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ALVECHURCH LIONS U16'S
"COMMITMENT TO THE TEAM"
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS IN-BETWEEN YOU ARE EITHER "IN" OR "OUT"
Paul Hinde(manager) 07740354518
Dave Plowman(coach)07988864550
Our new sponsor is Ace engineering from Alcester, www.acegroup.co.uk
Sorry Kirsty and Kasey and Taz felt the need to leave us but their you go we will carry on . as we are now down to just Twelve players it is vital that you do your best to play the matches ,also please ask around for any one you know who wants to come and join us .
Welcome Back Jax Reacord and Zoe Smith we missed you.
League for the new season ;
1 Alcester Town
2 Alvechurch Lions
3 Balsall & Berks.
4 Bilbrook Girls
5 Dudley United
6 Bolmere Falcons
7 Holy Souls Foxes
8 Kingshurst Sporting.
9 Perrywoods
10 Rubery Ladies
11 Banbury United
12 Tamworth Ladies
squad numbers and names season 2008-09.
Fran=4 FRAN
Butler=6 BUTLA
Jen=7 JEN
Charlotte=1 CHARLI
Roz=11 ROZ
Zoe H=8 ZOE H
Helen=3 HELEN
Ellie=2 ELLIE
Rosie=15 ROSIE
Meagan=16 MEAGAN
Jax
Zoe S
Fixtures till APRIL:- *(subject to change)
DATE TEAM KICK OFF
SEPT
6th Kingshurst away 10.30 tbc
13th Perrywoods home 11.30
20th Rubery away 10.30 tbc
27th NO MATCH -- -----
OCT
Thank you all for all your hard work training will carry on through summer Wednesdays 6-7.30 at Alvechurch school .
The results for training and matches below are taken from when season starts and season finishes also from when the player is registered officially with the league/club.
Congratulations :- Zoe Humphreys Spectators player
Charlotte Evans Managers Player
Rosie Florance Players Player
Ellie Bamford Coaches Player
Taz Davis Top Goal Scorer
Roz Carney,Charlotte Evans, Jenny Hinde,Zoe Humphreys 100 % Matches 27 out of 27.
Well Done to everyone though you all played your part in what was our best season Ever.
Training attendance
player percentage. number of sessions / out of max total.
Kasey 93% 14/15
Helen 91% 30/33
Jenny 91% 30/33
Charlotte 88% 29/33
Zoe 88% 29/33
Butler 85% 28/33
Kirsty 82% 27/33
Rosie 81% 17/21
Ellie 76% 25/33
Roz 73% 24/33
Fran 64% 21/33
Meagan 47% 9/19
Taz 42% 14/33
Match Attendance
Player. Percentage. games played / max possible
Charlotte 100% 27/27
Jenny 100% 27/27
Roz 100% 27/27
Zoe 100% 27/27
Fran 96% 26/27
Kasey 94% 16/17
Butler 89% 24/27
Ellie 89% 24/27
Meagan 88% 15/17
Helen 85% 23/27
Kirsty 85% 23/27
Rosie 85% 17/20
Taz 67% 18/27
More season results to follow so keep checking over next few weeks .
Match Reports
sept 8th 2007
Warndon 2 Alvechurch 0 
real fast end to end game with both teams not looking like it was first game back. Very early on after a brilliant header by Zoe Humphries on to Taz Davis who put the ball in to the net only to find a very close offside flag went up. just before the break Charlotte Evans made sure her team went in level after a very quick brave one on one with the striker and came out on top. Half time 0-0, the second half again very fast with plenty of good passing moves and both teams going close. With less than ten minutes left it was looking like Alvechurch would earn a very good point then disaster Kirsy Battle took a very nasty injury to her ankle and had to come off ,while Alvechurch tried to settle into the game again the home side struck twice in a few minutes to grab the game at the death.
15TH SEPT 2007
Alvechurch 0 Warriors 1
a very exiting game which saw both side play some exiting attacking football with end to end attacks.playing up hill first half Alvechurch hoped to use the slope as an advantage in the second half .unfortunatly one laps of concentration while temporary down to 10 players through injury allowed the visitors take an undeserved lead half way through the first half. Apart from the goal nothing could separate the two sides up to the break, with Jax ,kirsty and ellie standing out in defence.The second half saw Alvechurch play alot better and had more of the play but just could not find the break through even in the last ten minutes they had a number of corners and constant chances with Roz and Jen linking up well on a number of occasions on the left but just could not find the equaliser they really deserved.
22nd Sept 2007
Wyrley 11 Alvechurch 0 
Alvechurch faced a long trip to one of the top teams in the league who had already won their first 2 matches 12 and 13 nil. Straight away the Lions went all out to upset the home side and looked really good but all the time the home side had the quality and skill that you don't come up against every week.after 10 minutes the lions had an unlucky penalty awarded against them ,luckily Charlotte Evans guessed the ball would come straight down the middle and saved it .but just a minute later Wyrley took the lead with a fantastic goal.not long after the lions keeper again was a hero as she stopped a definate goal with a one on one and cleared the ball .as hard as they could to stop the onslaught with the occasional attack the lions were 5 down at the break with jade ellie kirsty and helen being pulled all over the place but slill looking good. the second half saw the lions use a sweeper system which held back the home side for a long period and gave lions a few attacks with roz and taz coming close .unfortunatly the new system took its toll and with constant presure from wyrley the flood gates opened and in the last quarter of the match six more goals were let in . one thing the visitors never gave up and were told they were the best team wyrley had played yet.Although the score line does not show this ,this was the best match performance wise so far with every player playing very well .
6th october 2007
Alcester 2000 2,Alvechurch 1 (Carney)
Alvechurch played what turned out to be thier worst performance for a very long time and should have been able to see Alcester off with no problem,but the team just never got going and passing, movement and energy did not exist. The game started with Alcester nearly scoring two early goals but were denied by the post with one.Then against the run of play Alvechurch were awarded a penalty which unfortunatly was saved by the home side.through out the first half Alcester continued to get close but with a mixture of bad luck and some brilliant goal keeping by Charlotte Evans. one goal seperated the teams after some sloppy defending allowed alcester to take the lead early in the first half.after a real telling off the team started the 2nd half attempting to turn things round ,but things got even worse before they knew it it was 2 nil and Alcestercould have had a number of others but again charlotte and bad luck prevented any more going in .alvechurch did have a few good moves with roz and jenny linking up well on a few occasions only for the ball to go wide each time. then with ten minutes to go alvechurch suddenly found perhaps some of the best football this season and spent the final ten minutes in and around the homeside penalty area.with a number of corners in succession finally paying off when a Jenny Hinde corner was superbly finished by Roz Carney for her and the Lions first goal of the season. Alvechurch almost did level when zoe smith hit a hard shot that went just over and Zoe Humpries also just failed to score . In the end it was a matter of to little to late and 3 points definatly lost.
3rd November 2007
Alvechurch 2 (Battle (pen),Butler) Wyrley Juniors 8. 
