15/1/17 1pm Tamworth, The Lamb

Goals : West, Baptsite

First trip to The Lamb with the first team, been there with Development already so was happy to be where finally had been announced as home. Always good to get the band back together and nothing like supporting and cheering on your own team. A friendly saw the first game of Villa for 2017 as we faced Durham (once again props go to Durham for the way the promote and look to expand their club and team going into the future)

A good test first up against a Durham team that pushed for promotion last season. We matched up against them well in every department, Beattie of course dependable at the back keeping the clean sheet in the Villa goal. We looked sharp and like every player was fighting for their position in the starting line up when the friendly’s are over.

The first half saw nearly a completely different team to what took the field for the second half. But it didn’t tell as you would worry with making so many changes everyone that came on made a telling contribution.

Amy West scored the first goal with persistence as she broke through Durhams defense to see the first shot blocked and slotting the rebound into the Durham net Alys past their keeper. Our second goal saw Tash Baptsite show her class and strength as well as her deft touch. As she got around the defender as the keeper came out Tash lifted the ball into the net. Alys Hinchcliffe was always a threat on the run with the keeper often throwing herself at Alys feet to stop the attacks.

At the back we looked solid in attack we looked dangerous although only a friendly am really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this series in the mini tournament building towards the Winter League.

Chloe Beattie – A clean sheet, commanding in her area and never looked like being beaten in the goal. One of only players to play 90 minutes as well.

Hannah George – a threat going forward but also was willing to track back and stop the Durham attacks

Jade Richards – Solid as always, total defender but also not afraid to take the ball down and jink past a few people.

Elisha N’Dow – Passion and fire, she’ll take you and the ball down before you can get past her.

Lucy Porter – Never let’s down on the pitch always tracks back and stop’s the attacks from starting.

Amy West – Defender, Winger, Goal Scorer she can do anything that is needed and is still improving each game.

Chloe Jones – Calm and collected on the ball in the center of midfield, helped create alot of attacks throughout game.

Chloe Dale – For me the best player in the first half, Seen her pay for the development a few times but was incredible during this game.

Maddy Cusack – Strong and determined even when you think the ball can’t be won, Maddy will throw in a tackle and put herself on the line.

Beth Merrick – We all know alot of our goals and attacks come through Beth, her set pieces are key but also showed her defensive skills.

Mollie Rouse – One of most skillful players. When she has the ball anything could happen, put in a shift in the first half.

Grace Smith – One of the most promising players in Womens Football, such class and calm under pressure. Always in the right place.

Alys Hinchcliffe – Fast and dangerous, unlucky not to score but was always ready to pounce and create at will.

Katy Moran – Still coming back from injury, great to see her getting minutes again coming up to the season where we will need our captain.

Nicky Potts – Always gives 110% in tracking the ball down and never stops running. Played more in midfield than attack in this game.

Kerri Welsh – always great to hear Kerri is coming on as you know you will get total dedication did well up front leading the line when come on.

Natasha Baptsite – Dangerous in all situations in front of the goal, was unlucky to only score one but what a beauty it was.

Was also great to see Katie Wilkinson and Chloe Harper there supporting the girls as well. Great way to start 2017 and long may it continue into the Spring Series and Winter Season. The Lamb gets a big thumbs up and already love their promotion which will no doubt help attendances and interest with the local area and such places as Snowdome.

We Love You Villa We Do…

We play Sheffield in a friendly at Tamworth FC on sunday against Sheffield, details are yet to be confirmed on the price and kick off time but keep an eye on Villa’s updates on the website. The Development play Durham at Tamworth on 29th as well (anyone who can I would urge to come along and see the future of AVLFC play) Followed by the FA Cup game against Cambridge United on the 5th Feb at Tamworth FC.