13/5/2018, The Lamb, WSL 2, 2pm

Goals – N’Dow

The last but one game at The Lamb, before actually start the report on the game and such, have nothing but good words for The Lamb and all their staff their been nothing but welcoming and accommodating in the time we have been there. From friendlies to fixtures to even just information or helping us have the meetings and so on it’s been a blast before we move onto our new home next year at Boldmere. It was quite a nice day as a bumper ground came in to watch the game. Seemed Tottenham brought a fair few fans as well with them in what no doubt been a great season for them as well. On paper and form today would be set to be a tough game for sure. Of course once again no matter the results and the league position we are so proud to go down and cheer our team on and today would be no different as we set up ready for kick off.

Tottenham came out the block quick’s just like expected as they looked well drilled and up for the game the early part of the game we had to sit in and try and ride the Tottenham wave and Aja Aguirre pulled off her first save on the 15 minute mark keeping the score 0-0. They say certain things can trigger a team into the game and this could of been true from the first save as Elizabeta Ejupi started to control the ball as it went forward getting Villa into strong positions. An incredible pass from Elizabeta Ejupi put Tash Baptiste through and just as it looked like the ball was about to hit the back off the net the Tottenham keeper pulled off an incredible save to keep it 0-0 again as Villa started to grow more into the game. As we started to get on top once again though the deadly Sarah Wiltshire had a chance and she only needs half a chance but luckily the ball sailed wide, it seemed a matter of time before Sarah would score as she kept pulling through our defence on times. 5 minutes before half time a corner struck the post and rebounded somehow into the back of the net for Jenna Schillaci, nothing that Aja could of done in the goal. A few minutes later once again Sarah Wiltshire looked deadly as her effort crashed off the bar but we got into half time only 0-1 down and a big second half coming for the team. Another moment of note during the first half was Beth Merrick breaking past the Tottenham defence and putting the ball into the box and Tash Baptiste rose to head it but once again the keeper kept the ball out of the net.

At half time always so great to see so many of our Development players warming up and getting closer to making the impact we know they can do in the first team. The second half kicked off and again Tottenham came out the quicker of the two as once again Sarah Wiltshire was involved in the action putting it to another great player in Coral Jade Haines but thankfully she didn’t connect properly as the ball went over the bar. Right after this Amy West broke through the defence it was like something out of a movie as she struck the ball from around 20 yards out and in slow motion it looked in but cannoned back off the upright so unlucky. Villa were pilling the pressure one now and a great corner into the box saw a combination of Jade Richards, Tash Baptiste and Elisha N’Dow being involved as a scramble in the box saw Elisha N’Dow score another goal to bring us back into the game. Jade Richards took on the midfield and defence as she sprinted through and tried to play in Elizabeta Ejupi but it didn’t fall as the ball came free, Super Jade becomes Twinkle Toes when we chanting. Villa were now totally on top during this time as we kept the pressure on the opposition Elizabeta Ejupi nearly scored as it just went the wrong side of the post as we willed it in, I may of even cheered it gone in before realising it hadn’t. On the 68th minute Phoebe Warner came on for Hayley Crackle, would had a cracking game and worked hard all through the game in the midfield. Only minutes after coming on Phoebe was already causing influence as she broke through the Tottenham defence and put them under great pressure. Once again Amy West broke through the defence and hit an incredible shot and somehow the Tottenham defender got it around the post. Amy deserved a goal and was so close on a few occasions. Ashlee Brown came on for Tash Baptiste, Tash had put in such a great shift and even though she didn’t get on the score sheet she had left a great impact on the game. As the game went into the final stages Tottenham broke through the defence and the ball fell to Sarah Wiltshire.. so take a step away from the game for one moment how our season has gone late on in games we have lost so many points and as the ball fell to Sarah you only felt one outcome but Aja Aguirre said no, no, no as she managed somehow to pull off the save that for me made her tip the player of the match. Both teams pushed and pushed but nothing came of anything as the game came to an end and the points were shared 1-1.

