Match Report
Match Report - 21 Aug 2008, Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies drew with Oxford City
Oxford City Ladies were the visitors to Larges Lane for this pre-season friendly for the Robins. The Robins were seeking a positive result against last seasons league champions and the game started brightly. An Emma Constable through ball set up Libby Suchley to drill a great cross into the box which was converted by Jo Whittaker sliding in at the far post on 6 minutes.
Oxford City equalised in the 14th minute when Angie Barton found herself isolated in a 1 v 1 and the pacey forward was able to hold off Barton's challenge to finish well. 3 minutes later, Oxford took the lead when the Robins defence failed to deal with a ball into their penalty area. The ball found its way to the edge of the box where an Oxford striker controlled it and curled the ball inside Sam Holloway's far post.
The Robins responded well forcing the Oxford defence onto the backfoot. However, the lack of a quality final ball frustrated the front 2 of Whittaker and Turner. However, in the 26th minute Bracknell forced a corner. Libby Suchley delivered the ball with pace and the Oxford defence only half cleared. Emma Constable picked up the loose ball to fire home. Constable was a constant threat to the Oxford back line as she prompted and probed with astute passes to bring both wide players into the game.
Oxford continued to press forward but were unable to test Holloway despite some nervous moments defensively from the Robins. However, Bracknell regrouped and forced another corner on the stroke of half time. The corner was partially cleared back out to Suchley who delivered the loose ball with interest. Barton attacked Suchley's cross with purpose and her header hit the back of the net for a 3-2 lead.
The second half began badly for the Robins as an attempted through ball somehow evaded Barton to find one of the Oxford strikers. She passed to a supporting team mate who saw Holloway off her line and chipped into the back of the net for the equaliser.
The second half was an end to end affair with both teams looking for a winner. The Robins worked tenaciously playing some good football in spells but they continued to squander possession at vital moments allowing their opponents to regain the initiative. What was pleasing was the fitness levels of the Bracknell ladies as well as their commitment to working hard for each other to ensure they did not lose the game.
The Robins final pre-season friendly is this coming Sunday against Staines Ladies at Addlestone Leisure Centre in School Lane, Addlestone, kicking off at 2 pm.
Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies 3 - 3 Oxford City