CB Hounslow United Women Reserves 0 – 4 Wandsworth Borough Women (GLWFL Div 2S)

Scorers: Michaelson, Justicia, Mott, Ward

Assists: Richards, Ward, Manley, Mott

PoM: Meg Ward

Report by Andy Proudfoot

After a healthy pre—season, which saw 16 goals racked up against just 2 conceded, the ladies went into last Sunday’s league opener against newcomers CB Hounslow United full of confidence. Despite losing some strong players during the close-season, an influx of new players has raised the overall strength of the squad and the match saw league debuts for Maureen McAllister in goal, Mahnoor Rauf in defence, Hannah Lees in midfield and Becky Michaelson in attack, with Jay Verry Justicia on the bench itching to get into the action.

The very warm conditions brought the usual requests for short-sleeved shirts from some of the players – probably the same ones who will be asking if they can wear a jumper under their shirt in a few weeks’ time. There was no doubt however that it was going to be a day for sun cream and drinks breaks, with the 3G pitch reflecting the heat nicely through the players’ boots and producing blisters the size of the O2.

From the start it became clear that we were going to dominate the game, though our passing game was not quite in gear as we struggled to come to terms with the fast, bouncy pitch. A few chances and opportunities went begging, before Motty fed Becky on the left of the penalty area. Becky cut neatly inside onto her right foot, then bent a fine shot into the far corner. Hopefully going to be the first of many for Becks.

After half-an-hour Linsey succumbed to the nausea she’d been feeling from the start (nothing to do with Saturday night exercises she assured us) and Jay took her place. Within a couple of minutes Meg had drawn a foul about 30 yards out, and Jay sent a free-kick soaring over their keeper’s head for a 2-0 lead with virtually her first touch! Substitution Masterclass from Manager Dave!!

Despite this lead, the atmosphere at half-time was a little subdued as we knew we could do much better. The heat was obviously having an effect however and many players were consuming their own weight in water to muster the energy for the second half.

The ideal tonic duly arrived in the first minute of the second half when Lisa’s throw-in found Motty in space on the edge of the area. Motty advanced and then slotted the ball into the far corner with aplomb. As the game wore on the conditions took their toll and both sides’ energy levels dropped. The highlight though was a mazy run by Meg through the heart of the defence to calmly slot home and crown an excellent performance in her advanced midfield position.

So a convincing 4-0 win to get us on the road and strong indications that new and ‘old’ players are combining well. The strength of the squad will mean some good competition for places this season which can only be a good thing. On we go.