W3 home v Waltham Forest 1s 2nd March

A much more physical hard "fought" game against WF this time around. In general they did an excellent job of overloading and confusing our defence with their fluid movement and passing up front, but there was some unnecessary physical barging. In the other half of the pitch we sometimes failed to link from mid to forwards and to convert our chances in the D when we did get the ball forward. Not that we didn't put in hard work and had a decent amount of possession, but on this occasion WF deserved their win, albeit the 5-0 score-line over-exaggerated the balance of play.

The first 5 minutes of the game looked promising as we quickly pushed forward and pressured their D. They then seemed to get into gear to turn the tide. Although we worked hard to mark all their marauding players, there often seemed to be an extra mystery player in the middle of the pitch. Although we had discussed their canny movement up front before the game and stressed the importance of communication, their quick bursts, switches and short triangular passing proved very difficult to counter in practice. Despite best intentions, we were occasionally left confused and confusing each other.

Unlike the first time around, some of their goals came from short corners, which they seemed to have improved on. Their alternating slips left and right were well executed. Sophie, in goal, had an excellent game, saving many shots and kicking out intelligently, but most of their goals were just too good to be saved.

We did come out with seemingly more resolve and a better understanding of their play in the second half of the game, and particularly towards the end, when we pressed forward more effectively, but there was not enough time left for this to make a difference, unfortunately.

Our MoM was shared between the aforementioned Sophie, Dottie, for her dynamism and solid defence and Karen, who had a cracking game (including the impressive control of a high aerial.) I have to give a mention to Molly, who attempted, and indeed executed exceptionally well, a number of aerials from her position as sweeper. Well done.

DoD went to Aurora for her lack of basic game metrics - yes a game is 70 minutes long - narrowly beating Rach B for superb detrusor muscle control (throughout the season apparently).

Consolation for our loss came in the form of Sam's superb lemon drizzle and flap-jacks.

It seems unlikely, though not impossible, we will now be able to boost our standing in the division, but we won't stop trying.

Jane