For the second time in 3 games Alvechurch came up against perhaps the best team in the league and what made it worse they had not played for four weeks so it was very worrying especially as we only now have 11 players,but surprise surprise Alvechurch attacked from the start and in the early stages looked the better side and controlled the game. As with all top sides though Wyrley started playing some good football and they had some good individuals who forced Alvechurch into mistakes that cost dear and were 3 up by 24 minutes ,after the first goal though Roz went very close from the right and Charlotte Evans had two one on ones which both times made the striker come out second best.straight after the 3rd goal Roz was hacked down on a run in the box and kirsty Batttle gave the home side something they really deserved by putting away her penalty .Again the visitors put on the pressure and added two more goals before half time(1-5).Down hill the second Half it was much more even game and Alvechurch had some very good moves with Zoe Humphries really working the midfield.and Taz Davis,Butler and Zoe Smith doing some good runs .Although Wyrley added two goals early in the half it was quiet even, then from know where Charlotte Butler took it on her self to go on a run on the right take on who ever came her way and released a superb volley which left the keeper stranded to give Alvechurch a second goal . The visitors added a last minute goal which was rather lucky. Although the scoreline does not show it Alvechurch played really well and deserved a lot better WELL DONE EVERYONE.
10th November
Boldmere 4 Alvechurch 0
With three players not feeling well and only just about making the game Alvechurch did very well .The first half was a fair display although most of it was spend in the Alvechurch half and the defence was holding up well with Helen Roberton and Ellie Bamford putting in some very good performances .Just as things were looking good The visitors got in a bit of a muddle through the centre and Alvechurch found they were a goal down .As usual in football before they had even had chance to sort them selves out Boldmere hit them again just a minute later .The rest of the half Alvechurch had a few more attacks with Roz Carney making some good runs.half time 0-2.The second Half was a very Even game with Alvechurch getting close on a number of occasions with Taz Davis and Jenny Hinde linking up well . Alvechurch even had a number of corners that they failed to score with.What goals came were from the home side .the first after 10 mins of the half and then a free kick 10 mins later that was an excellent goal that not even the keeper could have saved.Again Charlotte Evans had a super show in goal. 0-4 .
17th November.
Alvechurch 0 Ferndale 7.
Playing Perhaps the eventual league winners Alvechurch used the sweeper system to Keep the score down this giving the extra line at the back allowing the defence to be able to be further up the field. Although Ferndale looked good and moved the ball about very well lt was the sheer wanting to do well that kept The Lions in the game.All was looking well and not much in it when after a brilliant save By Charlotte Evans the ball rolled to her left and just as she was about to grab it the Ferndale Stricker came flying in and just touched the ball in but left Charlotte in agony as her finger was bent back.Alvechurch were lucky at times as the visitors had some super attacks but Roz Carney, Ellie Bamford , Helen Roberton and (Fran Maglio doing some vital inteceptions) looking solid at the back.It looked Like it was only going to be one goal in it at the break as Kirsty Battles rocket of a shot just went wide,but as the home side were looking at the clock the visitors doubled thier lead from a free kick that was lucky to even been awarded.Half Time 0-2. the Second half was a copy of the first except for the last ten minutes.Ferndale having most of the attacks with the lions holding out and Alvechurch having a fair number of attacks themselves with Taz Davis having to try and find away through on her own on a number of occasions.the goals came in the 16th and 19th minutes of the half and were down to clinical finishing by Ferndale. Through out the game Charlotte Butler made run after run on the right and took on plenty of the Ferndale players beating them regularly .THEN THE last ten minutes, firstly Poor Kirsty Battle went in for a heavy tackle to save her side and ended up with the opposing player being carried off after a lengthy delay, Kirsty herself battered was able to carry on.This cerntainly concerned the lions as they are a caring bunch and this must be why they allowed the Ferndale number 9 the get a hatrick in the 35,36 and 37th minute, well either that or she will be in the England side next week !!
24th November
LEAMINGTON 2 ALVECHURCH 1 (TAZ)
YES a smiley face for this match because Alvechurch deserved it.Leamington are a very good side and have been picking up super results so far.The visitors again used their new sweeper system and a formation of 1,4,1,3,1 which Ellie Bamford immediately had her say she does not like playing in this roll but unfortunately for her she is a natural and everything that did get through she was thier to sort it out.The first half was end to end and you could not choose between the sides Although The home side had a few more chances but the defence stood solid and delt with everything with Fran Maglio having her best game of the season and pumping some terrific long balls from defence to change defence into attack in seconds what vision. Taz Davis was on fire and she was determined to score and on a solo run early on she almost did but it went just wide.but then in the 18th minute she kept her promise a super run from the right kept her cool and hit the back of the net .minutes after Charlotte Evans kept the scoreline safe with a brave dive at the Leamington strikers feet.Zoe Smith was having the game of her life and winning plenty in midfield.Rosie Florance the new signing for Alvechurch came on ten mins before the break and instantly made an impact with her speed winning plenty and putting in some super runs. The half time whisle went with Alvechurch wanting to just carry on H.T. 0-1 . The second half was as end to end still the home side having slightly more attacks but Alvechurch always looking like they could score ,with Jenny Hinde And Fran both sending Taz through. Roz Carney was a constant thorn in the side for Leamington as she beat them every time down the left with super crosses into the box. One bit of confussion at the back in the 5th minute and the scores were Level so unlucky . Leamington did hit the post at one point but Alvechurch with Kirsty Battle and Ellie and Helen Roberton clearing everything and Zoe Humphries playing a super anker roll infront of the defence.Then the home side made a substitution with 5 mins to go and with her fresh legs instantly fooled Alvechurch at the back and slide the ball home to put them into the lead . It was all Alvechurch for the rest of the game with the visitors having a number of corners and attacks but could not find the equaliser .Their was no way Alvechurch should have lost this match with every single player playing fantastic blocking everything and passing well. Final score 2-1.
In a later Phone call made between the managers the Leamington manager said they were not expecting such a tough game as that and were shocked how good Alvechurch were. On this performance its only a matter of time before some team gets on the wrong side of Alvechurch and get beat.
1st December 2007
Solihull A 7 Alvechurch 0.
No pressure at all on Alvechurch as this was a cup match , may be thats why then they played awfull and every one was off form.Although they started straight away and Roz Carney put the ball in the back of the net after five minutes it was ruled offside and then the visitors just got it in their heads it was not their day and gave up.after two early mistakes by the lions they were 2 down after 25 minutes. If that was not bad enough Alvechurch had to play the last ten minutes of the half with only ten players as Helen Roberton took a ball full in the face and had to sit out with a massive bleed to her nose, with the extra player Solihull made it 3 on the stroke of half time. H.T. 0-3. the second half was no better with Ellie Bamford and Roz Carney doing the only running at their respective ends of the pitch.early on Charlotte Evans made a crucual save ,and the lions just failed to get on the end of two corners taken by Jenny Hinde and Kirsty Battle respectively.but in the space of 5 minutes between 5 and 10 of the second half it went from 3 to 6 nil and it was then a matter of seeing out the last 25 minutes without conceeding any more.this was almost achieved except for a last minute goal for the home side. during the second half Charlotte Butler was unlucky with a final shot after a good run,Also Rosie Florance had a super shot after a long run as well.and half way through the half ,twice in as many minutes Charlotte Evans and Ellie Bamford between them save then clearance both times stopped two definate goals .Full time 0-7.
