Swindon Spitfires 5 vs 2 Didcot Casuals

The game started of very slowly with both teams being very cautious, with the majority of the game being played in the middle of the pitch, both teams had chances at goal but none good enough to test either keepers. In the 29th minute Zosh managed to get on the end of a through ball and managed to pass the ball past the on coming keeper in to the back of the next, only for the goal to be disallowed for a fowl on the defender a few moments before. In the 38th minute Didcot got a cross into the Spits box, with the ball only half cleared a Didcot player picked the ball up 40 yards out and hit a lovely shot over the Spits keeper and under the bar in to the goal. 2 minutes later Zosh went on a run in to the Didcot box only to be brought down-penalty! Kelly, making her debut for the club, calmly stepped up to convert the spot kit smashing it in to the top right hand corner. On the stroke of half time Spits got a corner that Kelly took. The corner kick was hard and low and found its way through the players and in to the Didcot goal.

Straight from the restart Didcot went on the attack and won a corner, Spits didn't manage to clear the ball properly giving Didcot a chance to cross again with the ball ending up with an un marked player on the 6 yard line for a simple tap in past the helpless Spits keeper. 10 minutes later Emma received the ball just inside the Didcot half and struck the ball beautifully and lobed the helpless Didcot keeper. With the scores even again Spits stepped up a gear and got more adventures going forward, with Spits looking towards Cat Baird to score with her blistering speed. Just after 75th minutes Kayleigh put a through ball in behind the Didcot defence and Cat Baird ran from just inside her own half to beat the Didcot defence to go 1 on 1 with the Didcot keeper and coolly slotted the ball in to the goal. 7 minutes later Spits went on the attack and won a corner, Kelly took the resulting corner only for the ball to be headed in by a Didcot player. In the final minute Didcot were unlucky not to score after a dropped cross from Rach caused a goal mouth scramble with Michelle and Clarissa combining to clear the loose ball of the line.

This was a good game of football to watch with both teams doing well in extremely hot weather conditions.


THE OPPOSITION'S VIEW
Sun 20 Sep 09 Swindon Spitfires 5 - 2 Didcot Casuals

Scorers: Lisa Brooke-Taylor, Sarah Curtis

An eagerly awaited game against a team from last year�s league who were themselves beginners then, took place in a sun drenched South Marston. The Casual�s ladies were short on numbers and there were walking wounded amongst those present, but what a difference a week makes! All players seemed up for the match and started strongly, taking their time and playing good basic football. The breakthrough came from hard pressing work by Kerry Sparling in the opposing defence, which resulted in a mistake and the loose ball came to Lisa Brooke Taylor at the edge of the box. The resulting shot reached into the top of the net and a 1 nil lead!

The remainder of the half was very even and matters were levelled from the penalty spot following a late challenge. Just before half time the Casuals jinx struck again and we retired 2.1 down at the break.

The second half was a positive return and following more pressure from Barbara on the left wing, a cross-found Sarah Curtis at the back post for a simple tap in, .2.2. The game continued in a firm but fair way, with plenty of action from Barbara on the left, but Swindon used the through ball to good effect and broke of back four a few times resulting in 2 more goals against! The last of the goal came from a Casuals player, but unfortunately into the wrong net. Amanda Pearson tried to clear the corner with the head, but an unfortunate contact beat Lucie and the game ended 5.2 to Swindon.

A much better effort today, and on the day with a full team, the result should be a more positive affair!

Man of the match today was Barbara Soria, for consistent hard work and determination on the left wing! A special mention to Kerry Sparling who at centre forward, pressed and hassled from the front, allowing numerous chances on target!