Date: 03/10/10
Game: BAWFC v Godalming
Author: Kirstie
Players' POTM: Gilly
Managers' POTM: Mandip and Nav
BAWFC 5 Godalming 1
Team: Natasha Bajwa (GK), Amy (c), Elsa, Gilly (4), Jayshree, Julia, Kirstie, Lisa, Liz, Lucy, Mandip, Nav (1), Petra, Preeti
Nerves were gangling prior to this top of the table clash and this was in evidence after Godalming Town went one nil up after just a few minutes following a mix up at the back between defenders and the keeper.
BA worked hard to get back into the game and started to pile on the pressure with some good solid play in midfield before Kirstie Martin played a perfectly timed ball through to BA top scorer Gilly Thompson who slotted home confidently.
Now on level terms the Speedbirds moved up a gear and were unlucky not to go 1 up when midfield dynamo Liz Foster rattled the crossbar with a thunderous freekick. Some strong work down the flanks with plenty of crosses and corners left the Godalming defence exposed on several occasions but BA just couldn’t force the ball into the back of the net.
The hard work and pressure paid off when a great ball from Lucy Gibson found Gilly once more and her pace left the last defender for dead and she coolly finished to take BA to 2 -1. Just before half time a great run down the right by Nav Johal saw her cross come shot fly past the hapless Godalming keeper at her near post sending BA in at half time 3-1 to the good.
After the break Godalming Town heads had dropped and so had their discipline as some tackles started to fly in and tempers flared. BA upped their game and Gilly was again on target calmly rounding the keeper to make it 4 -1 and claim the match ball.
Some motivational words from the Godalming sidelines briefly lifted their effort. Their striker went through on goal with just the keeper to beat after trying to swap shirts with Preeti Johal.
The game unfortunately descended into some unpleasantness by individuals from both sides before subs Elsa Barros, Julia Steer and Petra Lausen came on to steady the ship and woman of the match Gilly Thompson was put through once more from midfield (can’t remember who) to claim all 3 points for BA right on the final whistle.
The 5 -1 victory keeps BA firmly at the top of the table and sends out a strong message to the rest of league that we are Champions in waiting.
