Date: 20/03/2005
Fixture: BAWFC V Northwood Ladies
Result: 0-0
Author: Jennifer O'Brien

Well I've so far avoided the match write-up responsibility but Petra finally had her way, apologies for any omissions/errors/spelling mistakes or anything else I may mess up in here, I can sympathise with everyone who's ever written one before, I was busier concentrating on playing than remembering the details!

Sunday 20th March and our friendly vs. newly promoted Div1 side Northwood started with a delayed kick-off due to the closure of the A312. Spirits in the BAWFC dressing room were high though, welcoming back Danni who interrupted her life of leisure between New Zealand and Spain just for the chance to get the BA strip on again! After a good warm-up and team talk we were well up for the game ahead, and started the brighter of the sides with some early breaks down the left wing, great communication and one-twos' with Nav, Tania and Kirsty combining really well and the Northwood keeper, though not having any spectacular saves to make as yet, had to be quick off her line on several occasions to keep out the through ball. Stacey and Char were as usual working really hard taking down everything in the air in midfield, mopping up the loose balls and keeping the good passing momentum going, with Stacey battling it out defensively and Char seeking out the forwards with her usual control and neat passes on the break. The defence coped really well with the couple of long balls over the top from Northwood in the early exchanges, and their confidence and communication with everyone working well for each other was evident from the very start.

Sarah had very little to do for most of the first half thankfully, in fact I think Northwood had only 2 corners compared to our 5. In the last 10mins of the first half Northwood were getting a bit more of the ball and settling in a bit more. Sarah had one cracking save to make from a strong reflex shot after a corner, but the BA defence held strong, half time score 0-0.

Amrik's half-time talk had some input on our position play and gave us encouragement to go out strong again at the second half, which we did. The wingers were trying to keep their positions out wide and Char dropping back a little more in midfield created some good space. Jenny stayed on at left back to replace the hardworking Jo in defence and was straight away up for it and in the thick of things. Some good passing out of defence and long kicks from Sarah in goals made a couple of forward breaks for BA with Char, Stacey, Jen and Tania all having shots at goal, Char's shot producing a good save from the Northwood keeper. Kirsty probably had the best chance of the half when she evaded being offside with a great run through on a ball from midfield, I think the pass was from Char, and Kirsty was unlucky to scuff her shot with only the keeper to beat. There were a couple more crosses from the wings this half with Char and Stacey both picking out the wingers on forward runs, but unfortunately the final strike on goals was still letting us all down. Danni made her BA comeback in the 2nd half replacing Suzie who'd had a very confident game with some excellent defensive cover and throw-ins. After a fantastic performance up front Tania's hips finally started to tire too, so Lorraine came on for an impressive debut with some good control, twisting and turning the Northwood defence as Tania had, and a couple of shots on target. Nav didn't even look tired after her continuous running and passing on the left wing but gave Jo another run at midfield (you know you love it Jo!) and Jen made way for Nav late in the half. BA were still having the majority of possession and chances, just the final shot letting us down with Stacey sending a shot just wide of the left, Char whistling a cracking shot just over the bar, and Jen driving one just wide of the right post. Jo even got up for a shot just beyond the right corner, she must be getting a taste for it after the Morden cup game! Northwood rallied well in the end of the half again but the BA defence held up to the pressure with Petra and Preeti putting in some hard tackles, Jenny getting to the ball in front of her player each time, and Danni not so rusty either laying off some lovely balls upfield and some long throw-ins. Sarah had a couple more saves to make and we nearly let all hard work go to waste but for Petra's fantastic goal line headed clearance!

All in all a well deserved 0-0 result, we couldn't nick a goal or two unfortunately but everyone worked hard and good communication, which should hopefully bode well for our cup game.

Thanks to Northwood for a fair and evenly contested game, Ray for refereeing and of course our supporters.