Date: 05/11/2006
Game: BAWFC vs. South London
Author: Simone Rapa
Player of the match: Lou

Another perfect day for a football match, and hopes for a good result were high (although nerves were jangling a bit!). A few changes to the starting line-up, boots and registrations checked (thanks Ref) and we kicked off dead on 2pm. It soon became apparent that winning balls in the air was going to be a challenge - the South London girls all seemed to be at least 5ft 10 in their boots (apart from the goalie ironically).

In terms of the opposition's tactics it was clear that the long ball was going to be the game plan of choice, but with a fairly disciplined performance from the back 4 SL found themselves a little unstuck with a number of off side decisions against them. BA on the other hand got into a groove fairly quickly of passing the ball into the midfield and going on the attack, and looked dangerous on a number of occasions, but some determined defending thwarted BA's goal opportunities.

The ref was in fine form - and blew up for a number of offences (not all of them obvious to either team!) and when he "requested" an audience with Nav it was anyone's guess as to what the problem was, turning out to be an objection to her body piercing which no amount of plaster was going to make acceptable. This led to about 15 minutes with Nav off the pitch with any number of people sticking their fingers up her nose trying to remove the offending article. (OK, it was her Mum, but that doesn't sound very "hard").

After much eye-watering Nav was back on and in action and from whom some inspired running down the wing led to a beautiful cross to Char which she stylishly put away - a very satisfying BA goal. End of first half: BA1, South London 0.

Verdict during the half time talk was BA was on top but the team needed to lift their game to win. With this in mind we started the second half, but a direct free kick just outside the box at the start - which unfortunately was a shot and a half - levelled the score. We managed to win a number of corners and free kicks thanks to the combined efforts of all positions, and some penal offences by the SL defence ("last time I'm going to warn you Number 10!") but alas no goals forthcoming. Marie and Alisse swapped over, and Alisse immediately made a nuisance of herself with a couple of close chances.

BA definitely looked the most dangerous but a very determined SL (who it has to be said battled to be first to every ball) made some counter attacks down the centre that Danni and Preeti dealt with very efficiently. I also would like to mention Svit's spectacular finger tip save, pushing the ball just over the top bar. We found ourselves under some pressure, conceding some corners and free-kicks which we managed to defend well enough to keep the slate clean. BA were unable to get that elusive second goal so final result a draw - but BA's first point this season.