Match Report
Match Report - 07 Nov 2010, Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies lost to Woodley Saints
The Robins travelled the short distance to league leaders Woodley Saints for a league cup encounter. Woodley started the quicker of the 2 teams and set about their opponents with pace and precision. They came close to scoring in the first half when a shot rattled Robertson's crossbar. Other chances were created but they were either dealt with by Robertson or off target. The Robins frequently conceded possession too easily not a trait that is usually attributable to them. Their first real spell of pressure came in the final 15 minutes of the first half when Libby Shuttle carved an opening for herself only to fire narrowly wide.
The second half proved a more evenly contested game with both sides working hard to create scoring chances. However, these were at a premium as both defences worked hard to deny clear shooting opportunities. The Robins whilst not firing on all cyclinders proved obdurate opponents as they battled with a steely determination. So much so that both Gardner and Miles found themselves in the referee's notebook for committed challenges although both could consider themselves unfortunate. Again, the final 15 minutes of the half saw the Robins finish strongly. Paterson went close with a shot from inside the box. Miles also came close when a the ball fell to her 7 yards from goal only to see her shot blocked. A scramble ensued before the ball was hacked to safety. Caz Gardner came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock with 2 minutes remaining when she attacked a Shuttle corner and did well to get across her defender to head narrowly over the bar. Despair for the visitors and relief for the hosts.
Extra time appeared to offer a great chance for the Robins as they had finished the 90 minutes strongly but Woodley found a new lease of life and controlled the opening 15 minutes only to be consistently denied when it mattered by very determined defending from the players in white.
The final period of extra time saw the Robins bar rattled again and the ball fall to safety. The Robins pressed hard again in search of a breakthrough only to be denied by a combination of tired finishing and equally determined defending from the home team.
Penalties were the inevitable outcome as both teams had given their all in the hunt for that elusive goal. Woodley ran out 7-6 winners in the shoot out and on the day probably had done enough to earn the victory against a misfiring but determined and hard working Bracknell team. That's 3.5 hours of football played between the 2 teams so far this season with nothing much to separate them. They meet again in 2 weeks time at Larges Lane for a Berks and Bucks Women's Cup tie.
This week sees the Robins in FA Cup action against Cheltenham Town Ladies who are currently leading the South West Premier division in what promises to be a competitive tie.
Woodley Saints 7 - 6 Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies