Match Report | Nine Rise to the Challenge

With Maja and Summer still ruled out, and a host of others unavailable, it was a very depleted Ladies team that travelled to Wirksworth for yesterday’s League game.

Only two weeks after playing at Mickleover with nine players, and coming away with an unlikely win, it seemed improbable that we could repeat that feat with only nine players available again yesterday, and one of those, Sophie, was barely fit to play.

We made a positive start, and had the first attack of the game. Although that didn’t produce a result, our next attack, after 11 minutes, was excellent both in build up and execution - as Hannah Kwiatek slid a pass in for Jessica Travers and from the edge of the area she unleashed a fearsome shot into the roof of the net.

Wirksworth were having the majority of possession, but we were maintaining a good shape and were doing well to keep them a safe distance from goal for long periods. On the few occasions when they did get in range and manage to get a shot away, Vicky was on hand to gather the ball or watch it safely out of play.

Inevitably, with the numerical superiority they had, they were bound to get chances, however, and on the half-hour, they levelled the score at 1-1.

It was important that we kept ourselves in the game, and the response to conceding the equaliser was excellent, with some outstanding defending on display. It wasn’t all one-way though, as Jess was harrying defenders and, winning the ball back a couple of times high up the pitch, was unfortunate not to get another. Otty also went close after a tremendous run down the left.

As half time approached, Wirksworth won a corner on our right. The kick was flighted into the area, eluded all the attempts to head it, and fell on the edge of the six yard box, where a Wirksworth player attempted to shoot, but somehow was blocked by Otty - effectively taking the shot and kick simultaneously in the midriff. The Wirksworth player was first to react and able to stab the ball in from six yards - not that Otty knew anything about it; her reactive block had left her winded and flat out, but despite the goal Otty’s block epitomised how we were playing.

The reaction to the equaliser had been good, but the reaction to going behind was even better, as two minutes after the goal, Heather Keith collected the ball in midfield and played a precise pass into the channel for Jessica Travers, and another rocket was sent past the ‘keeper from distance. Three minutes plus two minutes of time added on later, the referee’s whistle signalled a well earned breather as the half ended with it all square at 2-2.

The second half continued where the first had left off, with Wirksworth having the majority of possession, but finding it difficult to break us down. Jess had obviously had her Weetabix in the morning, as she tirelessly closed defenders down, chased every ball, and looked a constant threat.

It was something of a setback, therefore, when Wirksworth struck again just after the hour to take the lead; a shot across Vicky and inside the post from about ten yards.

We had ridden our luck a little a couple of times - when a cross evaded everybody and was met with a good header at close range in the centre by a Wirksworth striker - but she had strayed offside, and the “goal” was ruled out. Wirksworth also hit the outside of the foot of the post with a shot, but in the main we defended superbly as a team, played intelligently when we had the ball, and deserved that little bit of luck.

This team really doesn’t know when it’s beaten, though and, once again, found a way to get back on level terms. In a repeat of the combination for the opening goal, Hannah Kwiatek battled through a couple of challenges before playing a well flighted pass into Jessica Travers’ path and, once again, she struck an unstoppable shot from distance beyond the ‘keeper and into the net, to complete her first hat-trick in senior football with fifteen minutes of play left.

Jess was on fire, and it was evident Wirksworth were finding her too hot to handle. Six minutes after our equaliser, Jess received the ball, turned and ran at the defenders. A couple of them attempted to get in a challenge, and brought her down, about twenty yards from goal.

It looked a little too close for the ball to be hit over the defensive wall and have enough room to come down again. No problem; Heather Keith hit a grass cutter that fizzed past the end of the wall and nestled in the side netting (see picture), to put us back in front with nine minutes to play.

Wirksworth were stung and started to throw players forward, and despite some heroic defending, we couldn’t avoid conceding again; two minutes later a really well taken shot from just inside the area left Vicky with no chance, to bring the scores level again at 4-4.

We managed the remaining seven minutes plus two minutes of time added on really well, as we kept the ball in the Wirksworth half for most of that time, to see the game out for a thoroughly deserved first (League) draw of the season, and what could eventually prove to be an invaluable point. There was a hint of disappointment amongst the players afterwards that we couldn’t hold on for the win, but that only serves to highlight their determination, and does not undermine what was another remarkable performance.

There’s a saying that “Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional”, and the nine players that played yesterday were evidence of that.

As a team, the performance was exemplary, with everyone on the same page, giving encouragement, covering and supporting, tactically disciplined, and impressively resilient. There was a real sense that the players enjoy playing together and for each other.

The performance was built on partnerships throughout the team. Our defensive line was outstanding, with Isobel Wilsoncroft, Hannah Roberts, and Sophie Ayton working together superbly, backed up by Vicky Wilsoncroft, who was again a calming influence and safe pair of hands behind them. Heather Keith and Tash Allderidge complemented each other and combined exceptionally well, supporting both the defence behind and Jessica Travers in front, whose first touch and finishing was outstanding yesterday. Hannah Kwiatek and Otty Baker on the flanks covered the full length of the pitch, getting backwards and forwards, and providing both an outlet and starting attacks.

Sophie merits a special mention, as she was struggling with a heavy cough and cold, and also playing on the “wrong” side of defence, but still managed to put in a determined and selfless performance, despite being hardly able to breathe at times. In any other circumstances, she wouldn’t haven’t played and it says everything about Sophie that she still turned out.

The Ladies remain sixth in the table, but the point draws us level with Mickleover, who have a better goal difference, and two points ahead of seventh placed Buxton (who have 2 games in hand), and four points ahead of Wirksworth in eighth, who have three games in hand.

In yesterday’s other league fixtures, it finished Chesterfield 6-0 Buxton, and Derby County Foundation 15-0 Castle Donington.

The Ladies have two games remaining; they are at Castle Donington next Sunday (12th May), and complete the season at home on 19th May with the return fixture against Wirksworth. Both games kick off at 1.30pm