22nd december 2007.
Solihull "A" 8 Alvechurch Lions 0.
This was a game where right from the start the Lions were up against it ,with a couple of genuine cases and a number of players who let the team down with feeble excuses or not bothered attitude ,Alvechurch only had 8 players and had to call on Jax Reacord who has left but still eligable to play to come and help .In my time of 7 years in girls football I have never witnessed what I did in this game .the attitude and commitment from these players goes far above what most others could do .they started and finnished as a team no arguing just got on with it and all helped each other out.Every single player played their best ever and was only one goal worse than a full squad did in the last match againt the same opponents.If and when we do get more players then these that played have nothing to worry about ,attitude and commitment more than outways talent, mind you these players have it all after this performance this was better than winning 10 nil.
The game started and The lions were one down in 45 seconds after finding it strange with all the space and extra players against them.it was 2 nil after 4 mins .Although most of the play was in The lions half they did not let their opponents to close to goal chasing every ball blocking every shot that they could. next came a Zoe Humpries free kick which was very unlucky. then Roz Carney,Jenny Hinde and Zoe Smith went on an attack with it ending just wide.On 9 minutes it was 3 nil as solihull strikers had the pace.Next came a terrific save From Charlotte Evans. Then a strange situation the ref stopped the game saying he had got a decision wrong and started with a drop ball just outside the Lions penalty area after alot of scrambling around keeping the ball away the ball rolled across the goal and heading in but from knowwhere Jax Reacord came and cleared off the line.Again Charlotte Evans made a very Brave one on one after a solihull Break. 10 mins before half time Solihull again increased their lead.Just after this another Alvechurch attack ended with Roz hitting the post.Charlotte Butla was stopping all sorts and sending the ball up field. Zoe humphreys was black and blue with the ball constanly hitting her .Fran Maglio was everywhere at the vital stages to clear up .Then Roz turned beat her player and went , the chances were she would have scored with no players in front of her but twisted her ankle in the mud and had to site out rest of the half..Half Time 0-5. Just after the restart Solihull went six up again as with the other goals this was not a mistake it purly down to not enough players and the home side doing their job.At this point Alvechurch had their only long period of sustained pressure on Solihull in which Rosie Florance , Roz ,Jenny and Zoe Smith all working as a super foursome. Next Rosie went on a run with her legs just giving up at the end. In the 19th minute The lions went 7 down.Jax Reacord was stopping all sorts and kept starting off attacks with getting in on all the loose balls.there were three more memorable moments Charlotte another brave save then an inswinging corner from Jenny accross the Solihull goal with nearly everyone up but just could not turn it in. Then again charlotte another save to send the ball round and out.with just two minutes left and every one in the lions team nearly on thir knees solihull hit a long shot that found the back of the net final score 0-8. Take nothing away from Solihull they were very professional in this game look a very good side and did what they had to do to win the game, but I know from what they all said that ALVECHURCH LIONS made them work all the way for it and they have full respect for the Lions.
Charlotte Evans-save after save ,some very brave ones and super goal kicks.Fran Maglio-tracked every player coming in and forced them or the ball out.Charlotte Butla-chased and chased loads of clerances and brilliant throwings.Jenny Hinde solid in midfield and was involved in nearly all the attacks with good through balls.Zoe Humphries-put her body in front of some real hard shots and forced the opponents out time after time.Roz Carney-so quick used her head to think about every thing she did and would have scored at least twice had she got more players on the pitch to use to help.Jax Reacord-any loose ball was cleared up field won some crucial balls and clearance of the line.Zoe Smith-involved and started a number of attacks on the right and never gave up. Rosie Florance-vital defending at times and involved in most attacks and some super runs and again would have probably scored had she had players to feed off. THIS WAS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON,THE YEAR EVEN THE HISTORY OF THIS TEAM !!!
26th January 2008
ALVECHURCH , 3 (KASEY 2 TAZ) ALCESTER , 2.
At last a home match after 3 consecutive away games and the first ball to be kicked for just over a month. What a way to start the year with the first 3 points of the season and how deserved they were too. Playing a useful Alcester side who were 4 points ahead of the Lions at start of play it was always going to be a good match and how it proved to be :- The game started and immediatley Alcester came at the Lions with a very early attack and with just two minutes gone Alvechurch found themselves a goal down .End to end football then followed with Alcester again coming close but Ellie Bamford clearing at the back. Alvechurch then put a number of useful attacks in place with the new partnership of Kasey Corbett and Taz Davis showing the first signs of things to come. Then after some excellent solo work Kasey latched on to a through ball rounded the defence and scored her first goal for the club.Jenny Hinde was controlling the midfield and twice sent Taz through who was unlucky both times, then sent over a super free kick which the Alcester defence managed to clear. Zoe Smith was getting in some good runs on the right and with Rosie Florance on the left The Lions were looking the better of the two teams. Half Time 1-1. Alvechurch shuffled the pack for the second half knowing the two subs would give the visitors something different to think about . With Roz Carney ,Taz and Kasey causing plenty of problems up front it looked like it was only a matter of time but Alcester had other ideas and after ten minutes of the restart they took the lead again leaving an up hill task for lions again .A cheeky back flick from Fran Maglio sent the Lions on another blistering attack .The Lions were now looking good and Kasey with some super skills forced her way through to put the home side back on level terms with her second , the game could have now gone either way but Taz scored a splended goal at the death which she thoroughly deserved to seal it for Alvechurch .
9th Feb 2008
ALVECHURCH 9 (KASEY 3,ROSIE 2,TAZ 2,ELLIE,MEAGAN,) RUBERY 0.  
