Match Report
Match Report - 21 Nov 2010, Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies lost to Woodley Saints LFC
A good sized crowd descended upon Larges Lane for this Berks and Bucks fixture between 2 teams that have played each other twice already this season, each game being a close affair. This game was no different although it is fair to say that neither side played at their best. Manager Dave Ward was forced to make changes with 3 regular defensive players missing as well as the influential Sam Holloway, but with the strength in depth of this squad this should not have negatively affected the way the team play.
The opening 10 minutes saw the home side dictate the early pace as Woodley struggled to get possession of the ball. Early threats came from both flanks with a several range finding efforts from Lipscombe, Constable and Myles setting the tone. On 13 minutes, Woodley forced the first corner of the game. The ball was driven towards the far post area where it was met by a Woodley player, Tash Boyle was on hand to clear from just inside the post. As cramble ensued and the ball was forced into the net from close range for Woodley to take the lead, arguably against the run of play.
The Robins were rocking at this point and struggled to recapture their early rhythm, all too often giving the ball away when not really under pressure. Becky Powell and Tash Boyle were the notable exceptions, both retaining their composure in possession and working hard to retain the ball. Gradually, the Robins settled down and passed the ball better. With a little more than 40 minutes gone, a fine move down the left saw the ball laid back to Sarah Lipscombe at the edge of the penalty area. Lipscombe only had one thing on her mind as she controlled with one touch and fired a powerful shot into the top left hand corner of the net with her second. Half time probably came at the wrong time for the hosts as they continued to press forward to drive home their advantage but to no avail.
Woodley came out of the blocks quickly but failed to prevent a Robins counter attack that resulted in a corner. Libby Shuttle struck the ball into the near post area where an early touch from Corkett directed the ball on target. The ball was only partially cleared and Kate Myles saw her shot blocked, the ball breaking to a Woodley player who passed quickly and accurately to her left. In the space of a few seconds Woodley had broken out at pace, they worked the ball forward and the ball eventually founds it's way to the feet of Snow who got by the last defender and crashed her shot home into the top corner for what turned out to be the winning goal. Disappointing from a defensive point of view for the Robins.
The game was an even affair after that although Woodley came close to extending their lead when a fine shot brought out the best in Kirsty Robertson who managed to get a hand to the shot, deflecting it onto the bar and then being safely cleared.
A disappointing result for the misfiring Robins although that was in part due to the hard work of their opponents.
The Robins make the trip to Shanklin this coming week in a return to league action with Manager Dave Ward forced to reshuffle his pack once again due to unavailabilities. The defensive trio of Burgess, Gardner and Lewis are all expected to return as will Holloway. Let's hope that the Robins rise to the challenge and get themselves back to winning ways!
Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies 1 - 2 Woodley Saints LFC