The Meerkats signed of their league campaign with a well deserved win over the lionesses. We can now concentrate our efforts on the Cup Final against Stoke on 10th May.
The gaffer turned up in his new Mondeo with towbar attachment for his Caravanning pursuits, oh how he has changed since taking over the reigns. He would have been better off towing a lawn mower as the pitch was obviously doubling as a meadow for the local livestock! However it was clear to see that dolly et al had gone missing, as the grass was neigh on a foot long!! It didn’t matter! as the girls have had to play on the long lane beach come paddy field to no detriment. However, we had to request that Melissa play in platforms just in case we lost sight of her in the grass.
The gaffer had 10 Meerkats to choose from with Sophie (Injured) and Lauren (AWOL) being the notable absentees. A strong lineup was selected with the gaffer opting for Skye in goal, Ellie and Millie in defence, Eloise, Erin and Faith in midfield with Chloe leading the line. The Meerkat Cheerleaders were out in force and was close to a capacity crowd. The ploy of free cider and sausage rolls had obviously tempted the parents to the game which was good to see, no prawn sandwiches for our supporters. The atmosphere was building and there were credible reports that Mrs Clay’s instructions to her daughter Abbie could be heard in Cannock! Boy she’s got some lungs on her! As a consequence the remaining supporters are now suing for tinnitus!
The game kicked off with the Meerkats attacking the goal to the left or the right dependant on where you stood! From the outset the girls rolled their sleeves up and got stuck into the task in hand. Faith was seeing a lot of the ball in the early exchanges and was battling well, always looking for an outlet to pass to. She applied her craft well and supported both attack and defence when required. The General was bossing the middle of the park with her crunching tackles and breaks from midfield that provided Chloe with chances to feed on. Millie ‘Stonewall’ Sturch and Ellie ‘The Enforcer’ Parker showed again their defensive qualities as a cohesive duo. Every Lioness attack thwarted with crunching tackles and 100% commitment, great to see! The defence were backed up with the commanding Skye Lee between the sticks, who with every game seems to gain a little more confidence. A Lioness handball resulted in a free kick that was being tee’d up by Eloise, who curled a shot towards the inner post when it hit Chloe’s ankle and trickled over the line – 0-1! The Meerkat Cheerleaders raised the decibel levels and egged them on for more!
The game was spent in the Majority 50% ish maybe a little more, in the Lionesses half. Halftime came and the gaffer switched Chloe for Katy, Faith for Melissa and due to a knock Millie was switched with Abbie. The second half continued as previously witnessed with the battle being between the midfielders. Melissa ‘Mini’ Cooper was using her pace to antagonise the Lionesses defence and was providing quality crosses that unfortunately failed to meet a Meerkat. She showed great industry and applied herself well in both attacking and defensive duties. Abbie’s ‘Delap’ esque throw ins were causing the defence problems and was providing chances for Eloise, Chloe and Erin to pepper the goal. Chloe came back on for Katy with the instruction to run directly at the defence a every opportunity. She took heed as she received a pass and at pace attacked the defensive line and fired a shot across the keeper, who could only watch it hit the back of the net! A well taken goal showing power, pace and a confidence in her own ability – great stuff! The game was won and the girls knew it, they continued to battle for the remainder of the game and celebrated with gusto at the sound of the final whistle.
Good thing about the game that no individual shone out, it was a great team performance with the notable exceptions below claiming their just rewards!
For a commanding and bullish performance the Managers Player was awarded to Chloe ‘Terry’ Venables
The teddy Meekat thingyamjig parents player was awarded to Faith Youd who during her spell on the pitch put in 100% effort and was a well worthy recipient!
Good things
Passing was good – Players were looking up prior to passing the ball and ensuring that the recipient was in space.
Calling for the ball was better
Heading the ball – exceptional
Goalkeeping improving especially the kicking
Bad things
Communicate with each other: If defenders need help ask the midfielders, If a player has an opponent on their back, shout ‘man on’!
Concentrate and listen to your coaches (not your parents) During the time on the pitch you listen to Dave and I
We need to charge the ball down at the earliest opportunity
Defending a free kick – the wall is meant to be solid, don’t jump, don’t move and stand proud
Be stronger in the tackle, use your body weight via your shoulders to ease your opponent of the ball – don’t push them using your hands (Eloise)
Pass and move – Once you’ve made the pass then move to a free space in a view to receive it back
Want the ball! If you want the ball, get into space and call for it and use it when you receive it.
Don’t panic! If you receive the ball remember: #1 Control #2 Space Awareness (know who’s around you) #3 look up to see who you are going to pass to #4 provide an accurate pass with enough pace on the ball that allows for quick control.
Skye to continue to work on her goal kicks and practice her diving.
One for the United Fan
A Primary school teacher explains to her class that she is an Manchester United supporter. She asks her students to raise their hands if they were Man U supporters, too. Not really knowing what an Man U supporter was, but wanting to be like their teacher, hands explode into the air. There is, however, one exception. A girl named Faith has not gone along with the crowd. The teacher asks her why she has decided to be different. “Because I’m not an Man U supporter.” “Then,” asks the teacher, “what are you?”
“Why I’m proud to be a Liverpool supporter.”, boasts the little girl.
The teacher is a little perturbed now, her face slightly red. She asks Faith why she is a Liverpool supporter.
“Well, My Dad and Mom are Liverpool supporters, and I’m a Liverpool fan, too!”
The teacher is now angry. “That’s no reason,” she says loudly. “What if your mom was a moron, and your dad was a moron, What would you be then?”
A pause, and a smile. “Then,” says Faith, “I’d be a Manchester United supporter.”
One more game girls, lets bring some silverware back to Long Lane!!!
‘Simples’
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