through with a good ball from the midfield, she committed the GK and squared the ball for White to have a simple tap in. 1-3

White then put Acott in but 2 superb saves denied her as we looked to put the game to bed.

De Angelis tried her luck from distance but again it was narrowly over.

We made it 4 with 88 minutes on the clock. Thompson went on a run from the left, made her way through to the middle of box before reversing the ball back to White who had another close range finish. 1-4

A great final 20 minutes gave us a good result but the first half was certainly a challenge as QK proved very difficult to break down.

Player of the match went to Emily Gard, she doesn’t overly like playing at the back but did a great job once again.

Managers player went to Thompson who is improving all the time and got a great assist.

Rory went to Ricky for a miscommunication on the corner routine before the game. Funny that the team knew I’d said the wrong thing but both videos of corners prove they had no idea what was going on!