For the second game in a row the Lions came away with a win but this was just not just a win but an onslaught in which they dominated from start to finish breaking their all time record score line.There were that many attacks that it is not possible to record or remember them all.The game started and the lions won the toss and chose to attack down hill first. After just 4 minutes Alvechurch took the lead with a super goal from Rosie Florance following a good move starting from Roz Carney to Kasey Corbett . Zoe Smith working Hard on the right sent some great crosess in and with only 12 minutes gone one was greatly recieved by kasey to slip the ball into the Rubery net only to be ruled off side . The Lions were on fire now with their visitors just not being able to cope although they then did manage a break but only to find Fran Maglio in the way .Then another move Roz to Kasey to Rosie who went just wide. Jenny Hinde was holding the ball up well in midfield and sent the next move on its way and with the quarter hour turned Kasey used her pace and skill to put the Lions 2 up.A few minutes later the lions again went wide then straight from the goal kick Charlotte Butler intercepted put Taz Davis through who then released a terrific shot.Rubery did not give up and forced a free kick from just outside the area ,Although struck well Charlotte Evans in the Lions goal kept her eye on the ball and pulled off a splended save.In the 24th minute Taz with a long shot made it 3 nil. just after this for the second time in the game the home side had a goal ruled out for offside.After a number of corners from Jenny, Kasey scored her second to make it 4. Half Time. Then early in the second half Kasey got her hatrick after sending the Rubery players the wrong way and sloting home to make it 5. Meagan Bayliss was putting in some crucial challenges in midfield and laying on some good passes then a loose ball came to her from a fair way out and she new their was only one place it was going to end and hitting it with all she had it was 6 nil. Kirsty Battle was pushing the play further up the field and was well organised keeping the back line solid with Helen Roberton stopping everything down the left,by now Zoe Humphries had put her illness out of her mind and was winning every ball and nothing was going past her .Then out of the blue Rubery forced a rare attack and gained an identicle free kick they had previously had , keeping her eye on the ball again as it came accross ,Charlotte (as the sticky mud hindered her ) still managed to get an outstretched leg to it and save.The Rubery keeper was saving all sorts and although they tried hard it was difficult for them and in the next few minutes both Rosie and Taz scored their second goals each and the lions were 8 up. Then came for Meagan an identical loose ball as her goal and she hit it only to see the cross bar wooble and the ball go out. Ellie who had been told by her manager to go up front in the centre to rest one of the strikers immediatly wrong footed the Rubery defence and hit a sweet shot into the bottom corner to make the final score a breathtaking 9-0.
16th Feb 2008
PERRYWOODS YOUTH 2, ALVECHURCH 0
Perrywoods moved into third place in the league after this result, but they certainly had to fight all the way as the new look Alvechurch side are starting to turn a few heads from other sides in the division .The game itself was a very fast exiting game and the result was by know means a formality. Although the home side had more of the possession the chances were few, as the Alvechurch defence of Helen Roberton, Fran Maglio, Kirsty Battle and Zoe Humphries were in no mood for strangers in their area and between them they were like a brick wall with nothing getting past them. Then on the odd occasion the home side found a way through there was Ellie Bamford in her now new roll as sweeper clearing every loose ball. Kasey Corbett as a lone striker was having a tough job on her own and each time she did manage to beat two or three players ended up being surrounded . Jenny Hinde ,Meagan Bayliss and Rosie Florance were holding it well in midfield but that final third of the pitch seemed just to far to get into as much as they would have liked. Roz Carney completely marked their top scorer out of the game so much they she was subbed early in the second half. Perrywoods did have a few attacks that came close but on each occasion their was Charlotte Evans to make each save look so easy which must have frustrated the home side. Just as it looked like The Lions were going to hold it goalless for the break an unfortunate mix up in the Lions goal area gifted the home side the lead which judging by their reaction they certainly were relieved to have got .The second half was very similar but The lions were getting in more attacks but could just not find that edge they needed .Perrywoods always had the slight edge and so half way through the second half when the first real opportunity came their way they hit the back of the Lions net to seal the victory ,and from then on The lions tried to pull a goal back with a couple of attacks only to just find tiredness getting the better of them. Right at the very end of the match Charlotte Butler who had been getting in some terrific challenges ended up being carried of in agony as she kicked the bottom of an opponents boot and now looks set to be out for about 6 weeks , ( I think this sums up the commitment of Alvechurch Lions This season and things are now starting to get better for them).
23rd Feb 2008.
ALVECHURCH LIONS 1 (HINDE) LEAMINGTON 4 1st half2nd half.
This was a game of two halves as the two lions of Alvechurch and Leamington came face to face as Alvechurch being robbed of a number of key players for this tie were terrible in the first half and great in the second.
The game started and Alvechurch were clearly nowhere near on the form of previous weeks. Leamington doing all the early attacking ,with Roz Carney making some crucial clearances with the home side riding their luck on a number of occasions. One attack looked a certain goal but Charlotte Evans in the home goal dived very bravely at the feet of the striker . In the 8th minute a long shot by the visitors just dipped in time to go into top left corner of the home net, this was quickly follow by another shot and save by charlotte in goal ,again two more times Leamington had shots to find Charlotte superb in goal. Finally Alvechurch had a first attack of note which resulted in Kirsty Battle hitting a very hard free kick with the Leamington keeper just getting hold of it. Alvechurch then were very unlucky when Taz Davis picked up a loose ball went on a run cut in and released a super shot that just missed the top corner ,in doing this she went down with a twisted ankle and Alvechurch then had to see the last 15 minutes of the half with only ten players . This may or may not have contributed to their down fall but when you already have key players out and then a key player goes off injured it does not help when you are already not playing well, so when the visitors scored in 29,31 and 33 minutes it does ask the question (if only) .it could have been 5 but for the Alvechurch keeper grabbing the ball on the line.
After a good Talking to at the break Alvechurch treated the second half as a new game ,so different to the first everyone was now playing as a team, so it was great to see after 3 minutes a good ball from kasey Corbett on to the path of Jenny Hinde who hit a hard shot in to the visitors net. Although Leamington still had more of the play they were clearly frustrated at not improving their score line especially as they were now down hill ,so then having to resort to abuse to the referee and players from their spectators and players and in particular a terrible challenge on Taz because she was causing problems with her runs. Although Alvechurch won the second half it was not enough to win the match after they let them selves down in the first half.
1st March 2008.
Balsall & Berkswell 1, Alvechurch 5 ,(Roz 2,Rosie 2,Charlotte).
This was a match that Alvechurch just had to win to have the chance to climb up the table a couple of places, again with key players missing and illness robbing them of another on the day the Lions were down to only ten players . The match started and Balsall and Berkswell immediately put pressure on their visitors.with a few attacks that came to nothing.The Lions had their first attack ending with Jenny Hinde in swinging corner being cleared out. shortly after Rosie Florance on fire down the right wing beat a couple of players only to end up with the home side surrounding her. Next came 3 Balsall attacks in quick succession with Kirsty Battle making vital long clearances on each occasion. Alvechurch then forced another corner with the wind taking it just wide. The home side then came at Alvechurch again and almost got through their defence but for Quick thinking Fran Maglio who foot on the ball turned and cleared well .then a super attack with Jenny ,Kasey Corbett and Roz Carney ending up with an offside decision. Roz now using space well on the left sent in a super cross and a long shot for the windy conditions to carry the ball to far. Alvechurch were now getting more of the possession and after 20 minutes Rosie from the half way line went on a run cut inside then out sending 2 players the wrong way and released a ferocious shot to stun the home side and to put the Lions in to the lead. Balsall were still a big threat and while Kasey was off receiving treatment to a cut the home side forced Alvechurch into an error and scored a deserved equaliser for not giving up. The Lions then gained another corner only to see it cleared. Just before the break two excellent moves both involving Rosie, the one set up by Fran then the second by Roz but the home keeper collecting them both. Ellie Bamford was there every time a loose ball was in her defence to tidy up and ease the pressure. Helen Roberton on the other side of defence was really pushing play up the field and getting in some super long throws. HALF TIME 1-1.
