AFC DUNSTABLE LADIES BLUES FC
11th January 2015
AFC DUNSTABLE LADIES BLUES FC v Biggleswade Ladies FC
The Blues met Biggleswade on home turf with manager Matt Goodman also in attendance. Due to injuries and unavailability the starting line up featured 10 players, fortunately for us Biggleswade were only able to field 8 players.
Today’s team featured Kirsty Scott, Becca Lightfoot, Beth Cusack, Shannon Planson, Emma Wells, Georgie Liscio, Charlie Peters, Sophie Mason, Carly Orme and CJ Wakefield.
In the first half it seemed the ladies weren’t focused and saw them being slow to the ball, not giving other players support when attacking and defending and allowing the opposition too much space. A small mistake saw Biggleswade take advantage and they were 1-0 up. Carly Orme was sidelined towards the end of the first half with breathing difficulties leaving the ladies with 9 versus 8; however they maintained composure and the half time score was 1-0 to the visitors leaving the Blues every chance to get back in the game.
The second half saw some changes with Orme returning back to field of play, Liscio moving to the left side where she looked more comfortable despite carrying an injury and Wells gratefully moving to her preferred position of right wing. With some motivation from Matt Goodman and the injured (again) Keira How from the sidelines the ladies looked much more alert and willing to make a difference.
The equaliser came from Carly Orme who was relentless in chasing down balls and defenders and her hard work paid off when under pressure following a cross from Wells she managed to poke the ball past the goalkeeper into the net.
The second half saw much more chances come from the Blues and Wells did well on the wing to push the attack up and send some balls into the danger area. CJ Wakefield continuously harassed the defence and put her fitness to good use. The defence communicated much better and Planson, Cusack, and Lightfoot all linked up well to block the opposition attack.
Peters, Wakefield and even Sophie Mason, who was seen in the oppositions’ box on several occasions, all looked dangerous and came close as the Blues searched for the winner.
Their persistence eventually paid off when Wakefield latched onto another assist from Wells, beat a defender and shot from long range to send the ball past the outstretched arms of the Biggleswade keeper leaving the home side jubilant. With 10 minutes or so remaining a third looked inevitable as Wakefield came close and was agonisingly denied by the post. The Blues maintained the score line and deservingly secured their first league win in 2 seasons.
AFC DUNSTABLE LADIES BLUES FC 2 - 1 BIGGLESWADE LADIES FC
Goalscorers: Carly Orme, CJ Wakefield
Player of the Match: Shannon Planson