Aston Villa 1-0 Oxford
Aston Villa 1-0 Oxford United
22/4/18, The Lamb, 2pm
Goals – Salmon
The first home game since March saw Oxford United come and vist and after a long wait since we last got to see a game when we beat Watford 0-3 away from home, we was chomping at the bit to get back into the swing of it. The kick off was delayed but we finally got underway Villa came straight out of the blocks as Ebony Salmon broke through the defence and had a shot on target as the keeper managed to keep the ball out. As in the away game Ebony was causing them all kinds of problems with her pace and power. Elizabeta Ejupi launched the ball into the box and Tash Baptiste nearly opened the scoring as once again the keeper pulled off a save. Villa just like in the away game were dominating early on but couldn’t make it count and with this Short for Oxford created a chance that just went wide. After this chance the game was more even in the midfield but nethier team really creating a clear cut chance. Just before half time Ebony Salmon nearly opened the scoring as she ran past the Oxford defence but pulled it just wide of the target. At the half time break the game could of gone ethier way at 0-0 and no one putting their stamp of authority on the game. Villa were the better team during the first half but just couldn’t make it count by putting the ball into the back of the net.
The second half kicked off with the same style as the first with the first chance landing again to Ebony after some great play again by Elizabeta as they once again linked up to create a chance but the effort just went wide of the post, close but no cigar. Tash once again broke through the Oxford defence and made the keeper save once again to keep Oxford in the game and keep Tash out as she was so unlucky not to score. With 15 minutes to go Ebony once again broke the defence wide open but this time slotted the ball into the back of the net causing pandemonium in the stands from us and from the players on the pitch. After the goal we sat back and tried to park the bus which can be at times the downfall but luckily it didnt look like Oxford could get that goal to get back into the game after a few subs and fresh legs the clock was nearly down as Oxford had their best chance as Allen missed after hitting it into the side netting when a goal looked easier to score. Aja Ajuirre was great all game making the simple saves and stopping anything from coming about. We managed to hold on and get the 1-0 Victory. Nothing better than a victory on a Sunday afternoon. It wasn’t the best game but they grafted through the game and got out a result.
The win means we are now 3 points behind Oxford and a game in hand which again as we looked to move up the table in the last 5 fixtures we hope we can keep the winning run going as we travel to Brighton away next Sunday, Do believe a couple of us will be travelling up to see the game and get behind the team. But the next game at home is against Tottenham on 12th April after another away game to Durham and ending the season on 20th May at home to Sheffield. In other news our Development lost 4-0 to Sunderland which is a shame for the girls but hopefully next game they can turn it around against Birmingham City.
Aja Aguirre – POTM for me, kept us in the game when Oxford were on top.
Elisha N’Dow – Picked up an early yellow and gave all as always.
Jade Richards – Always reliable at the back and dangerous up front.
Chloe Jones – Tried to rally her troops throughout the game as captain.
Jodie Hutton – Worked hard on the wing during the game.
Beth Merrick – Tried to conect the defence and attack through midfield.
Amy West – Always works hard and always one of my favourite people to see.
Aoife Hurley – Once again put in a massive shift in the midfield doing all the dirty work.
Tash Baptiste – Worked so hard on the wing was unlucky not too score too.
Elizabeta Ejupi – Holds the ball up so well always and works so hard on and off the ball.
Ebony Salmon – Deadly as always, scored another goal for the season only needs one chance.
Alice Hassall – Came on to refresh the defence and see out the game.
Asmita Ale – Came on to help freshen the legs up late on.
Hayley Crackle – Came on right at the end deserves more minutes for sure.
