Match Report
Match Report - 23 Aug 2009, Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies beat Milton Keynes Wanderers
The Robins started their league campaign at the same venue as last season at MK Wanderers. Met with hot sunshine and a very strong wind blowing the length of the pitch, both sets of players had to acclimatise very quickly.
The game opened slowly with both teams conceding possession cheaply and arguably the home side had the better of the first few minutes and against the general run of play, the Robins took the lead after 10 minutes. Jen Friar beat her fullback and crossed into the box. An attempted clearance struck the onrushing debutant Siobhan Ridout and ended up in the back of the net.
Another debutant was Emily Cross in the Robins goal who was called into action making a great one handed save from a good strike from the edge of the penalty area. The Robins continued to create chances with Ridout finding herself through with only the keeper to beat. Her shot struck the keepers legs before a defender intervened to ensure that the MK Wanderers goal wasn't breached.
On 30 minutes the lively Jen Friar again got past her defender and fired in a cross which sailed into the net at the far post for a 2-0 lead.
Tracy Corkett was played in for a run on goal by Lis Easton only to be upended in the penalty area. It appeared that the defender had made contact with the ball but Referee Mr Reid ruled in favour of Corkett. She took responsibility and stepped up to strike the penalty only for the keeper to save well down to her left.
The second half saw an improvement from the Robins as they settled down and kept the ball better and set about denying their hosts space and time in which to play. In the 53rd minute they forced a corner which found Ridout just inside the penalty area. She took one touch to controlbefore turning and striking powerfully into the backof the net for 3-0.
Another newcomer was Shelley Strange who replaced Lis Easton as manager Dave Ward re-shuffled his pack. Strange played in a support striking role and she worked an excellent opportunity for herself only to see her shot hit the foot of the far post and rebound to safety.
Overall, 3 points and a clean sheet away from home despite not firing on all cylinders was a reasonable start to the league season with many stern tests to come, none more so than the Robins next opponents, Aldershot Town who visit Larges Lane this coming Thursday for a 7.45 ko. Come along and give the Robins your support and enjoy a warm Bracknell welcome.
Milton Keynes Wanderers 0 - 3 Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies