West Brom 2-3 Stoke City
11/10/2020 – Coles lane – FAWNL NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE
gOALS – Greaves, j.Davies – Steele (2), Hall
Game Day 5 was approaching and a tasty match between West Brom and Stoke City. A game that never ever let’s down and is always a well contested fiery affair. Another sunny day at Coles Lane saw the game get underway and Stoke City came out on the front foot that pushed WBA on the back foot from the off. Beth Roberts and Hollie Gibson driving Stoke forward through the wings. WBA were ethier suprised by Stoke’s start or just hadn’t come out the blocks as the first 10 minutes it was all Stoke trying to create something of note. The final touch just wasn’t there for Stoke as the pressure hopefully would tell. Ali Hall had her first effort of the game but a last ditch block by WBA saw the score remain 0-0 for the time being. Shannon Garner was running the centre of the pitch with Kelsey Richardson and a perfectly placed pass saw Ali Hall turn on the ball past the WBA defence and hit her shot perfectly as it went in off the inside of the post to give Stoke the well deserved 1-0 lead on the 19th minute.
It wasn’t a lead for long as WBA mounted their first real attack of the game on the 21st minute as a long free kick into the area saw Daniela Kosinska come out to punch the ball but as she punched it, it hit the on running Trina Greaves and it deflected off her shins into the back of the net to bring WBA level at 1-1. But even after the goal and gift WBA didn’t take much advantage as Stoke were still on the front foot and a mistake at the back for WBA saw the ball break to Lizzie Steele. The Woman Of Steele didn’t waste any time as she slammed the ball home into the back of the net to give Stoke a 1-2 lead after 26 minutes on the clock. Stoke were on top throughout most of the half, with the Stoke defence looking calm and confident but when the half come to near a end WBA broke over the top with a long ball and Jade Arber’s pace, WBA were in behind. But as always Daniela Kosinska was there to stop it coming to anything as her fingertips once again deflected what looked like the net was about to ripple to keep Stoke with a 1-2 lead.
A well deserved lead at half time for Stoke City but WBA showed that even while not being in the game one chance at 1-2 can sting you, especially with Jade Arber’s pace. But a really good 45 minutes for Stoke City hopefully they could continue on in the second half. Of course was great to see Tanisha Smith getting her Km’s in on the sideline hopefully we can have her back in the squad as soon as possible as well. Beth Jewitt entertained as always as well in her own awesome way.
The second half got underway when Amy Hughes took the kick off. West Brom came out for the second half with something to prove as they were trying to fight back into the game. Kelsey and Shannon were busy in the middle of the pitch but were getting the best out of the battles as well. Meg Bowyer and Hollie Gibson were kept honest as well as West Brom tried to use the long ball over the top to get in behind but both CB’s were reading and dealing with things as they come about. As well as at the back Amy Hughes was given offside in a very close decision that would of seen her in behind the West Brom defence. Hollie Gibson was shining at the back reading and dealing with Jade Arber, Leigh Dugmore and Nat Murray. The first substitution for Stoke came on the 57th minute as Amy Hughes was replaced by Roisin Kivel.
Roisin Kivel hit the ground running using her pace and touch to get forward with Beth Roberts up and down the wing on the left hand side. Ali Hall could of had about 6 goals on the day if it was another day. But her effort in the second half where she hit a shot and it bent and cannoned off the crossbar as she came so close on the 81st minute. But Ali was a constant threat throughout the game going close, making the keeper save and hitting the woodwork. Ella Pemberton came on for Shannon Garner on the 65th minute and the hosts saw Leigh Dugmore being replaced by Evie Gallop on the 68th minute for WBA.
Somewhere in the melee of the action the referee after warning Nat Murray was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. Ellie Bohannan made her second appearance for Stoke as she replaced Nic Hudson on the 75th minute. And Alima Abdallah came on for Fran Orthodoxou on the 77th minute. Somehow it was still all to place for going into the final 15 minutes. Stoke couldn’t just find the third goal but on the 80th minute Roisin Kivel proved why I rate her so highly for Stoke as well. Who ran at the Baggies defence and held the ball up perfectly for Hollie Gibson aka Ramos to get up the wing and put it on a plate for Lizzie Steele to collect her Brace Sandwich as she slotted the ball into the back of the net with a perfectly timed run. Stoke now 1-3 up in the 80th minute must of been confident going into the last 10. Espcially when Ali Hall’s 81st minute effort off the crossbar looked destined for the net.
WBA obviously wouldn’t lie down and with Jess Davies replacing Jade Arber on the 82nd minute, the idea was to attack. For me Jess Davies is a player that doesn’t get the credit she deserves, classy and skillful on the ball with pure pace and a work ethic that matches. Daniela Kosinska was ever presence in the Stoke goal pulling off some fantastic and incredible saves to make sure Stoke kept the advantage. But in the 97th minute (An injury to Beth Roberts which will mention at the end) it was a quick break that saw Meg Bowyer, Nat Murray and Daniela Kosinska all caught in a bundle and the ball broke free outside the box and Jess Davies ran on to score the goal for West Brom to make it 2-3. But it was thankfully too late for any nerves as the referee blew his whistle and called the game to an end. Stoke deserved the win and the 3 points at Coles Lane for sure.
First off was so gutted to see Beth Roberts to go down and need treatment. One thing you know if Beth jumps straight back up and if she doesn’t it’s something serious. A coming together where a West Brom player gave Beth a late and physical shove resulted in Beth breaking her collarbone. A huge loss for Stoke while she is getting back to fitness. One thing we know about Beth is that she is such a fantastic, upbeat person and she will come back stronger and better than ever. Until then we will count down the days till she is back on the pitch.
It was such a great day seeing so many of the old faces once again including Ria Elsmoe and Tim, Beth Jewitt and Claire. Getting to see Jess Davies play again. So many faces we don’t get to see so much now as well like Josh P, Chris Frev, Kevin The Switch and Tash Baptiste. And of course my Motley Crue in Chris Kav, Benny, Mark The Drummer, The Terrible Twins and of course getting to see the Stoke City players always adds up to a fantastic day.
Bring on next week at Community Drive with a home tie against Middlesborough with the likes of Jasmine McQuade and Katie Wilson and of course the media genius himself, Graham.
Stoke City WOmen
