It took all of 88 seconds for us to score a fantastic team goal today. I told the girls that we were changing the formation to 3-4-3 today with the view that we get ahead and hold on to it before reverting back to a safer 4-4-2. With Eleanor playing slightly behind the front two Neve and Madi we had a strong front line. Despite not winning the kick-off we gathered possession at the back through Emma who fed the ball up the wing to Liv Moore, who picked out the advancing Neve who crossed into the box where Madi finished clinically. A superb team goal and a huge surprise for the opposition now made up of predominantly Allexton and New Parks U18 players and a few remaining Groby U18’s. Knowing the new make-up of the team did concern me, they had a formidable reputation and we had never come close in previous encounters. Today was very different.

Full of energy in midfield we now have a duo who work for each other - Alderney and Abi-Leigh; both very young members of the team, but both hard-working and willing to go the extra mile for the team; very much proved today. On the wing Liv Moore suffered an early injury so was replaced by Anya, however, our strength was on the right where Olivia Keene was ripping through players like knives through butter. Eleanor’s touch and motivation was evident today as she continually looked to feed balls into the front two and Leicester Road were very much the better team. Their only threat came when we peppered the keeper with shots on goal that she saved only for her to release them with a mammoth kick trying to outdo us on the bounce at the back, it was route one for them every time. We were unfortunate with a pass-back decision that led to Groby equalising on 20 minutes.

We dusted ourselves down and with Beth motivating the team as captain today it was just what was needed. We maintained a threat in all areas of the pitch and no sooner had be built an attack into an effort on goal, did Aimee (their keeper) launch a rocket shot 80 yards hoping to pick out their advancing number 9. They became predictable and we started to read the game much better. A goal-kick from Holly led to a win in midfield by Abi-Leigh a pass to Olivia Keene who once again took on two advancing players with ease before passing the ball to Neve who buried our second goal. Abby came on for `Holly who had already taken a blow in yesterday's game to her knee. It remained 2-1 at half-time and the team talk was very much about possession and maintaining a lead, whilst tactically changing to a 4-4-2.

Eleanor came off in a tactical change allowing Mia to start on the left wing. Emma Wood was rested having taken a blow in the face, so Anya took up the right back role and Phoebe switched to the unorthodox left (not that you’d have noticed). Leicester Road played some smart football, picking players out, pitting together a number of passes allowing Neve numerous opportunities to shoot - I counted at least ten before she and Madi left the pitch with 30 minutes to go. Poppy and Eleanor came on and looked lively from the start playing alongside each other, reading the line very well. Poppy had For a period of time we relaxed and misread play in defence which led to Groby leveling at 2-2 with fifteen minutes to play. Neve was also rested allowing Poppy had a trio of chances on goal, all saved by the intrepid keeper Aimee, who to be fair was excellent today.

With 15 minutes left it was time to put the game to bed, so Poppy moved to the left wing and Madi and Neve replaced Mia and Eleanor. The impact was immediate and almost a carbon copy of the second goal started by Anya , through to Liv Keene, into Neve’s magical feet that had the trickery of Groby all day long, who crossed the ball (or was it a shot?) Only for Madi to open up and meet the ball at the back post to finish it. 3-2 up now and it was important to maintain the tempo, which we certainly did as Alderney had a fabulous mazy run on goal before narrowly missing the top right of the goal. Alderney kept up the high line and assisted Neve to get her second of the afternoon, surely 4-2 and we were safe with less than 3 minutes left.

There is always drama when we play Groby, so I wasn’t surprised when their referee called a penalty against us, when the player had just literally ran into the back of Abby who was stood still. Yes they did put it away, but it was to late to affect the game and we deservedly ran out winners 4-3 in a very competitive match and a thoroughly enjoyable one where every player gave their all. The player of the match nominated by both myself and Damian for a solid midfield display was Abi-Leigh, who only joined the team a few weeks ago.

I was very proud of the ladies today, their attitude was extremely positive and didn’t we look smart in our new tracksuits. Hopefully, our new kit will be here for the next match to complement our uniform. Thank you to all parents and supporters today for your help, notably Cara for filling the rabbit holes! It’s great to have a supportive team of parents ready to take nets down etc without asking, then to enjoy a sociable drink in the bar (can I say that in an Under 18 match report?)

Did anyone notice that Damian didn’t have a top on with masking tape this week - he too looked like he belonged which he most certainly does and make managing the team a more pleasurable one.