Date: 23/10/11
Fixture: League
Game: BAWFC 1 v Croydon Borough Ladies 1
Players' POTM: Rebecca Poulton
Manager's POTM: Elsa Huertas Barros
Author: Kim Terry
Line Up: Natasha Bajwa (GK), Preeti Johal, Amy Jackson (C), Nicole Cho-Yee, Emma Longman, Nav Johal (1), Liz Foster, Kate Williamson, Rebecca Poulton, Gilly Thomson, Kim Terry
Subs: Petra Lausen (Jackson 75), Jayshree Badhan (Terry), Elsa Huertas Barros (Williamson 55),
BA lined up on the pitch optimistic at keeping their 100% league record after a disappointing defeat in the cup match last week.
The first half proved difficult for both teams. The BA back four were as usual strong at the back, and left Natasha with little to do in goal. There was little space to pass the ball in midfield and BA resorted to playing long balls over the defence. Croydon's off-side trap left the BA strikers frustrated as the Croydon keeper collected any loose balls played forward. The best chance of the half came from Becks who used her pace down the right wing and got a cross into the box, only for the keeper to collect it. The first half ended with BA disappointed at their lack of chances.
The 2nd half kicked off and still BA struggled to keep possession of the ball and create chances. BA conceded a free kick just outside the box. Croydon took the kick and the ball went over the wall, hit the crossbar and a Croydon striker was waiting to tap the rebound into the net from close range.
A goal down but not defeated, BA made a couple of substitutions and brought Elsa and Jayshree on to the pitch. In need of a goal, BA were on the attack and the fresh legs on the pitch had an immediate impact. A great pass from Gilly put Elsa through on goal but her shot hit the post and rebounded to Nav, who slotted the ball past the keeper.
Level again but wanting to take all 3 points, BA continued to attack. BA used their last substitution and brought Petra on to the field. Becks delivered a great cross into the box after beating the Croydon defence on the right wing, but BA failed to convert and smashed the ball over the crossbar. Another chance saw BA come close again, the final shot just wide of the post. A quickly taken free kick from Gilly put Becks through on goal but she was ruled offside.
The whistle blew and the match ended 1-1, with BA disappointed at dropping their first points in the league.
