Anstey Nomads Swifts 1 v GTFC Hinckley Guardians 1

Only the 9 Guardians for the match, but all 9 were outstanding and on another day we would have seen a comfortable win. The Girls do not get the rub of the green, and arguably the last 3 games should have yielded at least 7 points but they have been very unfortunate and just haven't had the breaks.

The first half was a cagey affair. Evie brought a good save out of the Anstey keeper early on and the Girls looked quite content holding the Anstey midfield at bay. A lot of play in the middle but the more integrated play was coming from the Guardians with some neat passes and link up play. Sydney, Libby P, Evie and Holly were getting into good positions. The back 3 of Maisie, Mollie and Ray were showing good protection in font of Olivia.
Olivia got a stud to the arm when coming out to smoother the Anstey Winger (no intention from the Anstey player I would like to mention just a coming together), she was in some pain, and may have affected her on the Anstey goal which was 5 minutes after the incident. Olivia was still feeling the after effects of the challenge and her arm and was reluctant to dive for the goal which bypassed her hand and went in rather softly. Although the Girls had played OK in the first half, they once again found themselves a goal down.

Second half the formation was changed and Olivia got her arm sorted with some magic spray and a plaster (and she had a great second half, not putting a foot wrong). Erin came in to the middle to strengthen the middle with Holly, and Evie was pushed further on, Sydney going out on the right and Libby P on the left with Maise dropping back into right defence supporting Ray and Mollie. From minute one of the second half the Girls got control of the midfield and Sydney was finding lots of space down the right and fed Evie on a number of occasions. Around 5 minutes into the second half saw a well worked and deserved equaliser, Holly hitting a unstoppable shot in to the top right hand corner of the Keepers net, it was one of those you follow when it leaves the players foot and say "that's in", great finish and the Girls were looking on top. Some great runs from Mollie down the left put Anstey on the back foot and Erin and Holly were getting on top, could the Girls get the winner? Well one move with about 10 minutes left saw some brilliant exchange play and Sydney beating her player on the right squaring to Evie who just had to tuck it in but someone the ball went wide of the post!
A long second half but the defence brilliantly protected Olivia who caught everything and had really good distribution. The referee picked the Girls up on every throw it seemed, which didn't help on turnover of the ball. All in all a really good game and one day the luck will turn and 3 points will come their way and not just a point.
All 9 were outstanding, well done Girls. Player of the match was awarded to Ray who marshalled the back 3 so well, one every tackle and read the game brilliantly.