On a mild day (or so we thought) the 2s made the short journey over the bridge to Cardiff, to face their 2nd team. The usual warm up commenced with lines and some possession before we were graced with a hailstorm. We rushed for cover under the dug outs to avoid literal pain. After a short interlude taking cover from the elements a rainbow emerged and the game commenced…
An unsettled start saw an early free kick be awarded to Cardiff on the edge of the box and they’re centre back stepped up to take it. The freekick was struck well and it soared towards the top left-hand corner, however, Millie leaped and managed to get a good hand on it. Unfortunately, the ball was palmed down into the traffic around the 6-yard box. An intense tussle saw Cardiff come out on top with the ball in the back of our next. 1-0 Cardiff. Conceding an early goal gave us a good kick up the bottom and we reacted well with stringing together some good passes and continuing to attempt various through balls. All our hard work and determination finally paid off by a pinpoint cross from Chloe which landed at Zoe’s feet and allowed her to unleash a shot, the defence initially managed to get a block in. However, the Cardiff keeper was no match for Zoe’s rebound which was drilled with pace into the bottom left-hand corner. 1-1 Bristol!!!
The game continued and was an even end to end battle, with further on-target shots from Yas, Zoe and Beth. Millie turned into prime Neuer and sent defenders right and left with her silky feet, while Lotte was lunging and winning every ball remotely threatening the goal. The first half concluded and bring on the 2nd half!
After fantastic performances Chloe unfortunately succumbs to a calf injury and Lotte an ankle injury. This prompted many changes seeing Hollie go on at centre back, Hannah to midfield and both Yas and Anna to fill in as fullbacks. Despite, all these defensive changes Phoebe continued to command the defence with confidence and got solid challenges in. The attack continued to progress with flair and a cross from Zoe to Bea saw her get a shot on goal, which just crept wide. A Cardiff injury left us all shivering and more determined to win. We restarted well and appeared to earn a season ticket inside their box with nothing come out but nothing going in; some shooting practise or an eye test is recommended. Noa entered the pitch ready to take the game by a storm, but she took that a bit too literally and heavens opened accompanied by thunder. The pathetic fallacy of the tension of the game was strong. Bristol continued to look the bookies favourite to score. A first-time ball over the top from Alice allows Annie to break the line, pocket the defender and get a fantastic shot off. Out of nowhere the keeper propels herself across the goal and pushes the ball over the bar. Several corners and last-ditch attacks from Bristol were only received by the full-time whistle, which meant one thing – penalties…
Alice stepped up first and someone managed to give the keeper some catching practise- not the finest penalty. Cardiff proceeded to score, and Zoe sent the keeper the wrong way and calmly slotted it bottom left. Cardiff score again and Annie responded by rifling the ball into the back of the net. Cardiff then finally misses but unfortunately so does Yas. The game ends with Cardiff scoring their last penalty and celebrating like they just won the world cup. We’ll be sure to batter them again in the league.
POTM: Phoebe Rice
Written by: Alice Jack
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