Saturday was another big game against Gerrards Cross 2's. Last time we drew 0-0, although they expected a simple win.
We knew from experience that this was going to be a tough game. Not only would they give us a run for our money, they are also a very physical team that love contact. So, with that in mind we were up for a competitive game.
Tori Prince joined us this week, stepping up from the 5's as we had no GK.
The whistle blew and SL4's were away, playing a simple game of pass and move. We were able to set the pace, which helped us to threaten GC's defence, moving the ball up the pitch and taking a few shots on goal. Their attack was fast and they used the middle to play the ball directly in to the face of the goal. They took a shot and boom.....goal!
Straight back to the centre spot, we were off......keeping to our game plan, heads up, sun in our eyes, we were dangerous, passing the ball across the face of the goal. With a few quick passes, the ball was in the back of the goal, 1-1.....we were back in the game.
Before the half time whistle GC were sneaky, utilising SL4's feet to gain a couple of shorts. The defence were strong, determined to keep that ball OUT.....Lynn stepped up to run 1 and she did a fab job......no goal.
Half time oranges and Haribo with a quick pep talk and we were ready to take the second half on. Our mantra......who is the boss.....SONNING is the boss.
The whistle blew and GC were in control, straight down the middle, poor press and boom, 2-1 to GC. Big sigh from Sonning.
We were straight back in, heads up, with tunnel vision for that goal. We were strong on the attack, Beatrice dribbling the ball down the wing one handed, crossing it across the D, ball goes back and forth and then Sarah C-A stood at the top of the D with her HUGE hit, smashed that ball in the back of their goal......Goooooooooaaaaaaaalllllllllll. SL4's jumped for joy. The game was back on, 2-2.
GC's feathers were ruffled, they were straight back at Sonning, using their brute force to push through us, not the Sonning way, but they were effective and boom....another goal. With a quick roll of the eyes, we were back on, stick to ball, heads up, goal in sight, we drove the attack, gaining a short.
SL4's never convert shorts....its our Achilles heel. But with a new plan, we were there, wanting the goal. The ball was smoothly injected, stopped by Sarah CA, she taps the ball in to the D, takes a hue swing and before GC knew it BOOM, Goal! 3-3. The cheers echoed across the pitch.
We were back in the game. GC cam straight back at us, one, twice, three, four, five times, hits on target every time, but with our fab GK, Tori Prince in charge of that goal, she saved every single hit. Tori was on fire.
Then a hit to the foot, short to GC and the whistle blew. A short in the final moments. A quick huddle from SL4's defence...we got this...we have a great defence. GC injected, 1 and 2 were straight out, GC took a shot, it was deflected by Tori, straight back to a GC player, the rest of SL4's were in the D by this point, a fight till the last second, the ball was hit out......arms in the air.....a team cheer....we did it.
This game was full of excitement and drama from start to finish. Every player worked hard, gave their all and no one gave up.
Well done to Sarah CA for her two goals and sarah Wrighton for hers.
Huge well done to Tori for her amazing saves and for getting Woman of the match.
Game was done and we decided to join GC for teas. After a quick drink, some food and a play with the local tennis clubs puppy club, we were off. Well we thought we were off.
A team shout out from Bambi....I need a push....a push we said? Yes a push....a car jump. Team effort....all of the ladies got behind her car pushed it to a start....yay...we cheered as her engine started up as she rolled down the hill....then....nothing! The car died...another push she asked? In reverse back up the hill.....with eyebrows raised, the defence took on the challenge and pushed the car back up the hill in reverse......another job well done by all.