Stourbridge 2-0 Leafield Athletic
27/11/22 – 2pm – War Memorial Athletic Ground
Midland Division One
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Was time once again for a trip to the War Memorial Athletic Ground to take on Stourbridge, the league leaders and the early pace setters in the Midlands Division One. The time the two faced each other in the Cup it took extra time and a late goal for Stourbridge for a result to be had. Both teams once again would be looking at a tight game between two fantastic teams.
It was the worst possible start for Leafield losing Laura Broadbent early on to injury, really hope she will be returning soon as isn’t too bad as we will defiantly miss her on the pitch for sure. As expected the two teams were looking for the opening goal but it was a fairly even opening with both defences being on top. Lyndsey Glover had the ball in the back of the net but the Leafield line was working well as she was offside.
Who else but Niamh Deasy would it be that found the back of the net. After being close with a few close offsides Niamh found herself in behind the Leafield defence and Colette Bell did her best to stop the goal but the finisher that Niamh is the ball found the back of the net to give Stourbridge the lead after 35th minutes. The goal was great but unforantly although Deasy made it to half time it would see the end of her game and a cracking brusie on her leg.
The game was so close and not alot in it as the two teams played out to half time with the score at 1-0, if honest it looked most likely that Stourbridge would score and that Leafield were missing Jess Lowe and Leonie Joyce.
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Half time meant time for a couple of changes as American’s greatest export after becoming their best import Daisy-Mai Clements was back and Thea Clearkin came on to make her debut for Leafield. It was nearly the perfect start for Thea Clearkin as the ball fell to her in the box but she couldn’t get the right contact on the 49th minute.
Both teams were looking for the all important next goal as Leafield pushed forward with Daisy-Mai Clements always being a threat on the attack. Once again Grace Murphy impressed when she come on. Annabel Davies was always in the thick of the action in the middle of the pitch and got voted opposition player of the match. But Leafield couldn’t find the back of the net to pull level.
Impact subs are always key and Amber Lawrence was warming up one second and the next she was coming on and in 7 minutes of being on the pitch had Stourbridge 2-0 up and a killer blow for Leafield. The goal was up the other end of the pitch but it looked as if Amber Lawrence did really well with her reactions to get too it first and send the ball goalwards.
The game ended 2-0 to Stourbridge, Leafield never gave in and once again truly showed what they all about away to the league leaders with a couple of key players missing. But it shows what a true unit the team was even losing Laura as well early on she showed her class supporting and helping the team from the sidelines. As always with the attacking options Stourbridge have it is hard to keep them away from the goal. My player of the match for them was the CB #12 not 100% sure on name so I won’t get it wrong.
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Leafield as always such a joy to see play and always what I look forward to with my week at work. I can’t say enough about the club, the players and the staff it is always such a great day no matter the result, you know they will give 110% on and off the pitch.
There is now 3 games remaining this year for Leafield with –
Sun 4th – Sporting Khalsa (A)
Sun 11th – Leek Town (A)
Sun 18th – WBA (H)