09 Feb 2008: Poynton 0-10 Lisbon St Antonys (HT 0-5) – Friendly Cup

Today we played Poynton in our 4^th game of the friendly cup. Today was also our 1^st game back after the awful events that followed the Stalybridge game two weeks ago. It was extremely important that Lisbon not only played well today, but also remembered that football is only a game. A game that requires total respect from all players, parents and coaches, and as usual all Lisbon representatives behaved impeccably.

Lisbon had two big players missing today, Aphra (holiday) and Whitby (hamstring), meaning we had no substitutes for the first time this season. Lisbon had their usual quiet 10 minutes to start with, before Robyn scored her 2^nd goal in two games with another 30 yard rocket 0-1. It took another 8 minutes for Lisbon to double the lead, this time Jess set up Fred to score 0-2. Straight from the kick off Lisbon applied pressure on the Poynton team and quickly won the ball back, Hanifa passed the ball to Lucy who laid the ball on for Jess to score her 1^st goal of the game 0-3. On 25 minutes Jess scored her 2^nd goal of the game and this time it was Fred who provided the assist 0-4, and 6 minutes later Jess completed her hat-trick with Finney getting her 1^st assist of the game 0-5.

Half time 0-5

Our half time team talk was easy this week, more of the same please. Unusually, I didn’t have anything to moan about this week, with all the team playing well. I was especially pleased with Hanaan, Laura and Bethany at the back, our defence was very solid and I didn’t have to remind the girls about their positions for a change. Laura was star of our defensive line today and, just like in the Bolton Wanderers game, she was excellent.

It only took 2 minutes for Lisbon to score their 1^st goal in the 2^nd half, this time Hanifa played the ball to Lucy who chipped the ball over the advancing keeper (not the 1^st time she’s done that) it was an excellent goal 0-6. With 48 minutes on the clock, Fred set up Hanifa who let the ball run across her body to score with her left foot 0-7. Hanifa scored her 2^nd goal on 52 minutes, this time with her right foot, and this goal was assisted by Jess, her 2^nd of the game 0-8. Only 2 minutes later Hanifa finished off her perfect hat-trick, this time heading home from a Finney corner 0-9.

The final goal of the game came from Fred with, once again, Jess providing the assist 0-10. The last 20 minutes was played out with Poynton missing 2 one on one situations with the Lisbon keeper, and both Finney and Ria missing six easy chances between them to increase the Lisbon score line.

The team played extremely well today considering the amount of chances we made in the 2^nd half. Fred, Finney and Lucy played in three different positions today, and Jess playing in two different roles. It was also extremely nice to get our 1^st clean sheet of the season, and to watch our 1^st perfect hat-trick this season (well done Hanifa). It was very nice to Whitby come along and cheer on the team even though she wasn’t allowed to play because of her hamstring injury. The most enjoyable aspect of today’s game was the friendly atmosphere after the game between the Poynton and Lisbon players and supporters, well done to both teams

Hanifa girl of match
My girl of the match Jess
Hanifa captain

Final score Poynton 0 Lisbon St Anthony’s 10.