Date: 05/11/2006
Game: BAWFC Reserves vs. Panthers Reserves
Author: Karen Gibson
Player of the match: Ros

Sunday 5th November 2006 BAWFC Reserves Vs Panthers Reserves It was a bright and sunny November day and true to style the BAWFC Reserves rose to the occasion with a dramatic display of nerve and gritty determination in their match against The Panthers Reserves.

The usual suspects were on the pitch together with a number of new gutsy recruits, happy to spend their Sunday afternoon fighting for supremacy for the BA girls.

The game was set to be postponed as the referee was on a bus somewhere in Hounslow. However, Darren, Lee's tall, dark and handsome other half stepped into the helm as referee and did a sterling job keeping us lot on the straight and narrow until the official ref arrived after half time.

We started out on a high and had our usual positive outlook, especially as we were the full eleven as Jo risked taking to the pitch with an injury. She set us on the right path at the start of the game when both teams were cautious, but it didn't take long before we both found our feet. It wasn't long before the BA defence rocketed into action either. Their blinding display of tackles, going in for the ball and Ros' kicks out all culminated in us applying great pressure to the opposition. However, their brutal determination led to them earning an early lead.

This didn't deter us, and we continued to hold our heads high even after conceding goal 2 and 3 in quick succession. This made us even more determined and it wasn't long before we got our first break which led to a great run by Hibo and Kim. The Panther's defence came to life, but seemingly forgot what game we were playing as a hand ball in the penalty area led to our first chance of a goal. Spirits were high and Hibo displayed a look of determination as she was totally focused. Her shot was forceful and, had the keeper darted in either direction it would have been a ball in the back of the net, but on this occasion it wasn't meant to be. Great effort though Hibo.

It wasn't long before that great defensive line-up were back to it. Jo made a great tackle and put in to practice her 'if in doubt kick it out' philosophy. This, along with additional pressure from Bin's tackles and Vicky's great marking kept the opponents at bay for a while longer. Every move on the goal was defended by the mighty Julia who continued to show guts and determination as she made a number of amazing saves.

Just before half time we had our second break as Lara made a great turn out of the six yard box when the ball came her way. She made a great pass to Hibo who made a valiant run up left wing and made a fabulous cross to Amol. This led to her making a shot at goal but, alas the Panthers goalie was poised and just wasn't letting that ball pass her. Low and behold we were left empty handed once again. The half time score was a heartbreaking 8-0. However, the pep talk from our feisty captain made us all re-focus and get ready for round two!

No sooner had we got back on the pitch, goal nine and ten were put away. This led to Julia taking her frustrations out on an almighty goal-kick which sent the ball rocketing into mid-field. Karen and Kim ran like their lives depended on it and got the ball within feet of the penalty box, but the Panthers defence team were on the ball, quite literally, and it wasn't long before the ball was sent right back to where it had come from. Another corner was awarded the opposition as Vicky had made a great tackle to keep it out of the box. Fortunately great tactics from Lee and another mighty kick from Ros kept that ball from hitting the back of the net.

Julia and the defenders (great name for a band I thought!) put up such a fight and stayed strong to the end but the Panthers managed another four goals before the final whistle blew and the game ended with a 14-0 defeat. But not to be defeated the teams shook hands and all agreed it was a great match. On reflection in the bar after the game we all agreed we showed some great team work, but we also needed to communicate better, something we need to practise in training. We all left smiling and ready for the triumph that next week’s game promised to bring - we'll just have to wait and see!