Arnold Town Ladies went into their home fixture with league leaders Long Eaton full of confidence following their battling displays in the away game and recently against Mansfield.
With a full squad to pick from, manager Andy Ingle was spoilt for choice knowing that competition for places can only help a club grow.
With players returning following the last midweek game, the home side started with Emily Hallam in goal, with the back four welcoming back Chay Davey alongside Claire Potter, Charley Norman and Tina Potter. The midfield saw Risa Naisbitt make her home debut next to the captain Jenny Lorimer and Jay Willows. The forward line saw Natasha Leach return to the line up with Molly Parker and Chloe Jordan.
Long Eaton kicked off with the wind against them. It was certainly blowing a gale but as much as Arnold tried they couldn’t capitalise on the advantage. The closest they came was when a long range effort from Jenny Lorimer cannoned off the underside of the crossbar for the second game in succession. Every attempt to get the ball forward saw the wind carry the ball through to the keeper or out of play. Natasha Leach did well holding up the ball and showed her strength but unfortunately had to be replaced by Elli Leathen after 20 minutes. A really hard fought first 45 minutes where neither team created too many decent chances and was more of a physical battle with both teams standing strong.
The half time team talk praised the work ethic, desire and commitment shown by the young home team and that if they wanted it a draw was well in their sights if not more. However there is a saying about football being a game of 2 halves and today was a perfect example.
Arnold kicked off the second half and within 35 seconds found themselves 1-0 down. Having lost possession they gave away a free kick on the edge of the box. With wind assistance the ball was smashed past the helpless Emily Hallam. A real blow in which they never recovered from as 2 minutes later the lead had been doubled when a corner from the left was met unmarked at the back post and slotted in to make it 2-0.
3-0 followed soon after with a lack of communication resulting in three Arnold players going for the ball and it deflecting in. Changes had already been made with Jay Willows replaced by Lottie Swinscoe at the break, and Chay Davey was unable to run off an ankle injury so Ciara Button came into the centre of midfield and Risa Naisbitt dropped back into centre back.
Long Eaton were well and truly on top now and within the first 17 minutes of the second half had made it 5-0 leaving Arnold completly shell-shocked. It would have been more if it hadn’t been for keeper Emily Hallam who pulled off a ‘worldie’, tipping the ball over the bar whilst at full stretch diving to her right.
A bad second half but with the average age of this squad still being much lower than many of the oppostion it is fair to say that whilst effort and ability are often matched, experience and maturity are usually the part that’s missing but with time will certainly develop. Losing 5-0 to a team 9 points clear at the top of the league is nothing to be depressed about especially when you have witnessed the improvements over the last few months by all the players. Two home night matches to come in March where hopefully the side will bounce back and finish the season strongly.
Subs unused: Chloe Stocks, Emily Nelis
ArnoldTown under 18s gained their first point of the season with a thrilling 2-2 draw at home to Bingham Town U18’s. Goals from Tammie Lacey and Narla Wilkes put them 2 up at the break, however the strong wind helped the visitors level the game in the second half.
