After having to reverse the fixture, with our pitch under nearly 2m of water, Wetherby Athletic Ladies travelled to Wakefield to take on their first fixture of 2016.
The conditions were less than perfect - a lovely pitch provided, but this was ruined by the non-stop torrential and freezing cold rain for the whole 90 minutes.
Wetherby came to this fixture with something to prove, after a few good results before Christmas but a need to show that they could play consistently good football.
They started brightly, and showed that they could still play good football in the pouring rain. Touches were good, and the pace was high, but Wetherby just lacked a little confidence on the ball, playing too early and not giving themselves a chance to get up to support play.
The break came after 19 minutes, when a corner from Grace Adams was cleared back to her, and a whipped ball in was deflected by a Wakefield defender into their own goal. 1-0 to Wetherby.
WALFC went close just 3 minutes later, when a ball from the right from Helen Murphy-Hartley found Lucy Crann unmarked at the edge of the box, but her finish just went over the bar.
Wetherby increased their lead on the 32nd minute, after Wakefield gave away a penalty with a handball in the area. Adams stepped up and cooly slotted it home. 2-0.
Wakefield went close just a few minutes after, when their No.11 broke down the left hand side and it took a great save from Kelly Jackson at her near post to keep it out.
Just before half-time, Megan Maxted was substituted after a great run, following a knee injury, but it took only a few minutes for her replacement Polly Fildes to meet a fantastic cross from Becky Furey and finish spectacularly - her first goal for Wetherby on her 1st team debut.
The second half came, and everyone was feeling the cold. It was vital that Wetherby came out strong, as Wakefield were determined to come back. Wakefield took a few chances here and there, but the Wetherby defence worked tirelessly to keep them at bay, with Kelly Jackson producing at least 3 or 4 world-class saves. Wetherby continued to push however, and had a few additional chances.
Subs Sarah Holmes and Gabby Harrison came on on the left for Wetherby, and added some fresh legs to the Wetherby team. This proved valuable with 10 minutes to go, as Sarah Holmes hit a long range effort, which rebounded from the Wakefield post, to be hit home by Grace Adams. Four goals for Wetherby. Jackson managed to maintain her clean sheet with an additional fantastic save from 15 yards out in the dying minutes.
Final score: Wakefield 0 - Wetherby Athletic LFC 4
Goal scorers: Grace Adams (3), Polly Fildes (1)
Player of the match was a close call this week, with Kelly Jackson winning by one vote, for her exceptional goalkeeping and clean sheet. Grace Adams came a close second, for a tireless game in the centre of the park, and a couple of goals to add to her tally.
The game was a great testament to the determination of the team, and the attitude of the players. Under difficult circumstances, Wetherby were professional and played a great game of football. Well done everyone!
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