PRIDE PARK 2-7 BORROWASH VICTORIA

An ever-extending injury list left Pride with a small and depleted squad for Sunday’s County Cup tie, and with most of the spine of the team missing, there was an unfamiliar look to how the team started. Pride were therefore especially pleased to welcome Abi Dowell-McGrillan and Loren Roberts for their debuts.

Due to the recent wet spell it hadn’t been possible to mow the pitch so the grass was unusually long, presenting a challenge to both teams’ players who frequently resembled golfers taking shots from out of the „rough”.

There was a very open start to the game with both sides trading shots in the opening twenty minutes, but it was Vics who were the more clinical - taking a two goal lead inside ten minutes. Maja Znamirowska pulled one back for Pride after 17 minutes when she allowed a pass from Tash Allderidge to run across her before unleashing an unstoppable shot just inside the angle of crossbar and post.

Vics almost had another when the striker ran through and clipped the ball up and over Abi Dowell-McGrillan as she advanced to narrow the angle, but Annie Laight recovered well to clear for a corner. Vics did score a third after 24 minutes, however, when the striker ran through the backline to meet a through ball and score. There was a fourth for Vics after 38 minutes as the backline were caught in two minds, tried to step up, but the striker was clearly onside.

Two minutes later Abi Dowell-McGrillan got down well to turn a shot round the post. After creating a number of good chances in the opening twenty minutes, Pride were largely on the back foot for the final 20 minutes of the half and didn’t really create any openings of note.

Pride’s injury toll continued to mount four minutes before half-time as Sophie Ayton took a knee full on to the chest and after lengthy treatment was unable to continue, with Loren Roberts coming on to replace her. [Half-time 1-4]

Vics picked up in the second half where they left off the first half, adding a fifth after 50 minutes, when the ball was poked home after a goalmouth scramble.

Pride’s second and final substitution was made after 60 minutes; another enforced change as an under-the-weather Izzy Wilsoncroft was replaced by Jess Page, requiring another positional reshuffle.

There were fewer scoring opportunities for either team in the second half, with possession more even, but Vics continued to be efficient with their opportunities, adding a sixth after 68 minutes, and a seventh on 76 minutes. Abi Dowell-McGrillan and Rachel Weaver also combined well to clear a dangerous looking attack.

Nevertheless, Pride did have a few opportunities of their own; Beth Jones’ shot was turned round the post after she beat the full back to get her shot away, and when Hannah Kwiatek won the second ball from a corner to play in Loren Kitching, her shot was well held by Vics’ keeper. Hannah also had a good effort after regaining possession just outside Vics’ area, but it was held by the keeper.

Pride’s persistemce was rewarded with nine minutes left, when Maja Znamirowska got to the bye line and picked out Jess Page for a composed finish from close range.

As time ran down the Referee waved away calls for a handball on the edge of the area - which seemed pretty clear cut - and would have given Pride a free kick in a dangerous position.

Vics ran out deserved winners on the day and progress to the 3rd round. It was one to forget for the Pride but, with so many injuries depleting the squad, and several players in unfamiliar positions, it was a big effort from the players that were available.

Pride return to league action next week with a trip to Bakewell Town (Sunday 26th Nov., ko 1.30pm)