Match report (14/4/07) – challenge cup semi final
Today was Lisbon St Anthony’s (CHAMPIONS) last game of the season, and once again it was against strong opposition in Stockport County
LETS GET THE BAD BIT OVER FIRST
The first half was the worst I’ve seen Lisbon play all season, Stockport got all their tactics right and completely dominated the first half. The only good thing about the first half was watching the fantastic 30 yard free kick that Stockport scored from on 19 minutes 0-1.
THE NOT SO BAD
Even though Stockport County dominated the first half, they only managed to score 1 goal and that was from a set piece.
HALF TIME
Today’s half time team talk was to point out that Stockport were playing with a sweeper behind their defence, and this was cancelling out every Lisbon attack. Lucy was then told to play along side their sweeper and not in front of her, and a quick reminder off Claire to stay in their positions and never give up, and the second half kicked off.
THE GOOD
Lisbon started the second half really quickly and with Lucy now playing along side their sweeper, Stockport were forced to defend in their own area. Lisbon had two quick shots on goal and both were deflected, but the second deflection dropped at Fred’s feet, Fred then instantly shot on goal and an unlucky Stockport keeper couldn’t keep it out, 1-1. Stockport then counter attacked under the Lisbon pressure and managed to regain the lead on 40 minutes 1-2.
Once again Lisbon raised their game and with the team now staying in their positions, Lisbon were dominating the 2nd half. Jess missed a great chance to score from Joely’s through ball, but the keeper saved it, and Joely’s follow up shot was blocked by the defender. Hanifa was also unlucky not to score when her great left foot shot hit the post. The pressure was really building on Stockport, and they tried to win the game by playing ten girls behind the ball. Another great corner by Lisbon was cleared out of the area and once again Fred scored from the bundled clearance 2-2.
By now the game was almost over but Lisbon kept going for that winning goal and forced another corner. Lucy’s corner was cleared and the follow up shot was blocked again, but this time the ball bounced up towards the left corner. Joely who was in the right place at the right time had a great first touch to lose one defender, and when the second defender approached, Joely dropped her shoulder to take the ball past her and SCORED 3-2. The parents and players were jumping for joy, a quick reminder to Lisbon that the game wasn’t finished, and we calmly controlled the last 3 minutes to finish the game winners.
Today was another great example of how important positional play can influence a game, in the first half Fred and Hanifa were guilty of playing too far up field. In the 2nd half Fred and Hanifa held their positions and changed the game
Hanifa – girl of match
Joely – great goal
Bring on the finals, congratulations again Lisbon - Dave, Pat and Claire
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