Firstly, thanks to our four stand-in goalies Tilly, Jess, Henny and Sophie who all acquitted themselves really well - they all played without fear (although they admitted to being a bit stressed), making good saves and clearing well. I think we may have uncovered some new goal-keeping talent! Who fancies playing in goal at training tonight? :-)
Otherwise, this was the best the u18s have played for a few games now. It's not a surprise that form had dipped given the stop-start nature of this season, and playing a couple of games in quick succession helped, but the return of some of our strongest attack players also made a notable difference. Well done to all of you who played with pace and precision.
The girls started a bit messily (becoming a worrying habit!) giving possession away cheaply and the university took the lead with the first goal. After that Timperley really got into its stride and won the first quarter 6-1 with some excellent play - this was absolutely not one-way traffic but the defence of Charlotte, Mia, Natalya and Sophie were just excellent when it came to Man Uni's attacks.
The second quarter was tight and finished 3-3 with Jess having to face free position after free position. So 9-4 at half time, but that was the last time the university was going to score, with Timperley adding 6 goals in a slightly fore-shortened second-half.
Goals / assists:
Ana 4/1
Sophie 4/2
Henny 1/4
Chloe 1/4
Alice 3/1
Jazzy 2/0
Mia 0/1
Jess 0/1