The second half started and immediate pressure from Alvechurch forced the home side into a situation where a back pass rolled under their Keeper and into the net. As we don’t like awarding goals like that we were sure that because Charlotte Evans in the opposite goal was now not having much to do she must have got a bit bored and just as the ball rolled over the line some how reckons she got down the other end to get the last touch and claim the goal (who will argue with that) so Charlotte put the visitors back into the lead. Alvechurch now were taking control of the game and had most of the possession so it was not a surprise that 4 minutes later Roz looked up and hit a long shot to make it 3. Zoe Humphreys was holding the midfield magnificently and putting in some very physical challenges .Kasey was the player the home side were targeting which was allowing the lions space on each flank .A really long Kirsty free kick which was flicked on by Kasey to Roz went just over. After 16 minutes of the half Rosie scored her second to make it 4 after getting on the end of one of Helens long throws. Again Ellie and Fran kept the home side at bay. Charlotte then was some how judged to have come just over the line with her kick ,we could all see the referee had got it wrong and Ian Evans one of our loyal supporters happened to say out load what we all thought ,the referee who apparently has a reputation of not letting spectators add to the excitement of a game immediately ordered Poor Ian to go and stand under the tree , considering there were a number to choose from Ian only asked which one he was on about, this got the refs back up and was now no way going to restart until Ian was way in the distance under the refs favourite tree. The match restarted with a failed free kick from the home side. We then had Roz take on the keeper only to just miss out , but she made up for it a few minutes later when she out ran two players to put the Lions 5-1 up .Jenny just missed with a long shot and Kasey just missed from a Kirsty pass .Just before the end Kasey put the pull into the home net only to have it ruled offside. Then with almost the last kick of the game a penalty was awarded to Alvechurch, Kirsty stepped up and was unlucky to see it go just over the bar . Final score 1-5 with only ten players this was even better WELL DONE .
8th March 2008.
Alvechurch 0, Bolmere 2,
A game played in difficult conditions with the wind playing its part especially in set pieces. The game its self did not have to many chances in the goal areas with the centre of the pitch seeing most of the play. The match started off end to end with Boldmere being a very physical side with some quick wide players and shot just wide early on. And then a good Save with her legs by Charlotte Evans in the home goal.
Taz Davis had a shot saved .Then on 11 minutes the visitors took the lead after Charlotte and a Boldmere striker clashed and both ended on the floor with the resulting loose ball being hit hard and firm into the home net.Roz Carney then came close but the ball just running to far .Again The Lions keeper had to make a good save .Just before the break there was a mass scramble in Bolmere’s goal area before they managed to clear it. Half Time 0-1 .Early in the second Half Charlotte Butler made a crucial clearance but within minutes the visitors went two goals up with a long shot. Boldmere had much more of the possession and did not give the lions any time on the ball at all. Apart from Roz and Taz getting some shots in that almost come close the only other big incident was the ball did end up in the Lions net but was ruled no goal after Charlotte was fouled while attempting to make the save. Final score 0-2.
Although all the girls played well individually ,as a team it was a disjointed display with things not running as well as previous weeks. The players can’t be criticised for effort as they all gave 100% it was just not our day . Charlotte made some very good saves, Ellie was excellent at the back clearing all the loose balls, Fran solid with some super touches, Kirsty dominate with her clearances, Butler covered for Helen really well and had a good game on the left, Jenny solid in midfield and laid on some nice through balls for the strikers, Zoe H dropping back in central defence was very reliable and stood her ground, Meagan put in some nice touches and never gave up, Rosie who was not feeling to well was a pain for the visitors wide on the right as was Roz on the left. Taz as lone striker used her pace well and was unlucky on a number of occasions, Kasey battled hard in midfield wining plenty and as usual the opponents seem to target her as a threat.
15th March 2008.
Alvechurch 4 (Taz 2,Rosie,Roz), Balsall and Berkswell 1.
Balsall and Berkswell Hornets are a team that Alvechurch Lions have a soft spot for as they are a similar team who try hard and are friendly . The Lions always have good results against them and so it was this time, but it took a second half performance to make sure of the result.
The first half was quit even with the home side not at their best . Rosie Florance had an early run with a shot that went wide, this was followed with Kasey Corbett , Taz Davis and Roz Carney linking up well with a good move only to see the ball run out.The Lions then came close from Taz cross shot and Fran Maglio hit a hard firm long distance shot that came close.Balsall when getting through poised a threat but
Ellie Bamford had the pace to break up any attacks. In the 8th minute Taz again sent over a cross shot from the right and the Lions took the lead .Kirsty Battle was pushing her defence up and showing some real power when sending the ball up field.Roz had a cross to see it go out then minutes later Taz tried an over head shot but the keeper managed to get to it. The lions were all the time though still not playing their fluent passing game that they have done in their better displays this season and took the visitors a bit to lightly so it came as now surprise when 6 minutes from the break they raced through and got a well deserved equaliser. Just as it was looking to be level at half time Rosie broke on the right used her pace and released a ferocious shot to put the Lions back into the lead which they did not at this stage really deserve .H.T. 2-1. After a half time heated chat from the management team which the young ladies knew was going to happen ,they started the second half with a more determined attitude and they used the space more, passed ,communicated ,and argued (not always a good thing but on this occasion it was for the right reasons). Charlotte Butler sent Taz through with a good ball. Taz had a couple of good chances and was unlucky, but finally after 16minutes she did find the net to give the Lions a 2 goal lead. Charlotte Evans was having a much more quiet time and all her goal kicks were fantastic.Helen Roberton now back in her roll on the left was making her throwings count .the midfield of Jenny Hinde and Zoe Humphries were like a brick wall and with the non stop attitude of Kasey the visitors were just now going through the motions as they were tiring. Meagan Bayliss was getting into some good positions in the centre and could have maybe scored if only her team mates had passed to her when she was in some much better positions than them. Roz put the game beyond doubt with fifteen minutes left when she went wide on the left cut in and scored the perfect goal, then was unlucky a minute later when she was ruled offside. Although no more goals were scored Alvechurch had numerous chances at the end but some times it does not go as you want. Well Done to the Young ladies as they have completed the double over their visitors this season and now have Perrywoods in their sights in the league. Also this win has broken their record Points tally in a season with still a way to go.F.T. 4-1.
28th March 2008.
Solihull B 6 , Alvechurch 0.
After a two week break Alvechurch went into this match with 3 key players missing so with only ten players for the game and players out of position it was always going to be tough match. Solihull forced all the early pressure with a number of early corners with Kirsty Battle clearing on each occasion. After 6 minutes from now where a shot from the home side saw them take the lead. Then Kirsty sent Roz Carney on a run but it went just wide. The home side were doing most of the attacking with Charlotte Evans making some good saves. Fran Maglio and Ellie Bamford Charlotte Butler and Kirsy were keeping the home side at bay but were really having to work hard. Alvechurch then had some attacks of their own first Rosie Florance shooting wide ,and then three corners in succession with Butler and Zoe Humphries shooting close with two of them.
