Unbelieveably bad conditions again. Heavy rain. biting cold and very strong winds,but thankfully the 3G again proved its worth by being perfectly playable.
Both teams just got on with it and were pleased to have a game.
Crick were quickly out of the blocks with the wind behind them and looked lively and were determined to give a good account of themselves. Moulton played their way into the match and a quick break down the left found Steph, she advanced and drew the keeper, then lifted the ball over her but the ball just cleared the crossbar. More Moulton presure on 20 minutes saw several attempts on goal all blocked before Crick were able to clear the danger.
On 29 minutes a delightful through ball from Sarah found Steph on the move, she advanced on goal and as the keeper came out she calmly slotted the ball into the far corner with the outside of her right foot. 1-0 Moulton. Just 2 minutes later Shannon advanced down the right and put over a delightful cross which richocheted about before hitting the Crick keeper and bouncing out to hit Charlotte and rocket into the net at pace, 2-0 Moulton. Charlotte has improved week on week and deserved her goal before she leaves us to travel Australia, good luck Charlotte, you will be missed. 39 minutes had gone when Amy V played a gorgeous through ball for Steph to run on to. She controlled it and again lifted the ball over the advancing keeper only to see it drift just past the post.
Half Time 2-0 with Moulton having played against the wind. Moulton's defence had stood firm despite some good Crick pressure, with Cat, Jade and Fi looking impressive and Harriet handling anything that came her way.
Second half began and despite not adjusting to the wind behind them Moulton looked in command. 49 minutes and Shannon had a shot that rebounded straight back to Sarah. Without hesitation she hit the ball first time and it thundered into the net for 3-0 Moulton.
Crick weren't downhearted and again attacked and after some pressure on 57 minutes the ball broke to a Crick player some 25 yards out from goal, she hit it cleanly, hard and high and it cleared the keeper to hit the back of the net for 3-1 Moulton. A good goal from a well struck shot.
Crick were re-energised and pushed forward in search of a second gal but on 74 minutes Moulton pressure saw the ball break to Steph who looped the ball up and over the Crick keeper and into the back of the net for 4-1 Moulton and in effect sealing the win. However Steph was determined to get ger hat-trick and on 80 minutes another glorious through ball saw her bearing down on the Crick goal and she calmly hit the ball past the keeper into the right hand side of the goal. 5-1. Moulton were well in control now and should have scored one or two more goals. Late on Steph unselfishly with the goal at her mercy, slid the ball across goal for a tap in but somehow the ball evaded the Moulton attackers.
Player of the Match was Steph again and she is playing some great football at present and her goals have been invaluable in Moulton's quest for the league title. Some really good teams in the league this season and several are capable of beating each other.
We were again short of several players through injury and non availability but well done to all those who turned out on such a shocking day weather wise. Luckily we have lights and these were turned on for the 2nd half. Midfield of Antonella, Amy V, Sophie, Charlotte and Sarah did very well to contain the Crick midfield in the first half and they were always supporting the attacks. Shannon worked hard up top and helped lay on 2 of the goals. Fi shut out any danger down Crick's right hand side with her uncompromising tackling, Jade made a few of her trademark runs forward with the ball and very soon she will end up with a goal. Captain Cat was in control despite Crick having a few lively players down their left. All in all a spirited team performance.
Special mention for the referee, Dean Martin, who must be the best in our league if not all the leagues. He is hardly noticed on the pitch, speaks quietly to the players and is sympathetic to any player knocks etc. All in all a super ref to have officiate our games.