W1 vs Chiswick W1
20th September
Following a successful preseason filled with new players to the club, familiar faces, and the same rain-cursed Wednesday, the Women’s 1s were back at Alleyn’s ready for the first game of the season vs Chiswick W1s.
As the fans on the balcony arrived, the briefing room was filled with nervous excitement, as Chiswick are not a team to be underestimated. However, they would help us practice our formation and build connections as a team.
We’re off to a great start, looking strong across the pitch and moving the ball quickly between our lines. At the 10-minute mark, after a solid interception from Grace Lovegrove at the top of the D, Charlotte Robertson finds herself on the ball and slots home the first goal of the season. 2 minutes later, Robertson finds herself on the scoresheet again, craftily finding the net thanks to a ball taken quickly from Lea Pritchard.
12 mins in, 0-2 THD
As we move through the second quarter of the game, Anouk Moorwood’s close stick skills secure another PC for THD. Again, Lea Pitchard moves this quickly, and the PC is converted on her debut for THD by the one and only Pippa Garbutt, who is definitely hungry for goals this season! Just 2 minutes later, Pippa finds herself on the right post of PC and flicks home another goal after a second-phase save from the Chiswick goalie.
35 mins in 0-4 THD
Throughout the game, we had some fantastic saves from our keeper Ethan, who showed great composure and confidence in goal, notably making a very casual save off the crossbar! As we reached the 60-minute mark, Harriet Moore fed through a brilliant long ball from the defence to Pippa, who found Charlotte R to convert a goal, which was sadly disallowed, denying her hat-trick!
After a well-worked short corner, Chiswick scored with 7 minutes to go!
45 mins in 1-4 THD
With 5 minutes until the final whistle and a growing number of PCA secured but not converted by THD, debutant Issie Martin wins a short corner for the team and the skipper Emily McGrath steps up and slots home a strong fifth and final goal of the match!
It was a great opening game of the season for the W1s, particularly in the first half, which contained fast play and great connections across lines as requested by coach George and Gregor. We’ll take this win into two difficult back-to-back fixtures against Wayfarers and Southgate.
Full-time result: 5-1 win
Goalscorers: Charlotte R (2), Pippa (2), Emily.
Mom: Pippa for finding the net twice on her debut for THD. Special mention also goes to Charlotte R, who was close to an opening season hat-trick!
Dod: Goes to the skipper, Cash, who managed to get herself booked on the first game back.