Again came the home side shooting hard at the keeper. With 16 minutes gone Alvechurch failed to block the shot and found them selves trailing by a second and just two minutes later same again and it was 3 nil. Rosie then came close, this was then followed by Kirsty free kick which the home keeper just got to. Half time 3-0.
The second half was much better for Alvechurch who finally started playing much better but with only ten players they were beginning to tire. Twice Meagan Bayliss sent Roz through only to be denied by the keeper .Jenny Hinde was holding up play well in the middle on her own and a lovely ball to Roz who in turn laid it on for Rosie but her legs just could not keep going long enough and the ball went out. With Charlotte Butler playing well on the left and Ellie on the right Solihull found they could only force play down the middle and with tiredness setting in ,after 23 minutes a long shot hit the back of the lions net and just minutes later it was 5. Alvechurch never gave up with them still managing to force a number of attacks and Zoe coming very close with one .It was not the Lions day with Solihull deserving their victory and just to make things worse they scored a sixth right on the final whistle.
5th April 2008.
Ferndale 4 Alvechurch 0.
Ferndale away and second in the league most teams would panic at just the thought as they beat their last opponents 17-0, but not this, now ever improving Alvechurch side .
Again with two key players missing the game started and Ferndale immediately shot wide and this was followed by numerous attacks but lady luck was on the lion’s side. Alvechurch forced the first corner of the game but the strong wind carried the ball out . Roz Carney and Meagan Bayliss worked well with a lions attack but just could not finished it off. Ferndale kept coming at their visitors with some lovely passing moves and show why they are a good well organised side , but today they have found a lions team that gave them no time on the ball closed them down and blocked every shot they could. Ellie Bamford was sweeping up every loose ball at the back with Kirsty Battle and Zoe Humphreys going in really hard with their challenges .Charlotte Evans in the Lions goal had been ill all week and only just passed a late fitness test but this has to go down as her best ever performance between the sticks, she came out flying out on one Ferndale attack and just beat the striker to stop a definite goal. This was followed by another save as she went sliding in to clear. Fran Maglio cleared up field which sent Meagan on a run but was totally surrounded as she tried to hold up play. Not to make excuses but in the 24th minute a super opportunist long shot by the home side had the help of a strong wind to speed the ball up and it was 1.0. The home side were having most of the shots but really found it hard as Kasey Corbett and Jenny Hinde battled for every ball in midfield .In the 27th minute the lead was doubled as a close ball was turned in .This spurred the Visitors to some of their own pressure and twice within minutes Charlotte Butler ,Roz and Meagan linked up together to force Ferndale’s keeper into a couple of saves. H.T. 2-0. The Lions went into the second half in determined mood and straight away an Alvechurch attack with a resulting loose ball bounced of the home crossbar as Kirsty hit it with a running volley. Again Charlotte dived to stop a definite goal. Helen Roberton who was playing through the pain barrier with a badly sprained arm was putting her foot in all sorts of tackles. Butler and Kasey worked up a good attack only to find the home side to strong. Ferndale all the time were forcing play deep into the Alvechurch half and at one point Charlotte had to come out her goal and got to the ball by the corner flag. Now the home side hit the cross bar. Roz during this half was beating players on the left wing and forcing some serious pressure for the visitors.The game was now more end to end but then an unlucky challenge by the Alvechurch defence gave away a penalty. Although the resulting rebound ended up in the net the initial shot from the spot was never going to go in as Charlotte pulled off a terrific save .Straight from this Jenny sent Roz through who saw the shot saved .Just before the final whistle the home side scored a forth goal. F.T. 4-0.
Ferndale always looked the better side when it came down to their football but the Lions certainly made one hell of a game of it and on this performance and at full strength would certainly beat many other sides .
12th April 2008
Alvechurch Lions 2 (Kasey,Rosie), Perrywoods Youth 4
The Lions had an awkward start , Kicked off with only ten players as just before kick off Kirsty Battles finger started bleeding from a very bad cut done earlier ,with the confusion and quick reorganisation within 10 seconds they were a goal down .
Then the team settled down .It was always going to be a tough match as Perrywoods Youth are going for the title. Rosie Florance put a cross on for Kasie Corbett to see her shot trickle just wide. Charlotte Evans then was called into a string of saves to keep her side in it . Kirsty who had come back on for a short time had to come off again as she was feeling ill with the blood still coming out and went off to hospital this was a big loss and meant The defence of Helen Roberton, Ellie Bamford ,Fran Maglio Zoe Humphrys and Charlotte Butler who slotted into the empty gap had to reorganise and concentrate . Meagan Bayliss sent Roz Carney through then Roz sent Meagan through but both attacks came to nothing. With the visitors continuing to put pressure on the home goal the Lions were glad to have a couple of free kicks one of which came close. Charlotte then pulled off a super save from a Perrywoods Free kick. The visitors finally forced a way through the home defence to double their lead on 25 minutes. Alvechurch calmed things down and were holding the midfield tight with Jenny Hinde and Kasey winning plenty and laying off a number of balls wide to the wingers .then just before half time a slip in the mud for the home keeper saw her just unable to recover in time and the ball rolled over the line . Then as Jenny passed to Kasey just as she received it Kasey was chopped straight down ,but the resulting free kick was saved. H.T. 0-3.
The visitors always threatened and can pass and move very well often sending the Lions all over the place but Alvechurch are a solid team and work well together so it was seen in the next move when Meagan passed to Jenny who in turn sent Rosie through .
For the second week running the Lions gave away a penalty and it was 0-4.At this point the game looked dead and buried but The Lions had other ideas and after a nasty injury for Kasey who was off the pitch for a short time came back on and with sheer determination went on a run and planted a lovely shot past the keeper and within minutes Rosie cut in from the right and it was 2 goals for the Lions. For the first time the visitors after being on top for most of the game suddenly found themselves under some constant pressure but they had enough to hold out so stop any potential Alvechurch comeback and with minutes to go made sure when they scored number 5. What was good to see from the Lions point is they never give up and can still get back into games.
