ISFA South West Development League - Saturday 18 January 2025

Taunton 0-5 Sherborne Girls

Having beaten the opposition last term 1-0 in the game in November we expected another tough game. The early part of the game was scruffy as both teams kept losing possession early. With our girls playing up the slope in the first half they struggled to get any rhythm in their play.

Having practiced team shape and patterns of play during the games session in the week, the team started to put this into practice and then took control of the game. The defence was solid and gave us a good platform to build attacks. In midfield , Cici A started to play intelligent balls to penetrate the opposition's defence. Camila R and Annie P set the scene with some great give and go plays which brought many opportunities to score. It was one of these in which Anna P delivered a first time ball across the goal for Amelia P to smash home from 10 yards.This move was repeated 6 minutes later and we were 2-0 up inside the first 15 minutes. Confidence grew and the team created many more chances. Simone A and Amelia P led the front line extremely well and caused the Taunton defence problems with their closing down in the oppositions's half. A third was added when Imogen C hit a shot from the edge of the area that crept in at the far post. Three substitutes were made with Rosie A and 1st team debutantes, Lizzy L and Sophie A replacing Amelia P, Simone A and Zoe Q. Half time it was 3-0.

At half time they were reminded that the game was not over and a repeat performance was required in the second half. The team were buzzing with their display and started the second half where they left off in the first half. The substitutes made their mark with Sophie A almost scoring with a fine shot that just went over the bar and Rosie A causing their defence many problems. When Taunton did mange to get up into our half Isla B was there to tidy up and utilise Matilda B and Elena L to starts attacks. Own the midfield Lizzy L was finding her feet and made some excellent contributions going forward.

The fourth goal came from another cross from Anna P and Imogen C had an easy task of guiding the ball past the goalkeeper. Rosie A added a fifth when she struck a ball well from 12 yards out and placed the ball past the keeper into the corner of the net. We played mainly in their half so Kath H had a rare game where she was just a spectator. The three substitutes came back on for the original three who went on and received deserved applause for their contribution.

We now need to carry this performance into our following games and build on the confidence and game play that we achieved in this one.