| Team | Ladies 5 |
| Opponent | Newent 3 |
| Date | October 12, 2024 |
| Result | Loss |
| Score | 1 – 3 |
L5 arrived at Casa del Brockworth to play Newent L3s to a back drop of dark and stormy clouds, but ever optimistic, this captain brought her sunglasses and we were rewarded with sunshine before pushback.
We had a well stocked squad and even a “Half-Time Treat Manager,” how many other Lansdown Teams can say that? We had our L5s Barmy Army of supporters and helpers which was amazing as we basked in the October sunshine. On top of that we also had a special guest player this week to help guide us in this new league.
Contrary to tradition, we managed to not concede in the first 5 minutes, opting instead to miss a sneaky Newent player on the back post and concede in the 6th minute….but that’s progress right?
The first 10-15 minutes was very much a busy period for our midfield and defensive back line of Martha, Freya L, SJ and Liz as Newent applied the pressure and fed balls through leading to Sophia to make some good saves.
L5s finally settled into a bit of a rhythm and there were some lovely runs from Abi, Nagyda, Tilda, Gabby, Agnes and Freya H into the Newent end of the pitch to myself, Erin and Daisy who were trying to break down the Newent defence. Much like my stress levels, the play was building and we were looking promising, but just before half-time Newent scored again on that back post.
Half-time came and our Half-Time Treat Manager sprang into action divvying out the now staple oranges, Squashies and Wine Gums. A few things to think about and a change in positions for our two in central midfield and off we went again….and we went with a BANG!!!
Within two minutes the switching of Abi and Nagyda led to Nagyda absolutely smashing home what I think was a reverse stick mid-air strike. Not only a contender for goal of the season but everyone – umpires, players and opposition all looked around with the same look of “did that actually just go in?” on their face.
Energised L5 continued to apply pressure and keep Newent at bay at that back in a defensive line up which also featured this resident traffic cone captain. Sadly we were caught out once more on that back post and Newent scored a third.
L5s fought until the very end applying pressure but unfortunately we were unable to convert that pressure into success and the final score was 3-1 to Newent.
Some particular highlights include:
· Brian made his first appearance this season having been on the missing persons list for the last few weeks.
· My rather flukey off the goal line stops not once, but twice which considering I’m a forward is nothing short of a miracle.
· Abi and Nagyda’s tenacious running in central midfield.
· SJ’s face when she found out I have the same size head as our 8-year old Half-Time Treat Manager.
· My reaction to David when he gave a short corner for the ball hitting my foot in the D, when I was actually stood on the opposite side of the D…..only for him to realise the blonde head he’d seen was Agnes (I take that as a compliment being mistaken for someone so youthful looking).
· Teas were completely on point as always so big up to Gill and the team.
· Suzie about to announce the winners of POTM and Brian the Lion at the rugby club, drumroll going….just as Gloucester Rugby scored and the club erupted so nonne of us heard.
· I avoided a green card this week.
Nominations for POTM were for Sophia, Abi, Nagyda, Erin and Tilda with Nagyda taking home the accolade.
Nominations for Brian the Lion (for sheer grit and determination on the pitch) were for Nagyda, SJ, Abi, Jules (me), Freya H and Erin with Brian coming home with me. Good job too as our Half-Time Treat Manager (who was responsible for escorting Brian to Teas) accidentally forgot to unbuckle his seatbelt.
Big thanks to our two umpires James and David (even if poor David did get a couple of uncharacteristic looks from me). Massive thanks as well to all of our wonderful supporters, of which there were too many today to mention by name, but special mention to Suzie, Laura and Mark who helped guide us all on the sidelines.
Head’s up ladies, we’ll soon turn that performance into points!