Women's 2nd XI vs Folkestone Optimist L5

Women’s 2^nd XI travel to Folkestone Optimist.

Cliftonville Women’s 2^nd XI headed to Folkestone slightly lighter of people than planned due to a bug doing the rounds. The sun was shining, and Player-Coach Julie suggested a possession game. Folkestone are in the promotion battle and are behind on goal difference, so we were expecting a tough game.

The whistle blew and Folkestone applied immediate pressure, winning a short corner after only three minutes. We returned the favour five minutes in with Maddie earning the short and Ruocco narrowly missing the goal. Ville applied themselves and had a spell of great possession with the core of the team working hard in midfield but unfortunately Maddie and Kryssi were both unlucky in front of goal. Completely against the run of play, Folkestone broke away, won a short corner and scored. Some intense pressure from the Ops saw Ville defend two more short corners but a goal slipped in during a goalmouth scramble.

The rousing half-time talk from Julie was clear. We don’t deserve to be two down. Spirits lifted, Tangfastics consumed, and we walked out ready for the second half.

Soon after pushback, we won a short corner. Maddie was unlucky as the Ops keeper made a great save. Soon after, Folkestone drilled away at Ville's defence. An uncharacteristic lapse in decision making cost Ville dearly. 3-0 Folkestone. More sustained pressure from Folkestone and a ball lifted into Sally’s hand, which forced her to take a breather with an ice pack. All but one lone Ville forward were behind the ball, trying to mark out the Ops attackers. Three short corners from Folkestone followed, but none converted thanks to the strong Ville defence and some outstanding saves from Elizabeth. A long ball through set Cat up on a quick break, going one on one with the keeper, but sadly sending it just wide. Play went straight back to the Ville defence, and another unconverted Folkestone short corner. Another break for Ville with Tracy, Sara and Ruocco working hard culminated in a long corner which was well defended by Folkestone. Another ball through saw Cat pick it up on the left and make up some ground, but unable to deliver a pass through the wall of blue shirts.

Full time. 3-0.

On to the last match of the season next week.

Thanks to Steve Morgan for taking notes and sideline hollering.