Arnold Town Ladies 1 – 5 Bedworth United Ladies
Something the management at Arnold Town Ladies have learnt is that plans are sometimes pointless. On Thursday they were discussing how nice it was to have 15 players available only to start the match at home today, against the league leaders Bedworth, with a bare 11.
However this is certainly becoming a group of ladies who are showing team spirit in shedloads, and demonstrated their determination from the Bedworth kick off, winning the ball back and pushing them back into their own half. Unfortunately the usual story of conceding early continued as Bedworth with their first attack took the lead within the first 5 minutes.
Arnold continued their dogged approach, and with periods of possession and neat football kept the ball within the visitors half, creating numerous half chances. The counter attack was always the danger and Bedworth felt they had their 2nd goal 15 minutes in, only to see the flag up for offside. Arnold’s best chance was created with a minute before the break, but as they were unable to make their hard work pay, the clearance was under hit back by the Arnold defence and Bedworth snook in to double their lead.
The management were full of praise of the home sides commitment and determination. Two players making their debuts, Charley Norman and Emily Hallam seemed to settle into the side quickly and belief was there for a second half come back. This was soon made harder by Bedworths 3rd goal six minutes into the half and even harder by the loss of vastly improved player, Laura Coulthard. She appeared to get her studs caught in the ground as she fell trying to keep the ball in and was instantly obvious that she had seriously injured herself. Our best wishes go out to her and hope that the injury is not as bad as first thought.
So with 10 players, backs really were up against the wall but to their credit the Eagles didnt give up. It took 2 very classy finishes to finish off the game and make it 5 for the visitors. Molly Parker followed up her player of the match award with a late consolation goal following good work by Natasha Leach.
A tough day but the way the players conducted themselves was as credit to the club. Hard work but the standard is being set. The hard work now is to maintain that which will bring its rewards.
Team: Emily Hallam, Charley Norman, Claire Potter, Chayley Davey, Tina Potter, Laura Coulthard, Jen Lorimer, Elli Leathen, Molly Parker, Natasha Leach, Ciara Button
