Solihull Moors 2-3 Leafield Athletic

Goals – pagan, O.G, Shirley.

16/3/23 – 7.45pm – The Armco stadium

Midlands division One

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A matchday away in Solihull was up next under the lights (barely, maybe saving on the leccy with how bright it was) while the rain was teaming down the warm up’s were underway. Thankfully by the time the game had started the rain had eased off and the football could start. After being chased for my £5 entrance fee while taking pictures and being told needed to stand behind barriers at such a big club like Solihull it was kick off time. It was great to see Dicky before, during and after as always such a top fella. The returnee had returned in Grace Godwin, from Down Under she had returned like skippy ready to jump.

The game got underway on the referees whistle. Leafield came out the blocks fast and created the first chance on the 10th minute but the one on one chance went just wide of the goal. But it wasn’t long before Leafield made the pressure tell as Kathryn Pagan turned the defender and ran in behind to slot the ball past Abby Jackson to make it 0-1 to Leafield on the 12th minute. A great start by Leafield but could they build on it.

After taking the lead as well Leafield were the much better team looking for the second goal with some incredible play from Aid Clements side. Abby Jackson proved she is more than just a stand in keeper when she pulled off a double save to keep Solihull in the game. An amazing effort by Daisy Mai Clements that was someone fingertipped away as it seemed like it would 0-2. But just before half time on the 42nd minute, Solihull pulled level on with a goal from Eva Rogers. But it was nearly 1-2 as Leafield had a chance cleared off the line via a corner. But the half time whistle went with the scores equal at 1-1.

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The second half got underway and it was Leafield who had the first chance of the half again when a Tilly Chase free kick saw Abby Jackson once again pull off a fingertip save on the 50th minute. Solihull were looking for a footing in the game and would be dangerous but it was Leafield who once again took the lead just after the hour mark when a corner went across the box and no one is quite sure who scored, Daisy claimed it, Laura blew it in but I think it was an Own goal after all but it was 1-2 to Leafield.

Once again it was a no brainer to who would be Solihull’s player of the match when Abby Jackson pulled off yet another save as Leafield looked to extend their lead in the game. But it was Solihull who pulled level at 2-2 on the 69th minute, a great goal by Moors as the ball hit the crossbar and went over the line before it was tapped in too make sure. Could Leafield take the lead for the third time in the game and go on and win it.

Solihull were looking to try and get in the lead for the first time but some cracking defending from Leafield including as always Tilly Chase putting her body on the line and her partnership with Connie Allen starting to form. But Leafield wouldn’t let this game slip or slide as on the 77th minute. Chloe Shirley broke in behind the defence and noticed Abby Jackson off her line as she hit a beautifully executed lob into the back of the net to give Leafield the 2-3 lead. 

With 13 minutes remaining plus injury time, Leafield defended the lead right until the end with Thea Clearkin making an important and well timed block. The final whistle went with a well deserved win for Leafield in a 5 goal thriller. 

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As always couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved with team and in and around the club. I can’t wait for Sunday to come when the team play Peterborough away and the remaining 3 games coming up to finish this amazing season off. 

We Are Leafield!!