Season opener ends in defeat

This weekend the girls welcomed league returners Stourbridge.
The game started evenly with both sides working each other out. The game was end to end with WCFC starting where they left off against Evesham, putting in challenges, charging the ball down and starting to look for space. Chances were few and far between, with both sides looking dangerous on the break.
Mia looked up for the game and was called into action making some smart saves to deny the opposition.
Eva was looking determined with her new boots by dominating the midfield battle. The back 4 looked solid, with Jacko in particular looking cool, calm and collected. Phoebe F was putting in a fantastic display not only offensively, but also showing her defensive ability.
Stourbridge grew into the game and using their strength to their advantage. Both sides were playing some nice football and went into the break goalless.
Stourbridge started the second half lively and caused issues for WCFC. The away side took the lead after their encouraging start with a nice finish. The girls began to look tired and had to make a few enforced substitutions with some players playing out of position.
Soon after, Stourbridge won a penalty after Mia was adjudged to have fouled her opponent in the box. The resulting penalty was missed which gave some encouragement to the girls.
With tiredness and fatigue setting in, Stourbridge scored a screamer which Mia could do nothing about. This didn't dampen the girls spirit as they continued to battle, with their in game management impressing both coaches and parents alike.
Millie was displaying why she won Management Player of the Season with her surging runs as well as her ability to keep the opposition wingers quiet.
The game finished 2-0, but there were many positives to take from the game.
The girls won't play many better sides than today, so was a good way to start the season. The move from 9 to 11 side is certainly setting each player new challenges, something we can all learn from.
Good luck to Stourbridge for the remainder of the season.

Player of the match: Millie - for her whole game performance and marshalling of the defence.