Date: 17/09/2006
Game: Garston 3rds v BAWFC Reserves
Author: Kirsty Hall
Player(s) of the match: Karen, Kirsty, Marie and Petra

Another wet and windy day saw the BA reserves heading up to Watford. Everyone was feeling confident that today was going to be the day that we scored our first goal and we were all in high spirits laughing and joking in the changing room. Not only did we have 11 players but we even managed to get a sub !!

John took us through a warm up and after a quick team chat we were off. The first half was going to be difficult as we were playing into a very strong wind and the pitch was a huge mud bath but we can out strong. We continuously applied pressure in their half with Petra and Jane making some good runs down the wings. Marie worked well up front, creating space and controlling the long passes. Karen chased everything ensuring that their back four were under pressure. Hibo and Heidi linked up well in the middle to ensure a steady stream of passes finding their way to Marie and Karen's feet. Surely a goal should come soon !! And it did .... a beautiful strike from Marie on the far right of the box (which would surely have gone in if not for the mud !!) ended up tickling to a stop half a metre from the goal line on the far left hand post - luckily Karen was in a great position and calmly put away the ball to score BA reserves first goal of the season. The ensuing celebration was a sight to behold. Garston, woken by the goal, started to spend an increasing amount of time in our half. Simone and Lee covered brilliantly and some great work from Annita on the left resulted in the half time whistle been blown with us still 1-0 up.

The second half started and Garston came out a different team - their subs bringing a new lease of life to their game. There was a barrage of runs down the left wing. Jo came on for Jane and brought some fresh legs.

Some quick and controlled passing by Garston saw their mid fielder in our box with the ball .... the shot was unstoppable for Julia as it was blasted into the top right hand corner. 1-1. Garston continued to apply pressure and BA were amazing getting everyone back behind the ball, covering each other brilliantly and showing alot of grit and determination. There were a few more scares as we conceded 3 corners in a row but we all stood firm and proceeded to give Garston a display of our headering skills clearing the ball. With only a few minutes to go we make another run on goal .... Heidi hustling resulted in a ball being played forward ... Marie was there with only one defender she shot and we all watched as the ball looked to be going into the bottom right hand corner before just swerving to the right at the last minute. Final whistle went ....

Final score 1-1. Our first point of the season - hurray !!! We just need to go one step further this coming Sunday in the return fixture as we aim for 3 points.Great battling everyone and thanks to John and Darren for their support from the sidelines.