DORSET WOMENS LEAGUE
SUNDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2015
VERWOOD TOWN LADIES 2 POOLE TOWN LADIES RESERVES 0

The visitors started brightly, controlling possession in the very early exchanges and pinning Verwood back, but Verwood were resolute in their defending and soaked up the pressure well. Verwood slowly got themselves more and more into the game, enjoying a good share of possession.

Karla and Hannah went on in Defence and Attacking Midfield on 19 minutes, which proved to be a very timely change as the fresh legs and energy helped the girls take complete control of the game. Their passing and movement on the pitch helped them retain possession and create many clear chances, but a breakthrough couldn't be found.

Then from nowhere, a corner was hit to the near post by Karla and cut out by the Poole defence, but Carla sprang onto the loose ball, played it back out to Karla who hit a looping, curling shot to the far corner, leaving the Poole Keeper rooted to the spot. We are unlikely to see a goal as spectacular as that anywhere in the league!

1-0 to Verwood on 35 minutes.

Rhiannon went on to allow Jo a rest and she battled well, defending from the front, as Poole found it hard to get the ball past her, Steph and Trish.

Poole regrouped and showed a lot of character, pressing Verwood and enjoying a lot of possession. But the defence stood firm, maintained their shape and made life difficult for Poole to create chances.

One chance that fell to Poole was a brilliant strike from just inside the area, which Holly was equal to and pusing the ball away from danger. A crucial save as Poole were trying to impose themselves on the game.

The defence stood resolute until the half time whistle, to close a tightly contested first half.

Half-Time 1-0

Second half saw Jacqui start at Right Back and Jo back on for Rhiannon. Holly was replaced by Lisa as her injury rehabilitation meant she could only manage half a game and had also suffered a bruised head.

A very even game for the first ten minutes, until Claire came off for a needed rest, with Trish moving to Defensive Midfield and Hannah on in the Attacking Left position.

Jo timed her run well on 61 minutes, and on the edge of the area was caught from behind and took a knee to the back of her head. The Referee called a penalty, which Poole contested as they felt is was just outside the area. A very close call, but the scuffmarks on the pitch did indicate it was only just inside the area, but the blow to the back of Jo's head was certainly well inside the area.

Jo had to be replaced by Rhiannon.

Steph stepped up to take the penalty and made no fuss about pushing it with authority to the bottom left corner with the Poole keeper stranded.

Poole didn't let their heads drop and pressed Verwood hard following the second goal, but the back line which consisted of a combination of Carla, Jacqui, Sharon, Sally and Karla at various parts of the game were so organised and determined, Poole struggled to get any real efforts on target. Lisa dealt with any lose ball in the area with surety.

Trish and Lowri combined to shore up the midfield, while Steph's runs, Lauren's industry and Hannah's ability to create space for herself on the left always threatened. Rhiannon chased everything down giving Poole no time on the ball to play it from the back line, which all counted towards one of the most resolute performances we could have hoped for.

The ref added four minutes at the end due to the number of injuries and subs, which led to a tense finish for Verwood as they looked to achieve their first clean sheet of the season.

They need not have been any nerves as the impressive team defending was never rocked too much from start to finish.

Full-Time 2-0

A fine 2-0 victory for the team! What a difference a week makes, good officials, a full team and a good competitive team like Poole to play against.

Special mentions to the whole team, from Holly, who showed really safe hands, the entire defence who's hard work at training has paid off and never looked too troubled today. The Defensive midfield of Lowri, Claire and Trish who were the engine room and the heart of the team. The Attackers; Hannah, Steph, Lauren, Jo and Rhiannon who worked tirelessly to create chances and defending from the front.

Player of the Match though had to be awarded to Karla who was as good and determined as her team-mates in defence, but drove the ball forward and scored what must be a very strong contender for goal of the season.

A fantastic game girls! We can push on from that game and if we have a full team, we can take on the best!

Well done to Poole who stayed competitive to the very end and played football the way it should be played.

Starting line-up: GK: Holly, DL: Carla, DCL: Sally, DCR: Sharon, DR: Kirsty, DMCL: Lowri, DMCR: Claire, AML: Trish, AMC: Steph, AMR: Lauren, CF: Jo. Subs: Lisa, Hannah, Jacqui, Karla & Rhiannon.