Match report.
Ebbsfleet United Ladies v Cambridge Women FC
Sunday 31st January 2010
Final Score 1-1
The ladies were finally able to get back to league football over the weekend, with a home tie played at Stonebridge Road, against Cambridge Women.
With the pitch in superb condition and surviving the weekend freeze, the ladies team were really looking forward to the match after a long enforced winter break, which has seen them working hard in training and training matches to improve their form.
The ladies started the game with determination and focus, with a feeling at the club that they could turn the season around, with a full and fit squad available for selection. The first half was reasonably close with both teams limiting chances and working hard, the game flowed from end to end but neither team were able to take the early initiative.
Fleet’s first clear chance of the match fell to striker Lisa Fulgence, when Kelly Philpot’s pass put her through on goal with just the keeper to beat, unfortunately for Fleet the keeper managed to block the shot. Then Cambridge created a half chance just before half time falsing Fleets keeper Faye Baker into a good save, which left her injured at half time an unable to continue the match.
Emily Wells moved into goal and new signing Claire Gibbons came on to make her Fleet debut in defence, Ebbsfleet came out after the break with much more dominance in play and commitment to the game, they totally dominated the play, winning early possession and played some good attacking football to create a hatful of chances. Unfortunately the pressure didn’t seem to pay off for the ladies, as shots narrowly went wide or were saved by a strong performance by the Cambridge keeper.
Manager Claire Shevlin made a change up front bringing on striker Mel Bishop to strengthen to attack and finally the break through came as midfielder Pip Lawrence closed down a defender to force the ball into the box allowing Mel Bishop to slide in and slot the ball home under the hands of the keeper.
At 1-0 the Fleet were in total control of the game, but as in most games if you cant secure the second goal there is always the danger, and the game ended with a cruel finish to a strong Fleet performance, which saw Cambridge break through the defence after a long ball forward, their striker got to the loose ball first and toe poked it forward, directing it passed the onrushing Fleet keeper it trickled over the line as the Fleet defence desperately back tracked to clear.
With minutes to go Fleet gave everything to regain their lead, and in the dying moments created a fantastic chance but the strikers first touch just took the ball a little too close to the keeper and the chance was snubbed out.
1-1 the final score left Fleet feeling a more than a little aggrieved but a much-improved performance should be taken forward to next fixtures. Next week the ladies are away to Northampton and then followed by a home match against Tottenham ladies.
Island Eagles B U14's Vs Ebbsfleet Utd U14's. 31/1/10. 0-0
Following a long break due to Christmas and adverse weather conditions we were all looking forward to restart our league challenge.
There had been a heavy frost the night before which left the opponents pitch frozen and virtually unplayable but Ebbsfleet girls started very strongly and applied consistent pressure which they maintained throughout the match. We created several great chances forcing Island Eagles B to defend for most of the game. Unfortunately it was just one of those days and we couldn't find the net. Maybe this was a lack of momentum after a long break but every Ebbsfleet girl played with outstanding motivation and effort and we couldn't ask for anymore from them, a credit to the club.
Island Eagles B Girl of the Match was awarded to Nicole Gilham with her amazing fighting spirit, her ability to win every ball and take players on. Ben's Girl of the Match was awarded to Jade for her superb desire never to give up and drive the team forward, and Jason's Girl of the Match was awarded to Annie as her efforts to win grew stronger throughout the game and persevered until the end- her confidence is booming right now!!!!
Very well done girls keep up the good work!
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