Saturday the 7th of February saw us pls hoists to West Bridgford Firebolts in the quarter finals of the challenge cup.
Its that time of the year when the pitch can play a big part of how the games played and right from the start both sides saw passing moves fall short because of a heavy pitch.
The game started evenly but just before the ten minute mark West Bridgford took the lead with us failing to clear a ball out of the box. It was only a few minutes later when Sam picked the ball in the centre circle and ran the full half only to have a shot well saved the the Bridgford keeper but she Luca shot from the next attacking move the the Bridgford keeper could only push the ball into the net making it 1-1.
The next big chance fell to Ethan who with another long running attack found the last touch to be a bit to long that gave the keeper a chance to clear the ball.
Just before half time a ball from midfield found a west Bridgford striker in the box with no GSB defender in sight and he took the gift to give the visitors a 2-1 half time lead.
I told the boys this game was not over and we had to put pressure on west Bridgford.
West Bridgford started with three at the back and from the kick off we started looking for that goal. We spent most of the second half attacking but not getting any clear cut chancers. The three at the back for Bridgford seemed to get a foot or block to every attack we made. The pitch became very boggy and passing became had but with a passing move down the right wing saw a ball played in to the box and Ronnie at the back post could only put the ball wide from four yards out.
The game was put beyond us when Bridgford took there only chance of the second half to make it 3-1. The lads kept on the pressure for the last five minutes but the goal didn’t come and we lost 3-1.
Passing and shooting were below our standards today. I told the boys at full time if we don’t shoot we don’t score. Heads need to be picked up and look for the pass that could make the difference. Training on Wednesday will be all about passing and shooting.
Unlucky boys, keep working as a team and the results will follow.
