4/11/18, 3pm, Boldmere, Championship

Goals – Welsh, West

After the last few games of leaving with only a point in games we should of walked away with more, you don’t always get what you deserve but you grind and you come back harder and faster. This is something since Manchester United that our girls have done week in and week out moving from bottom to 9th in last few weeks. Behind scenes things seem to be coming together as we move onwards and upwards as the season continues. Millwall visited on a dreary, wet and wind afternoon that felt like a night. Like us Millwall lost the back bone of their squad and are in rebuilding stage so knew this was going to be a tough game as they wanted to prove themselves as well. Jodie Hutton was back on bench and after a touching speech by Tim Elsmore before the game and the minutes silence it was time for kick off.

Villa as always came out the blocks fast and was straight on the attack as Kerri Welsh wasted no time putting the Millwall keeper under pressure as it was tipped over the bar for nearly the perfect start. Villa kept the pressure on Millwall for most of the opening moments with some great play down the wings between Alison Hall and Sophie Haywood, some of the balls were brilliant by Sophie Haywood switching play over Millwall defence including a ball into Nadine Hanssen who looked like opening score but somehow got the ball stuck under her feet. Again the work on the wings was excellent as Alison Hall laid down what was the blueprint as she whipped in the cross that if Kerri Welsh had extra inch or two could of turned goal wards. But 8 minutes later Alison Hall and Hollie Gibson worked the wing well as Hollie whipped the ball into the box point perfect as Kerri Welsh leapt like a salmon and connected and turned the ball into the net with a beautiful header and cross deserves a lot of credit as well. It was all Villa after the goal as they went searching for that second goal like Jaws in the ocean. As were celebrating the ball hitting the back of the net for the second time in 5 minutes it was pulled back for a foul by Sophie Haywood on the keeper once again causing a nuisance to the Millwall. Less than 5 minutes later once again who was it but Sophie Haywood who unleashed a jet of a shot that I’m pretty sure I celebrated going in but somehow the keeper pulled off the best save you’ll see all weekend keeping the score at 1-0 to Villa. The end of half saw more play by Villa as the 1-0 score wasn’t a true reflection of the way the first half had gone as it was all Villa. 

A 1-0 lead at half time and a huge second half coming up to cement the first half performance. And it’s was the best from the west as Amy West took aim, fired and nearly brought the net down as she pin pointed the top corner leaving the keeper no chance what so ever doubling the lead making it 2-0 and the perfect start to the second half with a glorious moment, I’ll always be biast as my favourite player and as her sponsor but you can see for yourself what a fantastic goal it truly was. On the 57th minute Jodie Hutton made her return to the pitch replacing Sophie Haywood who hadn’t put a foot wrong and was quite surprised to see come off at the moment in the game. What with the irrupting police helicopter that hovered over the ground, it wasn’t me I swear. Villa went on the attack once again as Asmita Ale surged forward and unleashed a effort that went high but great signs and great play all game by Asmita once again. We came under a little pressure near the 70 minute mark as Millwall came forward and tested Sian Rogers in the goal but as always, safe hands Rogers kept the clean sheet she had deserved against Leicester that was robbed away by a penalty but today she kept everything out that came her way including dealing with a short pass back seeing her play sweeper keeper. Phoebe Warner came on to replace Nadine Hanssen and as always Phoebe hustled and bustled during the end of the game showing her aray of tricks that nearly brought a chance late on but the game finished 2-0 to Villa Ladies a result that was deserved and rightly earned.

The relief to finally get a result we deserved and had worked so hard for was a huge relief when the final whistle went, its a process and a journey when you have to rebuild and have a new manager but it one that truly love being a apart of and that this is my team win or lose so proud of the effort shown on and off the pitch, the togetherness is something thrown around a lot in football but you can see every single player wants the best for every other player, no egos, no dramas just love. And I speak for myself always but I’m sure the others will agree a team to be proud and adore to bits every single one of them. We have risen to 9th place with a week off next week before travelling to Lewes away on the 18th at The Dripping Pan, a place and team looking forward to travelling too once again to get behind our girls in the Claret And Blue.

Sian Rogers – Made some crucial saves near the end of the game to keep her clean sheet

Hollie Gibson – An Assist and Sass on the pitch, Hollie always delivers from whistle to whistle

Jade Richards – Solid at the back controlled the Millwall forwards from creating anything.

Elisha N’Dow – Always 110% from N’Dow no matter the situation whether defending or breaking forward.

Asmita Ale – Such a classy player, such a young talent who already plays well ahead of her years.

Sophie Haywood – My POTM, surprised only got 57 minutes but did everything but score and she nearly did that.

Alice Hassall – Solid in the centre chased down the Millwall players and gave them no time.

Nadine Hanssen – Made some great runs and was unlucky not to open the scoring when losing her feet.

Amy West – El Classico West Style… I could say so many things but simple West Is Best, Amazing goal as well.

Alison Hall – Ran herself ragged once again unsettling the opposition putting it all on line to help the cause.

Kerri Welsh – Our tailswoman upfront, give Kezza a chance you know what happens, its a goal

Jodie Hutton – So happy to see Jodie back on the pitch always gives everything to the badge and us lot.

Phoebe Warner – Some lovely little play nearly created a chance near the end and Millwall couldn’t work her tricks out.

Player Of The Match 

Sophie Haywood

Was one of biggest threats going forward at all times up and down the wing, picking passes and winning the ball back in the midfield battle, and was so unlucky not to get her name on the scoresheet with the shot that was saved somehow by the Millwall keeper, was a shame she only got 57 minutes but those 57 minutes was fire.