Match Report

Rubery v Solihull Ladies

Sunday 9th November 2008

Birmingham County Womens League - Division 1

On the first true winters day of the season, the north wind was howling as the torrential rain lashed across the pitch. Noah took his place on the terraces after leaving the ark in the safety of the car park, and the match kicked off.

Despite the conditions Solihull made a good start to the game. In the 2nd minute a good through ball from Rachel Green was picked up by Danni who’s strong shot was straight at the keeper. Just a couple of minutes later some good chasing by Sophie resulted in an early corner, Danni swung in a teasing ball which was collected by the Rubery keeper.

With Solihull dominating possession another good through ball from Hollie saw Shauna judged marginally offside. This was to be the story of the first half but Solihull never let their frustration detract them from the game and kept pressing forward.

It took 12 mins for Rubery to mount their first promising attack. With their attacker in the box and heading straight for goal, Becky in the centre of defence soon cut out the danger with a great intercepting tackle.

Solihull again dominated possession but it was their final ball that was letting them down and they were unable to capitalise on their superiority. A good run from Rachel was halted by the Rubery defence only for the ball to run lose, Hollie collected the ball and slotted a pass back to Rachel who’s shot was parried by the Rubery keeper. The ball spilled into the path of Danni and the resulting shot from a tight angle was smothered by the keeper.

Another Solihull attack saw Shauna collected the ball on the right hand side and send in a cross, Denise’s first time shot from the edge of the box was too close to the keeper who easily saved.

With 25 mins gone the rain got heavier and the chances of passing flowing football were diminishing. Rubery battled hard and were winning tackles, their first spell of possession followed as they appeared to adapt quicker to the worsening conditions.

It took just 5 mins for Solihull to stamp out any Rubery threat. The Solihull forwards then went on the rampage creating a number of chances. Rachel made an accurate pass to Shauna who went on a strong run but fired high over the bar. A through ball from Denise was collected by Shauna who rounded the two defenders that were quickly on her but shot straight at the keeper. Rachel went on a run down the right wing cut inside the defender and again the shot went just over the bar.

Finally on 35 mins Solihull got the breakthrough they deserved. A perfectly timed through ball from Denise in the centre of midfield ran straight into the path of Shauna, taking her time she shot across the keeper scoring in off the left hand post, 0 – 1 to Solihull.

Almost straight from the kick off and after adjusting her hair, Sophie went on a mazy run through several defenders but yet again another Solihull shot was just over the bar. With 42 mins gone Solihull doubled their lead. A ball from Becky in defence found Shauna on the left wing, she passed to Rachel who cut the ball in from the by-line giving Danni the easiest of tap in’s. 0 – 2.

With just a few seconds remaining before half-time Katie in defence was held back by the Rubery attacker, inexplicably the referee gave a free kick to Rubery just outside the box. Solihull struggled to deal with the resulting cross and only managed to clear it to the edge of the box. A powerful Rubery shot was somehow saved by Rachel Dean in goal diving low to her right – the save of the season so far.

As the whistle blew for half time the heavens opened. With the pitch already turning into a mud bath Solihull knew that in the second half they would had to try and keep the ball out on the wings, where there were slightly less puddles forming!

Virtually straight from the re-start Solihull won a corner. Danni swung yet another fine delivery into the box but were unable to capitalise. Further runs down the right wing by Danni resulted in a number of tantalising crosses which were only thwarted by the condition of the pitch.

Rubery then had their best opportunity of the game. A pass from Hollie across the middle of the pitch held up in the surface water and was intercepted by a Rubery midfielder. She skipped passed the defenders only for Rachel to save at her feet, much to Hollie and the team’s relief.

With 53 mins gone Solihull scored their 3rd. After an initial save by the Rubery keeper from Rachel’s low shot, Shauna followed up with a thumping drive into the back of the net.

On 58 mins Solihull made all three of their substitutions. Vicky, Sally and Trish coming on for Hollie, Sophie and Dianne.

As the ark re-floated in the car park and gently set sail down the A453 the flood continued. There was very little football played by either team as the ball either got held up in the mud or skimmed over the settled water.

A shot from Vicky on 72 mins was saved by the keeper with neither Rachel nor Shauna able to follow up. Just 6 mins later Shauna had a great shot saved on the line by a puddle, the relieved keeper picking the ball up off the line.

With 80 mins gone Rachel got the goal she deserved. Somehow beating a defender in the awful conditions she fired low into the bottom corner 0 – 4. With just 2 mins remaining Vicky’s shot rebounded off the crossbar and was collected by the Rubery keeper.

As the final whistle blew 2 drenched teams shook hands in what turned out to be a competitive match in atrocious conditions.

Full time : 0 – 4 (Half time : 0 – 2)

Player of the match: Rachel Green

Team: Rachel Dean, Rebecca Guest, Dianne Baker (Trisha Samuels), Katie Hopkins, Louisa Ward, Danielle Hill (1), Hollie Chambers (Victoria Boddington), Denise Corfield, Sophie Healy (Sally Blaby), Shauna Towey (2), Rachel Green (1)

Subs not used: None

Designed by

  Denise Corfield

www.solihullladiesfc.moonfruit.com