Date: 03/04/2005
Fixture: BAWFC V Colne Valley
Result: 0-6
Author: Heidi Kuivaniemi

Everyone knew this was going to be a tough game and that we would have to work hard to get a good result. But that didn't seem to bother the team too much. Everyone arrived with fighting spirit. Amrik encouraged us to remember that we can play great football.

In the minutes after kick-off, Colne Valley looked strong but so did we. Everyone went for the ball and the passing was accurate and creative. Especially Char created some pressure at Colne Valley's end by getting through their defence with the help of nice through balls from our midfielders. Petra and Nav were looking strong on the wings getting the ball forward and Stacey and Harriet were working hard as usual. Kirsty had some good chances up front as well but was unlucky to be stopped by the opposition's defence which was pretty hard to get past, to be fair.

BA's domination of the start of the game lasted about 15 minutes. Despite that and Sarah's good efforts in goal, Colne Valley managed to score 3 goals within 20 minutes. (Was it 3?not totally sure..) They were fast and their passing was confusing our game a little bit. The pressure turned out to be at our end now which meant more work for our defence. Simone was doing a good job preventing the opposition's attackers sneaking down the line towards the goal, Jo was doing the same on the other side getting the ball away from our half of the pitch. Line and Preeti in the middle (or all over the place) prevented many more goals happening with their nice skillful tackles and hard work as did Sarah with her great saves. It must have been hard to be in defence against this team. I respect your efforts. I noticed that the defence was trying to keep the ball on the pitch rather than kicking it out which showed some confidence and skills. Colne Valley scored another 2 goals before half-time. When Simone had to come off as she pulled her muscle(isn't that right?)the voice of the pitch, Danni, came on. She started with a lot of energy. Kirsty also came off just before half-time and I came on.

The team talk at half-time gave us new energy and we lifted our heads up again. I was moved to right midfield (there were times when I couldn't breathe..)and Tania came on into the attack. Petra was now defending as Jo came off. Our game started flowing again, some good passing and linking between defence and midfield and then midfield and attack. Tania brought some new energy to our attack. Another hat-trick here would have been nice!:o) Colne Valley's attacks were dangerous but the defence managed to clear the ball away. Danni gave the team some instructions and gave Colne Valley no chance with her skillful football.

At some point Colne Valley managed to put one more goal in. I think they had a bit of luck as well.. Amrik probably saw my agony in midfield and decided to swap Tania and I. Especially towards the end of the match we were pressuring the opposition's defence all the time but were unlucky to not score. Stacey was delivering the ball to different directions and was involved in everything. Harriet was doing two players' jobs again and seemed to be everywhere I looked. Nav brought the ball down the line finishing with great passes/crosses(your throws were good as well!) and Char threatened Colne Valley with her oh, so close! chances. I managed to make a couple of crosses with my left foot which I'm pretty pleased about. Normally with my left foot the ball can go anywhere!

We had a couple of injuries at the end of the game. Tania's hip started to hurt and she nearly had to come off. One more sub would have been useful.. Anyhow, she decided to stay and played bravely very well til the end. I hope your hip is okay today! Sarah also got a blow to her shoulder which meant she had to come off replaced by Danni. Hope you are ok too!

All in all, we could have done better and were a bit unlucky at times, but we didn't give goals away easily and were determined to challenge them until the end.