Today’s game against Stalybridge was always going to be a close contest especially with Stalybridge bringing in a very big under 16’s girl to play in this competition.
The game was a stalemate for the first 8 minutes; Lisbon kept applying pressure, but couldn’t capitalise and finish in front of goal. Then Stalybridge hit Lisbon on the counter attack, with their number 11 running past Hanaan and crossing with her left foot on the by-line, and their striker jumping up and heading home. It was a goal of the highest quality, and the best I have seen this season (sorry Lisbon strikers). Lisbon kept applying pressure but once again couldn’t finish in front of goal, even though we dominated both the game and possession. Then four minutes from half time Stalybridge once again hit Lisbon on the counter attack and scored 2 - 0.
Half time: 2 – 0
Our half time team talk, was keep your head up, we only need one goal to change the game. There was the usual moan of course, this time it was aimed at Bethany and Hanaan, who I believed could have prevented both the goals, with a bit more concentration (sorry girls).
The second half started with Stalybridge scoring within one minute of the kick off, another top quality goal from the Stalybridge side 3 - 0.
Lisbon kept to the game plan and eventually after missing countless shots on goal, Jess finally took her chance from an assist from Lucy, 3 - 1. Straight from the kick off Lisbon missed shot after shot which was unsettling Stalybridge and they then responded by committing countless late challenges on the Lisbon team. One of these challenges cost Stalybridge a penalty which Fred converted expertly leaving the Stalybridge keeper rooted in one spot (great goal). This goal then changed the game in Lisbon’s favour, the Stalybridge players started arguing amongst themselves and 20 minutes into the second half Hanifa equalised the score 3 -3. The game continued the same way from then on and Lisbon took the lead when Jess’s shot was blocked by a defender and Hanifa scored on the rebound 3 - 4.
I then decided to switch Hanifa with Fred and this was Stalybridge’s undoing – throughout the game their number 17 man marked Hanifa and this gave Fred more room to play. Next Jess played a quick one-two with Hanifa and scored Lisbon’s 5th goal of the game. Finally with only one minute left on the clock, Fred side-stepped the Stalybridge defender and scored from 25 yards 3 - 6.
Final score: 3 – 6.
Today’s game once again reminded me of just how good the Lisbon team are, the never give up attitude you all posess, and the way you always play for each other. Winning is a skill, and this attitude is your skill. I’m extremely proud of my girls today and especially the way you celebrated as a TEAM, and stuck together through the good and the bad points.
Hanifa G.O.M
My G.O.M Hanifa.
Best goal (penalty) this changed the game.
Congratulations on the result, you deserved it.
-Dave.
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