Not a day to start with 10, when you are playing the top of the league. Lauren in goal, Kelly H, Tash and Sam dropped to defence with Cath. Kelly I, Rachel, Emily and Charlie held the midfield, with Leanne leading the attack. 3 mins Lauren came out to cut down the angle but Willenhall cut the ball back and had an easy shot into an empty net 0-1. Not to be outdone Wyrley went straight back on the attack and were rewarded on 6 mins with a fine passing move, Leanne to Rachel to Charlie, who buried it past the keeper 1-1. Wyrley battled hard but found the going tough with Willenhall’s strikers pulling the defence all out of shape with their speed and movement. 28 mins Willenhall got the better of Sam, who’s challenge was deemed unfair by the referee (her dad) and a penalty was awarded. Lauren guessed the right way but was unlucky with the bobble 1-2. Straight back to it Wyrley equalized 2 mins later when Rachel rounded the keeper and slotted it into the empty net 2-2. 34 mins Willenhall’s speed once again undid Wyrley 2-3. 34 mins it was exactly the same move from Willenhall 2-4.
Jody arrived for the second half but even she could not contain the Willenhall strikers and on 49 mins the score line increased again 2-5. 53 mins 2-6, 60 mins 2-7, 74 mins 2-8. 77 mins Kelly I found room to smash a shot across the keeper and into the net 3-8. Now the score line may look like a mauling but it was quite an entertaining game. Willenhall have scored 108 goals including today’s in 20 games, last time we played them we beat them 5-3.
It has been a very long season for these players, playing both sat and sun. The ladies team have played 19 games in the league with 1 left to play and sit a very respectable 4th. They have reached the final of the league cup and the semi final of the Staffs cup. So perhaps a small hiccup at the end should be forgiven. Special mention for Emily, Cath, Rachel, Jemma, Nia and Saffron, who play in the under 17’s age group, and have helped strengthen this great Ladies team.