The game came to an end and to be honest looking back was a great game that had a bit of everything but during it while we attacked it was great, while they attacked it was hope. But a draw was probably a fair result as the game finished. Before move onto talking about our team just want to say and I’m not sure on names but one of the Tottenham coaches actually thanked us all for coming and creating a great atmosphere which was a very nice touch just wanted to mention that in here. But seriously everybody put in a shift to get us a result and move on towards the end of the season. We found out that Oxford lost to Watford which means we have a position to play for on Sunday, if we win and Doncaster beat Oxford we can pass them to finish 8th. Also no matter the result we hope for a great performance and to end the season on a high with our fearless leader Chloe Jones retiring from football. A note on Chloe Jones I didn’t see her when she played for us first time around but since she has returned to Aston Villa has always been so welcoming to us and always puts everything in as captain to make sure our young team stay up and keep going at times others may fall. She will be a huge miss for us next season but wish her all the luck in her life and future. Aja Aguirre came from out of nowhere to us when she filled in at the Watford game but definatly is giving Sian Rogers reason to keep improving and fighting it so awesome to have two keepers once again pushing each other to be the best and play for the shirt and badge. Amy West worked so hard as she always does and covered so much ground and was so unlucky not to get on the score sheet. Jodie Hutton was on it from minute one as she battled to get the ball and get us forward. Literally everyone could be said really put in the effort and got the reward. Players always get the credit during games and such but I also want to put out a thank you to the great staff we have at the moment that give us the time and make us feel apart of the team, from Dave to Amber to Mark to Connie all such great people who you can see have a massive love for the team and the club. 

We move onto the next game and the final game as we play Sheffield at The Lamb with a 2pm Kick Off on Sunday 20th May. As much as already can’t wait for the game to come around it sad that it is the end of the season and won’t know what to do on Sundays that are coming up. Hopefully we can finish the season with a bang and have a massive celebration in the bar afterwards as we are proud of our Ladies and love to be able to travel and see them home or away.

Aja Aguirre – Outstanding once again and kept us in the game with the saves she pulled off, so great to have two great keepers at the club once again.

Aoife Hurley – I could copy and paste every week for Aoife but puts in a great shift and works so hard to get us the ball back in the centre of the pitch.

Jade Richards – Super Jade turns into Twinkle Toes and nearly scored as well as keeping out Tottenham, such a valued player in the team at all times.

Elisha N’Dow – Loves to score and we love to see her score. Was great at the back but also deadly off every set piece most times she’s hitting the target if gets a sniff.

Hayley Crackle – Go Hayley its your birthday 😉 but played in the centre of midfield and was always involved worked incredibly hard and proved why we all love her on the pitch.

Amy West – In the running for player of the match once again, covers so much ground in the pursuit of trying to get Villa in the right direction.

Jodie Hutton – Another player that easily could of been player of the match, was on beast mode as the Tottenham player scattered like dominos, sometimes forget how young Jodie is with how well she plays through the games.

Tash Baptiste – Once again worked incredibly hard for the team and was unlucky again not to score you can always bank on Tash giving 110% and being dangerous up top.

Beth Merrick – Put some great crosses in, especially the one that Tash nearly put into the back of the net if the keeper hadn’t pulled off a great save.

Elizabeta Ejupi – Always gives so much to the team, whether holding the ball up or trying to win it back was so unlucky not to add a goal to the game as well.

Chloe Jones – Worked hard at the back and lead the Villa team to getting the point they truly deserved on the day, can see has a great influence on the pitch.

Phoebe Warner – I don’t mind saying love it when Phoebe plays because always puts everything into her game, influenced the game after only being on a minute or two as well.

Ashlee Brown – Always love Ashlee getting game time as works the wings so hard and adds great pace to the team in getting forward.

Player Of The Match :

Aja Aguirre – Was so many players that stepped up and had a great game but for me Aja just tipped it as some of her saves through the game kept us walking away with the point from the game. The highlight of the game for Aja was in the dying minutes when Sarah Wiltshire broke through the defence and was one on one and 9 times out of 10 it hits the back of the neck but Aja covered the ground and pulled off the save that helped us walk away with a point.