DORSET WOMENS LEAGUE
SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2016
VERWOOD TOWN LADIES 5 SHAFTESBURY 1

Verwood welcomed Shaftsbury to Potterne Park following back to back victories against Gillingham and Poole
Starting line-up:-

Jo

Larissa, Kerry, Sharon, Kirsty

Sophie, Karla

Megan, Zoe, Shevill

Liegh

Subs: Millie, Rosy, Lowri, Steff & Lisa

Verwoods second came from Liegh who was aiming for a hat-trick of hat tricks having netted three per game in the last two matches.

Zoe making her debut, made way for Millie, who resumed her defensive midfield partnership with Karla, allowing Sophie to push up into attacking midfield.

The third goal was a piece of selfless teamwork by Liegh, who had received a brilliant pass by Sheville but rather than shooting herself, she played Shevill back in having seen that She was in a better scoring position, Leigh played Shevill back in. 3-0 to Verwood.

Steff replaced Larissa at Right back for some game time after recovering from injury. Just before the stroke of half time, Verwood won a penalty. Leigh made no mistake on converting and was on her way to that hat-tricks of hat-tricks.

Half time 4-0 to Verwood.

The second half began and Shaftsbury were fired up, making the early exchanges a much more even affair than the first half with Verwood losing their shape. Megan was getting dragged into the middle to try to win the ball, exposing the right flank and Karla was rooted to the defence, leaving the midfield short as Shaftsbury overloaded that area.

Shaftsbury deservedly pulled a goal back to make the match 4-1.

Zoe replaced Megan and Lowri replaced Karla with new instructions to tighten the midfield and to give more options for the team when in possession.

Lowri, who will be leaving for Oxford University after this game provided her team mates with a parting gift of a goal to make it 5-1 to Verwood.

The game continued to be very even throughout the second half and Verwood again began to lose the shape. Karla returned to the field, which helped make the middle more solid and regain some organisation.

Zoe received the ball on the right and cut inside to fire Verwood's final goal of the game, which was a well-placed drive into the bottom corner.

Megan returned to the action on the right and Lowri replaced Sophie in attacking midfield to see out the game with more energy.

A solid performance from the team and the third win on the run.

Full-Time 5-1

How the players fared:
Jo: Quick off her lines as always beating Shaftsbury to many through balls. Good distribution and reliable shot stopping.
Kirsty: Had an immense first half. Precision and devastating passes and a terrific goal to cap a very strong first half performance. Shaftsbury had to make a huge effort to contain her during the second half.
Kerry: Good range of passing and determined defending. Hounded any Shaftsbury player on the ball and gave them no space to manoeuvre.
Larissa: Finding lots of space on the right, but her team-mates had difficulty finding her. Something to work on in training no doubt. Defended well and won most of her challenges.
Karla: Dominated the midfield in the first half, but got swamped by Shaftsbury players in the second. Made a number of strong runs forward and always looked dangerous in possession.
Sophie: Solid and dependable performance. Excellent ball control and exceptional eye for a pass.
Shevill: Missed a lot of goal scoring opportunities, but was a very bright spark igniting many attacking opportunities for her team. A great provider for her team mates.
Zoe: Making her debut and scored a terrific goal. Showed signs of linking up well with her team-mates, which bodes well for future games.
Megan: Energy and determination. Always chased down what many players would write off a lost causes and regaining possession when it seemed lost. Good passing ability too.
Leigh: Verwood's most prolific striker and was very unlucky not to get her hat-trick again today. An all-round excellent team performance and great special awareness.
Millie: Has formed a very formidable partnership with Karla and is getting better and better every week. A frightening thought for any opposition! Very competent and controlled performance.
Steff: Did exceptionally well after returning to fitness from injury. Very strong in the tackle and drove the ball forward out of defence with purpose.
Lowri: Her final game before departing for University and scored a fantastic team goal. Has been one of Verwood's most consistent players from the very first game the team formed. Good luck at Oxford!

Warborne Sponsored Player of the Match:
Captain Sharon: led from the back and kept the defence's shape intact the entire game. Every reliable to clear any dangerous through balls and made the defence into an attacking force too today. Top performance indeed!

Well done Verwood for another excellent result and moving up to second in the league!
Next week we welcome Wool & Winfrith to Potterne Park.