Match Report
Match Report - 14 Feb 2010, Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies drew with Oxford United Ladies FC
The Robins travelled to Abingdon United to take on the improving Oxford United side who were lying in third spot in the table, eager to get their own season back on track.
During the opening exchanges, Oxford began slightly the stronger forcing Emily Cross into an early save at her near post. They also won two early corners but found the Bracknell defence in competitive mood.
As the game settled down it was the Robins who began to dictate the pace of the game and dominate possession for long spells. Oxford found it hard to retain the ball as they were harried and closed down quickly and efficiently especially in midfield where Barton, Constable and Pankhurst were in no mood to be upstaged by anyone. These three broke up the opposition attacks before they became a threat and provided the springboard for the Robins to mount their own attacks.
Sue Bowen was the first to try and find her range with a couple of early strikes that caused some concerns in the Oxford back line. One of these was spilled by the home keeper that led to a scramble in front of goal which was eventually cleared by the home defence. Sophie Mabbett came close with several efforts forcing the home keeper to make a couple of decent saves. Bowen came closest when she saw her well struck shot beat the keeper only to see a defender read the situation well and clear off the line.
The Robins back line rarely looked troubled when the home side did get forward, closing down their opponents effectively and preventing any quality balls into the danger area whilst keeping the Oxford front 2 subdued throughout.
The second half saw the visitors continue their dominance both in terms of possession and territory. Emily Cross in the Robins goal was rarely called upon such was the Robins superiority. The whole team saw opportunties to get forward with both Campbell and Turner reinforcing attacking moves from full back areas and the rampaging Caz Gardner getting more than a few nose bleeds as she ran at the heart of the Oxford midfield before bringing team mates into the game. Emma Constable wss getting more shooting chances than of late and was close with a couple of attempts. Mabbett came closest to breaking the deadlock when a well struck shot on the turn brought out an excellent save from the home keeper.
As is often the case in games where the dominant side fail to capitalise on their opportunities, Oxford had a brief spell of pressure in the final minutes. They forced a couple of corners as well as pressurising the Robins into a defensive error which allowed the Oxford number 10 to get a shot off. Fortunately it went wide of the target.
Despite not seeing any goals, this game had much to be admired from both teams. Good passing and movement coupled with dogged determination from the visitors and some really well disciplined defensive work and a never say die attitude on display from the hosts. A good performance for the Robins to build on for their remaining games.
Oxford United Ladies FC 0 - 0 Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies