Conditions Played Against Watford’s Favour

Back in league action again on a rainy, windy and cold Saturday afternoon. Watford , already up against it with 9 players, seemed to settle into the game at a comfortable pace and at certain times you couldn’t even tell Watford were two players down. The weather was to play a huge part in the outcome of this tie - the ball had to be kept on the floor to maintain full control. 10 minutes into the game, following a corner, Kinja’s striker shimmied the ball round the Watford defence and belted a shot right into the far right corner, just past Abi’s left glove putting them 1-0 up. Watford grew more and more into the game with Aliyah and Eva’s surging runs from one end of the pitch to the other - they were just unable to take their chances. On the left wing Eva cut in and fired a shot down low to the left corner, the Kinja goalkeeper made a comfortable save to her right. Watford kept the pressure and continued to create opportunities, however again were just not clinical enough. On the counter attack Kinja’s striker once again turned the Watford’s defence too easily which enabled her to run through on goal and hit a great strike right into the bottom right corner. Nevertheless, just when Watford needed it most, on the stroke of half time Saf slotted the ball under the goalkeeper and into the back of the net following a cross from Eva. The momentum was building just as the half drew to a close.

Watford started the 2nd half as sharply as they had finished the first. Earning lots of corners, one finally bounced to feet of Maya who smashed the ball into roof of the net putting Watford level. The girls remained very dominant in the game, even hitting the post but just unable to take the lead. Pippa had an excellent game down the left and played some fantastic balls up to the top of the pitch which gave Simi and Eva chances which were difficult to take. Daisy again tracked her player remarkably, leaving a minimal sight of goal to her opponent. Everyone ran their boots into the ground and it was a hard fought last 20 mins. However, the game suddenly took a turn from a looping ball over the top, and Kinja’s midfield scored with a chip over Abi - a great finish. Edging into the last 15 minutes and with everything still to play for, Simi helped the ball flow from right to left and made some excellent recovery challenges, one even ended up with her on the floor. What could have been 3 or 4 goals to Kinja was well kept out by Abi who made some incredible 1 v 1 saves. It was an extremely difficult game, especially considering the weather conditions as well, but Watford fought right until the final whistle. The girls undeservedly lost 3-2, but with a fully fit squad would have really given Kinja a run for their money. Hats off to a solid display from debutant Florence who put in a great shift at right back, made 2 goal line clearences and looked very calm and composed on the ball.
Player of the match : Eva