London Edwardians 2: Croydon Ladies 0
We seem to have played quite a few games at Battersea this season, we even have a unique warmup for the occasion. After last weeks’ match there was an air of optimism around us before the game, despite the fact we were missing some players.
The warm up game on the pitch worked well, and people were talking to each other about where they wanted the ball. It felt positive and exciting.
We started the first half postively, and there were lots of passing moves. Yet by the end of it, London Edwardians, who are currently second top in the league, had managed to notch up a 2-0 lead.
Almost in shock the team lined up for the half time talk. The fitness feels better, the momentum was there, the passing and communicating was improved.
So what went wrong? I can’t say, I know I could have, personally, done things better like passing the ball a little earlier. And I am sure many of us are thinking of things we could have done better. Even Becky, Croydon’s player of the match who got 7 POM votes (see later) apologised for not passing enough. Seriously Becky! 7 votes would suggest you passed plenty, as well as running to provide support all over the pitch.
Other votes included Sharon Burke, who made some fantastic and decisive dives to thwart further goals. Wendy who I think played a different position from usual (correct me if I am wrong there), came high up the pitch in attempts to support the attack as well as doing a sterling job deep in defence.
Fiona Loxton who made some great interceptions and by doing so changed the run of play several times on the right. She needed sleep before the game, so after having also ran into many positions for the ongoing pass and shooting some great crosses across the goal, I supsect she is still sleeping now.
And Santy, who does that whole shadowing and channeling thing so well. Well done everyone, from where I was standing, it looked a lot of the time, like we were playing great hockey.
I know all too well, it isn’t fun to beat yourself up over things you didn’t do right, and it only puts more pressure on your game next time. So let’s just spend more time building on what we did do well, than worrying about the mistakes.
And an impartial observer told the coach that we were way the better team.
Come on Croydon
Player of the Match: Captain Becky Forshaw (7)
Wendy Howell (2)
Fiona Loxton (2)
Helen Sant (1)
Sharon Burke (1)
Thank you very much indeed to Mike Chalk, for not only giving up his Saturday to umpire for us, but in doing so, he missed going to watch the England rugby match. That’s so kind Chalky thanks
Thanks to coach and captain
Thanks to the loud and loyal side line including Lili and accompanying chocolate and booze reward scheme, and L.Bell. As always having someone cheering us on, makes a big difference to morale on the pitch thank you.
