Wyrley travelled across the Chase to meet their old foes in the opening League encounter.
Wyrley had 3 girls making their debuts who all strived hard to make an impression on their new team mates.
The long grass and uneven surface made passing difficult for both teams and as usual the match saw neither side give an inch against their rivals. RPS had most of the ball in the opening exchanges before Wyrley gradually attained the majority of possession and territorial advantage. Hayley Turner had an opportunity to score but just missed in her attempt to connect with her head from close range from a Jemma Clews corner. Sophie Shorrock, welcomed back after 4 years with our older team, battled hard up front and had two shots that went wide in the opening quarter. Beth Crook went close with an effort and Emily Quimby had 2 long range strikes that were comfortably saved.
Wyrley went ahead when Clews skipped round her marker and used her left foot to steer the ball past the keeper. Nia Jay in goal dealt confidently with the only shot that troubled her.
The back line was tremendous in all it did to repel everything that came their way. Girl of the match debutant Dom McKee was excellent, using her pace and power to break down breaks and her confidence going forward showed as the game went on. Cath Davis was as usual imperious in the air and moving out of defence. Amy Marshall was her usual unflustered self before a toe injury meant that she was substituted by Rachel Hall, who again had to play out of position. You wouldn’t have known, as she was also excellent, not giving a sniff of a chance. Saff Hicken at left back was also her solid self at the back.
Third debutant Laura Lindsay came on to create 5 in the middle and she was clearly keen to put in a performance against her old team mates. Laura Cumberledge created a furrow down the left side as she both supported the front 2 and the defence. Clews had 2 efforts that hit the side netting and was unlucky when her shot came down off the bar – oh for goal line technology! Lindsay was unlucky when she broke through to have her shot blocked and then was exasperated to see another effort pushed up on to the bar by the keeper.
Not the best of passing performances but in terms of defensive work across the whole pitch restricting RPS to one shot; having the better of the ball and territory against local rivals in their backyard; 3 very good debut performances and 3 points in the bag which will be very important as teams only play each other twice this year – this was a very satisfying performance for all concerned. Well done girls!
Emily, Cath and Keith had to dash off straight after the game to pick up 3 FA awards – see previous posted story on the website!
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