Given our lack of playing time over the last few weeks I was keen that we got some match minutes under our belt going into Christmas. Being so close to Christmas, and the winter lurgy going round, we had quite a few unavailable but just managed to field a team of nine. We knew Binfield would be a tough game as they are above us in the league and knocked us out of the league cup. Really proud of how the girls showed up though. Dolcie and Jasmine weren't feeling 100% but you couldn't tell by the effort they both put in on the pitch.
The first half was pretty even possession wise, but Binfield probably shaded it spending a lot of the time in our half and creating the best chances. Our defence and midfield was having to work really hard to keep them at bay but we also caused them a few problems going forward but lacked the composure in the final third to pick out the right pass or get our shot away.
On 28 minutes Binfield took the lead, but the girls kept their heads up and kept battling. Just before the end of the 1st half Maddie brought one of their players down in the box and they were awarded a penalty which was superbly saved by Rose. We were a little slow to react to the rebound and they got a 2nd shot away which hit the crossbar before being cleared.
We had to make some changes in the 2nd half as Jazz was struggling with the running needed in midfield, instead going up front with Abigail filling in, in the centre of the park, and Amalia moving to the wing.
The second half continued much the same as the 1st with Binfield applying the most pressure forcing some great defending and some saves from Rose. We still looked really dangerous on the break though, but Binfield had an exceptional defender that always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to nullify our attacks. Sienna made some brilliant surging runs through midfield and Izzy showed some great skills and trickery on the wing giving their right back a really difficult game.
POM went to our captain for the day Maddie for an imperious performance at the back, she did a brilliant job of marshalling the team on the pitch and defended with her usual grit and determination. MIM went to Neve for a brilliant surge forward in the 2nd half and a great shot from the edge of the box!
Binfield are one of the toughest teams in our league but I am convinced with a few tweaks and more composure in the final third that we are capable of beating them. We definitely struggled with a lack of subs today with the girls tiring towards the end of the game, but I can't fault them for effort and perseverance. There were times in the game that we played some great football with good passing and movement. It is evident to see the improvement in the girls week on week and a strong bond within the team. I've been impressed with the work ethic and desire to win within the team and am excited for what 2025 brings.
I hope everyone has a great Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year!