Match Report
Match Report - 08 Mar 2009, Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies drew with Launton LFC DOUBLE HEADER
All in all a disappointing afternoon for the Robins after dropping 4 points against lowly Launton. In the first of 3 scheduled double header fixtures to reduce the backlog of games, the Robins failed to take their chances to ensure all 6 points which was the expectation before the fixtures.
Both games saw another changed team selection take to the field due to unavailabilities and injuries to key players who arguably would be amongst the first names on the teamsheet.
The first game was a scrappy affair with both sides giving the ball away regularly which lead to a game lacking any real pattern. The Robins had a spell midway through the first half where the principal threat came from the improving Whittaker whose crosses were proving unsettling for the hosts. Failure to connect with such deliveries was to prove the Robins downfall. Inevitably on a rare attack, Launton were able to make their visitors pay for such profligacy on the stroke of half time when they took the lead.
The second half bore witness to the same standard of fare as neither team really established control. Admittedly the weather conditions had deteriorated badly with a strong wind blowing the length of the pitch with driving rain and hail. It was, however, the same for both sets of players. The last 15 minutes of the half saw the Robins inject more urgency as they tried to find an equaliser. Jen Friar along with Pankhurst and Patterson worked hard to create good openings for the strikers. The goal that they so desperately needed was scored by Emilie Starmer making a rare appearance for the Robins with only 3 minutes remaining. She had just come on as a substitute for Tracy Corkett who had landed heavily after competing for a cross with the Launton keeper moments earlier.
The second game saw the Robins force the pace and try to keep their opponents on the back foot but yet again found themselves going a goal behind. Tasha Boyle who had worked so hard to stifle Launton attacks conceded a free kick wide of the penalty area. The resultant kick sailed into the net at the far post.
Danni Wheadon was replaced after 20 minutes of the half with a groin strain after fulfilling the unfamiliar role of central defender. Jen Friar again showed her ability to be able to play anywhere as she steeped into the role whilst Starmer returned to the fray.
The Robins continued to press and a pass found Tracey Beales on hand to expertly chip the keeper to bring the scores level.
The second half was little more than 3 minutes in when the hail stones hammered down. The game was brought to a temporary halt until the conditions calmed down again before play resumed. As the game wore on the Robins gradually increased the pressure with Corkett coming closest to taking the 3 points. The Launton keeper did enough to keep her team in the game as did her defensive colleagues who battled every inch of the way to keep a hold on another valuable point for them as they seek safety from the relegation zone.
The Robins travel to Henley Ladies next Sunday.
Launton LFC DOUBLE HEADER 1 - 1 Bracknell Town Ladies FC Bracknell Town Ladies