19th April 2008
Perrywoods 2,Alvechurch 2(Roz,Taz) 1st half 2nd half
Will the Lions ever play at full strength again key players missing and no subs the girls started very poorly even after a more than normal warm up, immediately Perrywoods piled on the early pressure with Charlotte Evans making some early saves, then after a while Taz Davis, Roz Carney ,Rosie Florence and Kasey Corbett linked some good play up for the lions first real attack of note. The passing and work rate was just not their so it came as no surprise when after 11 minutes they fell behind after the defence got caught napping . Kasey sent a pass through to Roz only to see the keeper pull off the save. Again came Perrywoods with Ellie Bamford sweeping away the lose ball . Next It was Zoe Humphreys and Fran Maglio left to sort it out at the back .A good ball to Taz resulted with the keeper saving her shot. Again came the home side , with Ellie helping out Charlotte to stop a definite goal. This was followed with Charlotte pulling off a great save in the Lions Goal . Just after an offside decision against the Lions the resulting kick sent through the home side and it was 2-0 on 20 minutes. Jenny Hinde laid on the perfect ball to Taz who shot but the home keeper just got to the ball . Then straight down to the other end and it was Charlotte Evans turn to save with a good clearance . Although Perrywoods were having most of the possession with plenty of attacks they could not add to their tally. Rosie was getting in some good runs on the right but was getting no support from any one else but still managed two good shots one of which went just wide H.T. 2-0.
The half time talk got quite heated from the manager and coach and the players new their season could hinge on the next 35 minutes, straight from the restart the Lions were a different team although it took about ten minutes to really look like they could do something, it was apparent they ment business , first Kasey shot wide then a lions corner was saved ,Charlotte got in a super one handed save to deny the home side after they forced play down to the lions end. Jenny laid on the through ball for the lions strikers to just miss time their run and the flag went up. Helen Roberton was now building up play well on her side as was Charlotte Butler on the right .Zoe was pushing herself up the pitch more with her play now and Fran was winning all sorts of challenges. Then what a move of sheer determination the ball was heading out for a goal kick Kasey had other ideas sprinted after it slid along the floor scooped the ball back in Rosie took it to Taz who put it on for Roz who buried it into the home net .Perrywoods always looked a threat but the Lions now were playing some good football with two corners in a row one just over and the other wide. Time was now almost up and the referee had already looked at his watch when the ball was just inside the home penalty area the home defence had already blocked a couple of Lions attempts to shoot ,but then with seconds left the ball came loose to Taz, she turned on it and hit it with everything and they had done a super comeback job 2-2 final score.
April 26th 2008
Alvechurch 0, Solihul "A" 0.
Again under strength and only ten players after 5 minutes for the rest of the match saw the Lions start really well passing using space and battling hard. The early part saw the lions and Solihull “A” going from one end of the pitch to the other .Solihull came close first with a couple of attacks that Ellie Bamford cleared out and Kirsty Battle sending the ball up field to ease even more pressure .Kasey Corbett playing in the centre of midfield on her own because of illness to others won the ball and took a shot, this was followed with a run on the right from Rosie Florance which almost ended with a goal. Solihull were getting in some very useful attacks with the home side being fortunate on occasions. Then Charlotte Butler broke on a run on the left and hit a hard looping shot to see it go just wide. Pressure on the Lions goal then saw Fran Maglio who was playing out of her skin, under immense pressure coolly cleared with an overhead kick. Kasey won a challenge and put Rosie through who came very close. Roz Carney then sent through a quick pass to Kasey who took a shot. The next attack came from Solihull with fast flowing football swept down the pitch past a number of Lions players and just as the strikers went for goal Charlotte Evans came right out of her goal and with a sliding clearance sent the ball flying out to the side. Then minutes after Charlotte called into action again and saved bravely with a one on one. Jenny Hinde swung in a corner for the Lions only to see the visitors after some panic just managing to clear up field. Rosie then found the keeper just getting to her after a terrific run with the ball.Then she passed to Roz who shot just wide.Zoe Humphreys was winning some hard tackles at the back and was in total control.Again Charlotte Butler shot from distance only to see the keeper just get to it. After Kirsty shot from distance the ball came down with Solihull and The Lions held their breath as the shot went over Charlotte’s crossbar.Jenny then put Rosie on for goal but the visitors scrambled it clear. It was end to end with the visitors again coming close before Fran took a shot.Solihull came at the home goal with 5 players and Ellie shielded the ball just long enough for Charlotte to dive onto it.Just before the break a super move from Alvechurch was their closest yet Kasey got the ball slipped the ball to Jenny who in turn found Rosie who shot just over the bar H.T. 0-0.
The second half started and within seconds the visitors shot wide,then Charlotte saved from a Solihull free kick. The next attack saw Rosie to Kasey. Zoe blasted the ball down field which resulted in the lions gaining a free kick which Kirsty came close.
A Kasey throw to Zoe who flicked it on to Jenny who passed to Roz who shot just wide.
Again Charlotte saved with a one on one. Now Ellie out paced the Solihull forward to clear out .Again the lions attacked with Roz shooting just the wrong side of the post. Again came Solihull who went wide themselves just before Zoe came to the rescue with another clearance . Neither team would give up and both were desperate for the win but after a real battling display the Lions earned what could prove to be a very valuable point come the final league table. F.T.0-0
29th April 2008
Alvechurch 0, Perry woods 1.(result)(the laff we had in the conditions)
With the worst weather conditions ever known torrential rain and puddles and mud all over the pitch the game should never have gone ahead ,but with the deadline almost here and not much chance to have the game rescheduled , their was no safety issues so it was decided by both managers and ref to just go for it .The game was very hard for the players although as it went on it became good fun because of the water and mud with all sorts of things happening out their. It was end to end and who ever got lucky would win it. The Lions again had two of their top goal scorers missing which immediately meant it was down to the defence to stay solid. Both teams had chances and plenty of attacks. It was about 15 minutes into the match when the Lions were on for a definite goal but right at the vital stage the ball stopped dead in a large pool of water holding it up long enough for the visitors to clear. Then about 5 minutes later it happened
Again, sometimes the lucks just not with you !! Not long before the break an opportunist shot by Perrywoods found the back of the Lions net as the home keeper was hindered by the weather conditions . H.T.0-1 . The second half now was just hit and hope by both teams as it was impossible to play any good football ,it was all about slide tackles and falling over . neither team could again find the net but both coming really close on loads of occasions. The Lions deserved something out of the game but it just was not their day .F.T.0-1.
Charlotte Evans was superb in goal and spent plenty of time under water .Ellie Bamford magnificent as sweeper stopping some vital attacks . Helen Roberton ever dependable on the left with some crucial interceptions .Kirsty Battle sliding into tackle after tackle.Fran Maglio cool calm and reliable at the back. Zoe Humphreys competition between her and Kirsy to win most crunching tackles . Jenny Hinde good passing and unlucky with her lob to almost equalise. Kasey Corbette Slide, Hustle, bustle winning everything.Roz Carney's pace was electrifying down the left beating player after player. Meagan Bayliss non stop running good passes unlucky with puddle not to score. Charlotte Butler to step in on the right and to turn on a performance like that fantastic.
Although we lost we will take a lot of memories from this but I don’t think our parents were to happy with the state of their cars and all the washing (sorry but my bunch of girls are worth it all, so proud of you) WELL DONE.
