DORSET WOMENS LEAGUE
SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2016
VERWOOD TOWN LADIES 4 BERE REGIS LADIES 10

The much anticipated top of the table clash between Verwood Town and the visitors Bere Regis was able to be played after a late pitch inspection. This was a game in which Verwood Town could have shown how much they had developed and grown as a team against one of the teams hotly tipped to win the league and are a very well established, experienced, strong and physically imposing teams.

The day didn’t get off to a good start for Verwood as before the match as Millie fell ill. Layla was called up in her place and Herbert volunteered to play out of position at Right Back. Last minute changes to the line up:

Jo

Herbert Sharon(c) Kerry Kirsty

Karla Sophie C

Megan Zoe Shevvy

Liegh

Subs Angus, Layla & Steff

Bere Regis responded by hitting the post and going close themselves. The game was at this point quite even and in the balance and remained so until 26 mins, when Bere Regis found a way through and beat Jo to the near post.

It was only 3 minutes later that Bere Regis took advantage of Verwood's faltering defensive line, enabling their strikers behind the central defence to remain onside for an easy finish.

Verwood let their heads drop and the organisation and shape went out the window. The unfamiliar combination of Steph at Right back and Megan in front of her created too much space, which Bere Regis exploited by positioning a midfielder in the gap between the two, pulling Karla out wide to close the gap. This allowed Bere Regis to then play the ball back inside into more space, which aside from Sophie, went unchallenged. Kerry was drawn forward out of defence to close down, leaving Sharon exposed at the back. This happened over and over again and led to a further 4 goals before the half time break, which couldn't have come any sooner for Verwood.

Angus replaced Megan to help address the space on the Right and this did manage to stifle Bere Regis somewhat before half time, but their tails were up and they had been allowed to get into their stride.

Half time: 6-0 to Bere Regis

Whatever changes were made and whatever was said at half time, full credit to the management as Verwood looked a team reinvigorated and hungry once again. They didn't look nervous as they did in the opening exchanges in the first half nor did they have their heads down and allow Bere Regis the time and space they had enjoyed so much in the latter stages of the first half.

Verwood's efforts were rewarded as the goal of the game came from Karla, who's audacious attempt from just beyond the centre circle looped into the bottom left corner of the goal. I'm sure Verwood would rather have had the quantity of the goals, but would have to settle for the quality. Terrific goal from Karla!

There was no doubting the quality of Bere Regis as they managed to find other ways through a more resolute Verwood defence to reply almost immediately.

The match was much more even in the second half as both teams enjoyed equal possession. A stark contrast to the final 20 minutes of the first half, which Bere Regis had over 80% possession.

Verwood finally found another way through and it was inevitable that Verwood's most prolific striker would get at least one. Liegh collected a smart quick ball from Herbert and clinically finished to make it 7-2 on 57 minutes.

4 goals down with 25 minutes on the clock… could this be a very unlikely comeback? - Nah! Bere Regis replied within 2 minutes, but Verwood were really making Bere Regis earn their chances rather than gifting them. 8-3 on 67 minutes.

Another Bere Regis goal on 74 minutes made the game 9-3 but the match remained entertaining.

Kerry made way for Steff and Layla replaced Zoe for the closing stages.

Verwood's attacks seemed more predictable in this game, which consisted of hopeful balls forward to Liegh, but for some reason Bere Regis struggled to sniff out the very obvious danger, but rather some good fortune for Bere Regis, unlucky finishing or terrific last ditch defending kept Verwood out until Herbert finally got Verwood's fourth goal on 83 minutes. Bere Regis wouldn't be denied the final say as they racked their tally up to double figures in the closing stages.

10-4 was a very disappointing scoreline, especially as all the damage to Verwood was done during the final 20 minutes of the first half. The right flank needs fixing quickly as quality teams like Bere Regis will exploit any gaps such as that. The girls shouldn't have let their heads drop like either as they proved that while such an established and strong team as Bere Regis may get the win, Verwood were very much in contention for big portions of the match and push even the best of teams.

Full credit to Bere Regis who were efficient, organised and disciplined in their respective positions, which enabled them to capitalise on everything. They got their job done ruthlessly, like 11 terminators.

Big lessons must be learned from this game as Verwood continue to develop and grow. NEVER give up and ALWAYS stick to the game plan. They proved that for most of the match, while they lack the experience and discipline of more established teams they can compete on equal terms with heart, determination and sticking to the game plan. Huge credit to the management for whatever they did at half time and to the incredible spirit the players showed in that second half as it was a real pleasure to watch, even in the pouring rain! If only the England team could play with as much heart as the Ladies did in that second half.

Full time: 10-4 to Bere Regis

Player of the Match: Kirsty

Second half, all Verwood players acquitted themselves very well, however Kirsty was the clear stand-out performer during the first half, especially during the latter stages when the rest of her team lost shape and organisation. She was a reliable rock and Bere Regis had no joy attacking down her flank. Very well deserved box of chocolates for Kirsty!