Date: 07/01/2007
Game: Hackney Reserves v BAWFC Reserves
Author: Carolyn
Player of the match: Carolyn

It took place on a grey and windy day on Hackney Marshes - Hackney Reserves vs BA reserves. There had been some changes to the published line-up, but there were still 11 of us in the starting line-up, waiting outside the changing rooms and eyeing the opposition. Julia cheerfully informed us that they were a very strong team by way of building up our confidence before the match.

Majid took us through a great pre-match warm-up during which Julia saved all or nearly all our shots on goal.

Then we were off, trying to keep our breath and run off all that Christmas Pud. We were keen, but perhaps not quite as young and fit as the opposition on average. Julia's warning was proved to be true in fairly short order, as they penetrated our area and put away some convincing goals. The back four; Anita, Lee, Kirsty and Emma B, were kept pretty busy tackling and clearing and trying to get the ball to the midfield. The midfield in turn; Geesje, Katie, Carolyn and Silvia (playing a blinding first 90 minutes for BA), were also working hard and trying to feed the ball forward to Jane and Karen. We must have succeeded, as I remember Jane and Karen making some great runs during the first half.

It has to be said that the opposition were putting us under considerable pressure. Their captain and centre forward, who stood about twice as high as any of us, was the lynch-pin of their game and was proving a bit of a problem. She was however caught offside time and time again, as Julia urged us to push up. Emma B. who was also playing her first 90 minutes for the BA reserves was repeatedly up against their captain and was bravely taking some stick, including a foul and a ball in the face. The opposition took the opportunity to score another goal while we were checking that Emma was OK. They scored another easy goal later on in the game while we were distracted as one of our players was down (I think it was Anita, but she was OK, it was only cramp). Julia wasn't given the chance to get bored, as usual she was making some great saves (as well as conceding some goals obviously). Lee was giving us some good advice and encouragement, as well as putting in some great tackles and clearances. The first half ended with us 6-0 down.

The half-time talk gave us some encouragement and good advice on better communication and also resulted in a couple of slight changes. Majid had spotted what a great job Katie was doing in midfield and moved her up front. Unfortunately, a few minutes into the second half Jane's ankle gave out again and she was forced to retire from the game. She was sorely missed on the field, although her support from the sidelines was welcome as she swelled our supporters from 2 to 3 (in contrast, the home team had a small crowd of supporters). With no substitutes available we were then down to ten, all running and battling bravely. The other side made their three substitutes in the second half, of course.

Although we were very tired we were still fighting fiercely in the second half and did manage to penetrate into their half repeatedly, although we didn't really test their goalie. Kirsty was feeding the ball forward at every opportunity, as usual. Whenever we got anywhere near their area they managed to get a lot of bodies behind the ball.

The opposition was awarded a number of corners and a couple of free kicks, from which they scored despite our wall. As well as attacking their goal, Karen and Katie were back defending corners as some point, as I remember Karen clearing one of their corners. The game ended with us in their half, however, still trying to score a consolation goal.

The conclusion was that we had played well individually, but we all need to go to practice, so we can learn to play together as a team. Good advice Majid!