3rd May 2008
Rubery 0, Alvechurch 4 (Taz 2,Kasey,Zoe)
The game started with Rubery immediately attacking the lions goal and coming close on a couple of occasions .Although Alvechurch had extra players they did not play their good passing game , may be because it can be hard to adjust when the opposition have less players. Rosie Florance had the lions first shot on goal and after a Roz Carney pass she again shot just wide. The lions where really struggling with the offside and kept getting caught .After seven minutes the Lions really got out of jail when a lovely shot by Rubery hit Charlotte Evans right hand post .This shook Alvechurch into action and a good run from Roz ended up being saved by the keeper. Then Jenny Hinde lined up a shot only to see it go just wide .The Lions then had their first corner of the game which Meagan Bayliss collected sent Taz Davis through only to shoot high .Next Kasey Corbett put the ball out for Roz who slipped it to Taz who shot wide. The Lions again saw a shot saved by Rubery before on 18minutes Taz connected to the incoming ball and the Lions finally took the lead . Rubery had the occasional attack but with Ellie Bamford tucked in behind the defence of Helen Roberton, Fran Maglio,Zoe Humphreys and Kirsty Battle it was just too solid at the back for any real threat. Alvechurch were still very disjoined in their play though and really should have scored plenty but passing was woeful and shooting was way off target even though they had most of the possession. Rosie passed to Roz she then knocked it to Jenny who was unlucky with her lob.Taz swung in a lions corner in came Kirsty with a thundering shot only for the home keeper to get her hands to it. Then from a corner Zoe hit a similar volley to see it go just right of the post. H.T. 1-0…After the break it was so different as Alvechurch moved the ball around nicely using the extra space well they communicated better and were more organised all over the pitch. After just 2 minutes of the restart Taz doubled Alvechurch Lead. Kasey won a crunching tackle and got it to one of her team mates for the ball to again go wide.Meagan then sent Rosie on a run but for the home side to clear up. Kasey looked up shot and the Rubery Keeper saved .it was all one sided by now as Rubery had just run out of energy and hardly got in the Lions half. Roz knocked in a super pass to Kasey who weaved in and out and hit a low shot into the net to make it 3 nil after ten minutes.Fran then from defence went on a run all the way down the pitch getting past every one passing to Taz who’s shot was saved. The linking up was nice to see as in the next move with Zoe to Kasey to Rosie who ended it with a shot wide. Kirsty was opening the hosts up with long balls while Helen was bringing in the midfield with long throws . The Lions were all over Rubery at this point with Fran and Rosie again both coming close .Half way through the half Zoe just in the opponents half hit an incoming ball hard and it went up and dropped into the back of the net 4-0. Fran to Rosie and the keeper saved. Charlotte Evans now was moved to play up front with Ellie going in goal .after another couple of shots wide by the Lions a cheeky back flick by Charlotte almost set up a goal but for the Rubery defender clearing. One break by Rubery came close but their was Ellie to pick it up and kick it up field. Jenny then shot only to have the keeper save . Full time 4-0
Tough first half but all came well in the second .
10th May 2008.
Alvechurch 1(Taz), Warndon 6
Only ten players and 3 key players missing again Alvechurch faced an upward task against one of the top sides in the league. Straight from the kick off the visitors made a good start shooting wide ,then minutes later they again shot just wide . The Lions then had their first attack with Taz Davis running at the Warndon keeper who just got to it in time. Jenny Hinde crossed a super ball only for it to be cleared out. Then a 1-2-1 that is Zoe Humphreys to Kasey to Zoe who shot.The visitors always looked dangerous and it was down to Charlotte Evans in the lions goal to pull of a good save. A quick break by Alvechurch saw Taz hit the side netting. Charlotte again saved the lions with another vital save, and minutes later the visitors shot across the front of the home goal.Alvechurch were working very hard but just could not keep up any sustained pressure .Charlotte Butler and Zoe worked a good move only for the visitors to clean up.Kasey Corbett got a nasty knock in her side as she was lay down still trying to win the tackle .In the 12th minute a super goal from Warndon left the Lions keeper stranded as their was nothing they could have done to stop it. 0-1. The visitors looked like they were going to score when Roz Carney blocked the shot.
The lions keeper then volleyed it clear. On 22 minutes a long hard shot from out side the penalty area saw the visitors double their lead. A quick break on the right and Helen Roberton made the challenge in time to start The lions next attack.Roz to Taz back to Roz but the keeper saved. A quick flick by Meagan Bayliss Kasey picked up the ball passed to Jenny in turn to Roz who came close. HT 0-2. The heat was unbearable and the lions were beginning to struggle having to cover more space. Then a super header and it was 3 nil after 5 minutes of the restart . Zoe now chased back to stop the next shot. Fran Maglio worked well and got a vital foot in when needed and cleared up plenty. Again their was nothing Alvechurch could have done about the forth goal on ten minutes . Although under constant Pressure a minute later Butler hit a thundering free kick only for the keeper to just get to it .Finally a lions goal on 12 minutes was what they deserved with their hard work.A goal kick from Charlotte right up to Roz on the wing ran then passed to Taz who planted it into the empty net 1-4.The trouble is you are most vulnerable when you have just scored as shown from the kick off a Warndon striker ran solo past a number of Lions players hit a hard low shot and it was 1-5. Another save by the Lions keeper was just before they had a good attack saved themselves. Ten minutes before the end a good move from the visitors ended with them scoring number 6. The last part of the game had Alvechurch still pressing to score but with the heat their energy just ran out . Brilliant effort and non stop commitment well done girls. F.T.1-6.
13th May 2008
Warriors 2, Alvechurch 0.
A pretty even game but unfortunately Alvechurch were not at their best as a team although as individuals every one worked hard and the very hard surface caused plenty of blisters and some nasty injuries on legs and backs. The game was a close affair with not many chances but the visitors defiantly had more and came closest. The first goal came 2 minutes before the break and was very fortunate the way the ball bounced before the striker hit it in. All through the match the lions pushed to get on level terms but they just did not play well enough on this occasion and while pushing for the goal with just a few minutes left they were hit on the break and Warriors made sure of the result with their second goal.
Charlotte Evans pulled off some super saves and looked very confident commanding her area well and was very brave on the rock hard surface and handled the ball well every time. Helen Roberton as ever very strong throwings and forced many attacks to go out off the pitch with her constant pressure . Kirsty Battle and Zoe Humphreys are a solid wall in central defence and each time the ball comes through it ends up the other end of the pitch in no time at all and so do any opponents if they dare get in the way of those kicks or challenges. Charlotte Butler as right back showed her physical presence and sent many attack down the right and got stuck in well. Ellie Bamford as usual vital at the back clearing all sorts of stray balls and used her pace to full advantage time after time. Jenny Hinde the anker in midfield stayed their and made here presence felt linking up many attacks through the centre. Kasey Corbett here their and every where won tackle after tackle and passed well to start many attacks .Rosie Florance took on loads of players and beat them with skill and pace and never stopped running. Roz Carney is so fast and skill full on the right and won loads of balls and sent over some great crosses. Meagan Bayliss intercepted loads of balls that the visitors passed and she laid off some nice balls to her team mates. Taz Davis | 