Date: 24/10/10
Game: Godalming V BAWFC
Author: Amy
Players' POTM: Liz
Mangers' POTM: Liz

Godalming 3 BAWFC 3

Team: Bajwa, Jackson (c), P. Johal, Sousa, Grewal, Heurtas Barros, Foster(2), Gibson (Martin, 70), Badhan(1) (Nwachukwuguru, 70), Thomson, N. Johal (Lausen 85).

BAWFC travelled to this away fixture looking to extend their unbeaten run. However, the team were aware that the very physical Godalming side would be out to seek revenge for the 5-1 thumping they received at the Concorde centre. Godalming did their best to create a hostile atmosphere at their home ground, but it would take more than that to intimidate this confident, experienced BA side.

From the kick off it was evident that Godalming’s tactics were to be heavy in the challenge and stop BA playing football. However, Lucy Gibson continued on her George Best-esque runs through the centre of the park and attempted many defence-splitting balls through to the energetic strike force of Gilly Thomson and Nav Johal. Finally, BA broke the deadlock when player-of-the-match; Liz Foster won and converted a free-kick on the edge of the box.

Godalming were rattled and tried to press for the equaliser. Centre half, Preeti Johal commanded the back line effectively and BA were assured by the ever-safe hands of Natasha Bajwa in goal. BA caught Godalming on the break; a superb cross from Thomson allowed Jayshree Badhan to show why she is considered to have the best left foot in the league. Badhan struck a thunderous shot, giving the Godlaming keeper no chance, and the visitors a 0-2 lead.

BA conceded a free kick just inside their own half. The back line were well organised, but an exquisite kick allowed Godalming’s young striker to rise high and convert for their first goal. The score was 1-2 at the break.

Straight after the break, Elsa Heurtas Barros entertained the crowd with runs down the right wing, several of which could have resulted in BA extending their lead.

At the other end, Godalming won a corner and capitalised on BA’s relaxed defending. A midfielder ran through the gap at the edge of the box and struck to tie the score at 2-2.

BA continued to play positive football and the introduction of Kirstie Martin and Olive Nwachukwuguru allowed BA to pile the pressure on to Godalming. Foster was fouled again, on the edge of the box and stepped up to convert, this time with her left foot.

BA’s glory was short-lived as Godalming pressed for the equaliser. They scored late in the second half, giving BA a limited time to react. The final score was 3-3. After the game, captain, Amy Jackson said: “We are pleased to come here and remain undefeated. Sometimes you have to settle for away draws against tough opponents. However, we are confident we can go on and improve further and have plenty to work on in training.”