Match Report
Match Report - 24 Jan 2010, Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies lost to Chesham United Ladies
The Robins first defence of the Berks and Bucks Cup was ended by last season's runner's up, Chesham Ladies who romped home 6-2.
From the outset of the game, Chesham controlled the tempo with some slick passing and movement. Their accuracy and control in possession caused a number of problems for the Robins who defended resolutely with Emily Cross in the Robins goal making some important saves to keep the Robins in the game. It was not all one way traffic however, as the Robins were quick to break when having broken up Chesham attacking moves with Jen Friar seeing much of the ball. Chesham's defensive work was equally resolute and nullified any significant goal threats.
Chesham got their breakthrough when they won a corner from a poor clearance on 20 minutes. The ball was driven into the box by the influential Woodward and was turned home by one of her team mates from close range. A second goal arrived 5 minutes later when a through ball found a Chesham striker who finished well.
The Robins could easily have folded at this point but their battling spirit, that was evident throughout the game, was rewarded when Sophie Mabbett forced a Chesham defender into an underhit back pass which she latched onto. Mabbett drew the keeper and calmly found the back of the net with the outside of her right foot. It was during the remaining 19 minutes of the half that the Robins had their best spell of play. With renewed belief they kept the ball better with Emma Constable bringing her ability to the fore ably supported by the competitive Holly Callard-Brooks. As a consequence they looked more threatening in their attacking play with both Friar and Lockyer getting into the game more and providing better quality balls for their strikers. Mabbett's pace caused Chesham some problems when again she closed down the Chesham number 4 and capitalised on another poor back pass but on this occasion saw her shot smothered by the Chesham keeper.
With the second half barely a minute old, Chesham scored their third goal leaving the Robins with a huge challenge for the next 44 minutes. Again the Robins responded well but their final ball lacked the quality that was needed to get back into the game. Chesham continued to get the ball down and play and the Robins were undone by a superb bit of individual skill and technique from their number 10. She took on her defender and cut inside onto her favoured right foot and struck a fine shot into the far side of the goal on 65 minutes. Chesham had to wait a further 9 minutes before adding to their tally when Tasha Boyle was adjudged to have committed a foul in the penalty area although many of the Robins players were wondering just what the referee had seen. Woodward stepped up to crash the ball into the net leaving Emily Cross with no chance to secure Chesham's 5th goal of the afternoon. Their 6th arrived in the 80th minute when a cross went through the Robins back line and nestled in the bottom corner.
Despite the scoreline, the Robins again dug deep to mount another attack with Sue Bowen playing strike partner Sophie Mabbett through on goal. Mabbett made no mistake as she struck the ball with venom into the back of the net.
There were many positives to be taken from this game by the Robins with their work rate and desire to compete being high on the list. No doubt the players will have learned from their experience against their more senior opponents which they can take into the rest of their season. It was good to see Angie Barton return to the fray after a long absence along with the news that Libby Suchley will be back playing again in the next month as will Siobhan Ridout who has been injured since early November.
Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies 2 - 6 Chesham United Ladies