Marlow U14 girls blown away winners

With a few key players missing for this match and therefore some players having to play out of position, the girls started somewhat nervously. Maybe it was the weather that made them nervous wondering if they would all get blown away as the winds were nearing gale force!! After 10 minutes played Sophie Bowen-Evans was subbed on in defence and made a few decisive tackles to frustrate the Hawks forwards. Marlow had their chances in the first half but the Hawks keeper was not to be beaten. With constant subbing of forwards Alice, Sarah, Claudia, Izzy and Maddy to keep the pressure on the Hawks defence, the Marlow side seemed determined to find a way through. The first half finished 0-0 with all to play for. The second half started, and the winds did not let up, with some awesome runs down the right from midfielder Luisa and Ellie (who was playing for the first time as CM) controlling the center and making some very intelligent change of channel decisions. The girls were certainly showing their strength and confidence with both deep defenders Helen and Colette having opportunities to step up, win the ball and join the attack. The deadlock was finally broken and Marlow scored, top goal scorer Sarah doing the honours! Sadly, coach Jo missed this goal as all her papers had been caught by the wind and were pinned to the fence behind the dug out!! This was mid way into the second half and Hawks were certainly not going to sit back and let Marlow have the points. Molly was as reliable and effective as ever as right defence, no-one was getting down her wing today. The left hand side of Sophie, Lana and Sarah piled pressure on the Hawks defence but the keeper cleared well. The Marlow keeper, Adele, also had a lot of action and was pleased with her clean sheet - she was also very pleased that the wind did not catch under her foam pads and take her away.....The game finished 1-0 to Marlow and we were pleased to return to the calm weather of the town of Marlow with all 13 players, 2 coaches and about 15 supporters.