We travelled to Higham for the return fixture against a strong Higham Ladies Team that had played out a draw at Moulton a few weeks ago.
The pitch was on a slope with the wind helping the team playing downhill. In the first half that was Moulton and they made the required fast start and after 7 minutes Steph made a run down the left and found Georgia whose pass found Molly who cooly slotted inside the post for 1-0 Moulton. Moulton needed to build on this as the slope made a huge difference. Higham defended doggedly and only had a few sorties out of their own half in the first half. After 20 minutes a decent move between Molly and Amy saw Amy almost get a shot in.
Despite all the Moulton pressure Higham's defence held firm and at half time it remained 1-0 to Moulton. Me thinks the second half up the slope, will be a different matter.
As predicted the 2nd half started and Higham were a different team, pushing forward and giving Moulton few opportunities to attack. On 65 minutes a fast break by Higham saw Fi make a last minute tackle that took the ball and player.
On 64 minutes a needless freekick was given away and a cross from the Higham player was narrowly missed by two attackers. On a rare Moulton attack after 67 minutes, Steph was wiped out just outside Higham's area and from the free kick Molly smacked a shot over the bar.
After 75 minutes a Higham through ball didn't appear a problem but Harriet delayed picking the ball up and the onrushing forward took it off her and hit into an empty net. Some debate as to whether Harriet had both hands on the ball, 1-1 .
On 77 minutes Moulton attacked and Steph went marauding through Higham's defence. Again she was wiped out, this time in the area and referee signalled penalty. Steph took it herself and calmly placed her shot into the corner for 2-1 Moulton.
A needless freekick was given away on 82 minutes on Moulton's left. A good cross was put over to the far post and a Higham player cooly headed the equaliser into a vacant goal. 2-2.
The remaining minutes were played out witout much goal action and both teams settled for a point each.
After Moulton's dominance in the first half a draw was disappointing but if they aren't more clinical then this sort of result will happen.
Player of Match was Steph for her non stop running up front.
Midfield didn't function as a unit today and this will be addressed. In defence, Jade was her usual efficient and competent self and Cat worked hard without being able to get forward very much. Fi made some important challenges but also gave away some needless freekicks and our defence aren't the best at defending high balls.
So, a win and 2 draws to start the season. We need to be more clinical and put teams away early so their heads drop.
No match at thw weekend so lots of work at Wednesday training.