Date: 04/11/2007
Game: BAWFC v South London
Author: Nicole
Player of the match: Nicole

BAWFC V South London (2-3)

Team: Svitlana, Simone, Preeti, Nicole, Petra, Nav, Mandip, Katie (Kim), Char, Marie, Lou(2).

Concorde provided the venue for BAWFC to take on rivals South London WFC. Keen to extend their unbeaten start to the season, BA were eager to claim another three points, whereas their opponents were seeking their first win of the season, in what was to be an eventful encounter.

South London provided BA with challenging opposition, whereby the opening exchanges were particularly scrappy as both sides were unable to make their mark. However, BA were to gain the assendency as some early pressure was rewarded with them easing into the lead through Lou’s 15th minute strike. This was the product of some creative offensive play by BA, as a swift exchange of passes on the left wing created an opening, with the resultant cross from Nav met with a composed finish for BA to take an edgy lead. This was somewhat of a wake up call for South London WFC as they began to force their way back into the match creating a few half chances.

BA’s inability to convert further from their spells of good play allowed their opponents to snatch an unlikely lifeline just before half-time. A hopeful cross by South London’s right-winger left BA’s defence painfully exposed for the opposing forward to strike home a goal.

The match resumed and both sides seemed determined to take the upper hand. BA however began to find a bit more rhythm and identify weaknesses within the South London defence, on several occasions threatening to take an advantage. Despite BA calving out notable opportunities, South London took an unexpected lead, as their centre midfielder seized the ball to strike home from 20 yards.

Eager to equalise, BA proceeded to advance forward but failed to produce any notable efforts on goal. Then, a superb strike by Lou looked like settling the outcome as she profited from the South London keeper being off her line, to coolly chip the ball over a defeated South London keeper from just inside her own half.

The match entered the final minute and BA were to be punished for their misses, as South London somehow managed to steal three points from a pulsating game. BA’s defence was caught off guard when a clearance downfield was not dealt with, allowing the South London’s striker to duly capitalise by dispatching the ball into the net.

BA were left to rue missed opportunities, as the chance to maintain their 100% record was squandered. They will conclude that poor finishing and defensive lapses were the reason for dropped points, but will be encouraged by the spirit and tenacity shown throughout. A marked improvement will be required as they travel to Battersea Park for next week’s fixture against the Comets.