Sunday 22nd Jan, 2pm, Tamworth FC

Goals : Merrick, Baptiste

The second game of 2017 for Villa Ladies at The Lamb, brought Sheffield FC to play us in a friendly/warm up match. Last season we beat them at their ground and vice versa as they beat us at our own ground. It would be a tough game as expected as our teams are very close and would be a good warm up. It didn’t fail to live up to expectations.

The first goal of the match came up when Merrick hit a shot which troubled the keeper as she made a error and the ball ended up in the net. But as always whenever Merrick is having a shot you know it will be on target. Both teams enjoyed possesion and attacks throughout the first half. Lipman for Sheffield FC was solid as ever at the back keeping our attacks to a minimum. As did our defensive line keeping Sheffield at bay, as well as Beattie in the goal keeping the ball out of the net.

Just before half time though Sheffield advanced down the wing and pulled it level as they drilled the ball across the box and Kennedy Owen stabbed the ball into a open net. A fairly even game at half time. Cusack should of had a penatly in my eyes but nothing was given. Cusack contribution throughout the game was 100% chasing down every ball and pushing the team forward.

The second half saw many changes again as it gave the chance for match practise and game time once again before the season started. No weak links at all in our squad as anyone who stepped in, never looked out of place which shows the depth in our squad right now.

Baptiste made a nucisence of herself all through the second half causing Sheffield all kinds of problems at the back. Once again Baptiste scored another cracker making the game 2-1 to Villa, but in all fairness she could of had more on another day. Near the end of the game Hannah Dale hit a shot which rustled into the top of the net. Beattie tried her best to tip the ball over the ball but was unlucky as it just crept in.

Chloe Beattie – Always dependable in our goal, couldn’t be blame for ethier goal and pulled off some great saves during the game.

Amy West – Kept Sheffield FC on their toes driving forward during the first half as well as getting back to support the defense.

Elisha N’Dow – Solid at the back, always seems in control stopping any attacks building during the game.

Jade Richards – The calm in any storm, not afraid to take the ball down and play it out of defense helping create an attack.

Hannah George – Used the wings well to connect defense to attack and attack to defense.

Beth Merrick – Captain Merrick once again providing many of important moments in game including the opening goal.

Maddy Cusack – Was on fire throughout, attacking or defending was incredible for me one of players of the match.

Chloe Dale – Once again put in a great shift in the middle staking a claim for a first team call up when season starts.

Lucy Porter – Played really well conrolling the middle of the pitch always fighting for the ball and connecting with other players.

Lucy Shepherd – Used wings well to get forward, calm and collected with the talent for such a young age.

Mollie Rouse – Did well with the ball at her feet pushing the team forward using skill and pace.

Alice Hassall – New player on show, did well looking forward to seeing what she brings to the team at right back.

Zoe Clarke – Another development player that stepped in and did a really good job with the main squad.

Kerri Welsh – Did well supporting Baptiste upfront while fighting for the ball to get forward and attack.

Alys Hinchcliffe – Looked sharp and full of pace no doubt will be a great outlet for us throughout the series.

Tash Baptiste – Goal machine that looks hungry to make a point, surely is staking her claim to be #1striker when series starts.

Was a few players that could of won a player of the match for Villa Ladies, Tash Baptiste for her second half display. Lucy Porter was great as well as Chloe Dale. But I think the player that really shined all match and had the freedom of the pitch was Maddy Cusack.

Player Of The Match For Me – Maddy Cusack

Our next first team game will be the big cup game at Tamworth FC against Cambridge United in the FA Cup on the 5th Febuary . It will be a tough game for sure but we will be looking to advance to the next round of the cup, where the last two years we have had a great cup run eventually losing to WSL 1 clubs. But before that we have a development game at Tamworth FC on Sunday 29th January with a 2pm kick off. I definatly would reccomened coming to see the future of Villa Ladies and cheer them on.

I look forward to this Series starting and supporting the girls on until the end. Proud to be a fan of Aston Villa Ladies.