22.10.11 Burscough Vs GGFC
Team: JW, ND, MS, JC, MD, JR, HC, RG
GGFC had a team of 8 and Burscough very kindly agreed to field the same number of players, thanks to them.
The match kicked off in bright sunshine and despite the amount of rain we have had the pitch seemed in good condition. GGFC started the game with fire in their bellies but so did Burscough who soon took their chance with an early shot which came to nothing. RG put in some good tackles and HC managed a shot on target which the keeper saved. Both sides played with determination and MS showed that she was not going to be pushed off the ball no matter what size her opponent was. The game was hard fought in midfield but when Burscough got possession they managed to push the ball forward and GGFC defensive players had to make some good clearances, especially JC and MS. Burscough kept up their attacking play and a super strike was met with an equally super save from JW who parried the shot away only to see the ball put in the back of the net on the rebound 1-0. A little winded JW had a minute to catch her breathe and was quickly needed again making another save. Burscough carried on attacking and ND showed tight marking making it more difficult for them to get a good cross into the GGFC box, but they took there chances and the score went to 2-0. Despite the constant pressure GGFC battled away with MD and RG trying hard to get the ball into the Burscough goal mouth, but with a good counter attack Burscough took a shot which went high over the bar. As GGFC legs tired towards the end of the first half Burscough piled on the pressure with another shot going wide and then winning a corner; this was initially cleared and JC showed skill turning on the ball to lose her marker but Burscough were quick with another shot on target 3-0. Seconds before the half time whistle JR was in the middle of a scramble in the GGFC goal mouth and helped her goalie to make the save.
With no substitutes, GGFC had to dig deep to find strength in this physical game and they certainly did so. The game was fought well in midfield with MD making some good tackles but Burscough still managed to break through for another shot which went wide. ND made a good clearance, RG was totally committed with her tackles and JR tried hard on the wing but it felt like one of those games where every loose ball fell into Burscough's path and they took an easy shot at goal to make it 4-0. Keeping their heads up GGFC put Burscough under pressure with MD running down the wing only to see the ball kicked out for a throw in. Again Burscough were quick to win the ball back and attacked GGFC's goal, JW pushed the shot away from goal and ND cleared. In midfield RG pushed the ball toward's Burscough's goal with an overhead kick and HC ran with the ball trying to cross it into the box but their goalie grabbed it ending that attack. Burscough got another shot at goal which went wide and a tired GGFC tried hard to pick up the lose ball. From a good clearance (sorry missed who that was) HC got a break and ran towards goal but Burscough's defensive players were too strong and managed to win the ball back.
As in all the games I have seen this season, GGFC gave it 100% and I am sure that the goals will come eventually. The girls are communicating on the pitch, the spectators are respectful and coach Ian is thoroughly entertaining with his support and encouragement to the girls !
Final score 4 - 0
Player of the match - MD
15.10.11 GGFC Vs Town Green
Team: JW, JC, JE, ND, MS, JR, HC
GGFC had a team of 7 and Town Green very kindly agreed to field the same number of players, thanks to them.
Thankfully a sunny morning, but a cut up pitch; could of been worse if it hadn't of stayed dry, still GGFC were ready for the game. It started off well for GGFC with good kicking from JW and an early corner which was taken very well by JC but Town Green managed to clear. JR showed her skill on the wing and JC took another good corner but again, Town Green cleared. At the other end of the pitch JW made a great save and then Town Green took another shot which went into the side netting, but with this good spell of pressure it was inevitable that Town green took the lead 1-0. GGFC seemed a little shocked and Town Green seized upon this, winning 2 corners on the run, MS cleared the second but unfortunately a shot on goal hit the target making it 2-0. GGFC couldn't seem to get a hold of the game and Town Green had shot after shot. A break came for GGFC when JE cleared the ball half way up the pitch and Town Green gave away a throw in, HC battled well to get the ball into the box but no one was there to convert. The game was exciting with end to end play and a great long range shot from Town Green was pushed wide by JW. Just before half time GGFC won a corner but this ended up with a counter attack by Town Green who put the ball over the bar.
The second half again was end to end stuff, with a good strike from JR which was saved and HC 1 on 1 with the goalie who just managed to get to the ball first. Both teams were giving it their all, JC clearing well, then Town Green scuffed a shot wide. GGFC needed to compose themselves and had time on the ball which they didn't use although JE did use her skill to bring the ball out of defence which lead onto ND having a shot on goal. This didn't put Town Green off and they were not afraid when they got the ball to have a shot at goal, even from long range. MS stuck tight to players and cleared well and JW made some more good saves but Town Green were relentless and made it 3-0. In the last quarter of the game HC won a free kick and JC took this, striking the ball well into the Town Green box, only to see it headed back out by the defence.
GGFC are learning from each game and gaining experience every time they play. Bring on the next match !
Final score 3 - 0
Player of the Match JE
24.9.11 Aspull Vs GGFC
Team: JW, MS, JC, CB, LG, MD, HC, ND
Once again GGFC had only 8 players and sportingly, Aspull agreed to field the same number.
In the Saturday morning drizzle the match kicked off to a good start with action on both wings from MD, HC and LG, winning 50/50 balls and good defensive clearances from CB and JC. Aspull put GGFC under pressure and a long range shot went wide. More pressure from Apull, GGFC didn't manage to clear the ball away and another good shot paid off, GGFC found themselves a goal down. There was a lot of action in central midfield with MD battling to win the ball and GGFC picked up their game much to the excitement of the spectators; with good linking passes between players the action was in the Aspull goal mouth and a ball ricocheted to HC whose shot went just wide of the net.
The teams played hard and both sides battled for every ball providing a good game of football. Unfortunately CB picked up an ankle injury, but with a minute out of the game and a little treatment she was soon back in the thick of it. A very familiar player on the Aspull team had a great long range shot which rattled the post and went wide. MS showed tight marking once again and JW worked hard in the GGFC goalmouth making good saves and picking up lose balls. There was more good linking play between MD and HC in midfield and ND fought hard to get GGFC forward.
Another long range shot from Aspull paid off and then from a corner they scored an easy goal which GGFC should have dealt with.
GGFC took a deep breath and during the second half they picked up the pace winning a corner (taken by JC) which Aspull managed to clear, giving themselves a breather. At times the match was end to end stuff with HC threading through some probing balls into the Aspull box and then GGFC scrambling to clear the ball away from their own net.
This was a hard fought, physical match in which GGFC showed good passing and movement and good fitness levels. GGFC look like they are beginning to believe in themselves and should take this positive team spirit into their next game.
Once again many thanks to the Aspull coach for making this a fair game.
Final score 4-0
Player of the Match - HC
17.9.11 GG vs Burnley LSV
Team: JW, JC, MD, HC, ND, CB, MS, JR
GGFC were always going to be under pressure in this match as it was the first time they had played on the bigger pitch and they only had 8 players instead of the 9 required for a team. During the first half the girls coped well with lots of pressure from Burnley, JW making some good saves, MS battling hard in defence and torrential rain adding to the drama. Despite a scoreline of 3-0 to Burnley at half time, GGFC had given 100% effort.
During the second half Burnley used their rolling subs to take advantage of GG's tired legs, MD (striker) and HC (Midfield) swopped positions and in the latter half of the game there were flashes of excitement in the Burnley goal mouth, but unfortunately no goals for Golborne.
Burnley took command and more goals came for them, but GG's heads did not drop and they showed terrific character. The final score did not reflect the hard work put in by all of the Golborne girls and I am sure that the spectators would agree, that with a full squad, including subs, the scoreline may have been a different story.
Player of the Match - ND