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A chilly, murky Saturday morning and after
an unexpected detour through Sainsbury’s! Redditch finally arrived and
found themselves with a squad of only 10 players, possible signs today
wouldn’t be United’s. The Christmas spirit and a good team talk set the
girls up, knowing they would have to work hard. For the first 20 minutes
the ball ‘ping-ponged’ between either ends. The first break began when
Becky Newburn sprinted down her wing to cross the ball into the box,
skimming the keeper for Emily “the Magic Roundabout” Husband to slot
home her first of the season (1-0). Colts came back with renewed energy
seeing chances thwarted due to superb defending from Natalie Monaghan
and Olivia Shannon. Another run from Becky could have seen her first of
the game, but the fierce shot was stopped by the Colts' goalie.
H.T.. 1-0
The sun surprised us, came out and shone
directly into United’s goal. We started in a buoyant mood. From the
kick-off excellent play between Kerry Badger, Alex Cann and Gemma Taylor
in the midfield continued to pressure the Colts goal. Continuing their
dominance, United was awarded a corner for their hard efforts, Claire
Partridge’s fantastically struck ball ended in the back of the net
(2-0). With the sun blazing brightly on United’s defence Colts had many
chances to reduce the deficit but these were cleanly and confidently
taken by Helen. Claire’s free kicks/corners have been outstanding over
the last season and it proves again to be one of our threatening areas,
as she grabs her 3rd of the game with another well placed corner and a
little deflection (3-0). Six minutes later United was awarded yet
another corner and, you guessed it, Claire’s wonderfully taken corner
curved and floated over all heads into the far post, hatrick heroine
Claire made it (4-0). On the final whist le Alex had the final kick of
the ball, unfortunately straight at the goalie.
F.T.. 4-0
Today’s match was a complete team effort;
we were down by one man, so everyone had to up their game on a heavy,
muddy pitch, a fantastic match, seen from the side-lines and even
commented on by the referee. Well done to Dani Lewis who was awarded
‘Player of the Match’ for her best performance of the season so far
showing great determination. |
