Due to a frozen pitch the previous week this was only the second game of the new year. Going into the game we had expected to have 10 players, however due to injury & illness we started the game with 9 and finished it with 8. The girls adapted brilliantly to playing in different positions throughout the game and from the off had understood that it was going to be difficult playing with 9 as well as playing the team who sit top of the league. 

The first 15 mins were dominated by Warwick who kept the ball well and created a number of chances and converted 3 of these chances into goals. Leafield reacted well to going behind and started to put passes together and spread the ball well on what was a great pitch. Towards the end of the first half Leafield showed great resilience to stop Warwick from scoring any more goals. At the break Warwick were 3-0 up, however it could have easily been more if it was not for the determination of every single Leafield player defending and Leah (goalkeeper) with some superb decision making in coming to claim the ball. The break could not come soon enough for the girls who had a much deserved half time drink and a chance for them to catch their breath and reflect on how every one of them played their part in the first half and confidence was flowing. A special mention for Lois who had turned up ill, and tried her hardest to play a part for the sake of her team mates as she did not want to let them down, during the first half she was on and off the field, however started the second half only to go off around 5 mins into it as she was not able to continue, this meant Leafield had to play the remainder of the game with 8 players. Allthough 3 players short, during periods of the second half this was not clear to see as Leafield created chances and had a number of corners during the second half period. A goal came Leafields way midway through the second half after a good run from Eve from midfield whos miss hit shot found Esther unmarked at the back post for a tap in. 3 -1 and this gave Leafield a boost that maybe more goals could come. It was not to be and in the final minute Warwick scored a fourth, to make the final score 4 - 1.

 

A day when due to various circumstances Leafield played with players short, players playing out of positions and playing the team top of their league....a superb team effort and every single player showed commitment and character in what was a tough game. We will see Warwick in the semis whom we have drawn at home in the cup. 

 

Great job girls you should all be very proud of yourselves as both their manager, parents and referee commented to the girls on what a great job they had done and parents thank you as ever.