W3 vs Watton 1

W3 vs Watton 1 

Despite beating Watton 15-0 at home back in October we knew that this re-match was not a foregone conclusion. Playing them away would be a whole new ball game. This rang true when one of Santa’s sleighs got lost on the way, meaning we were three elves down and playing from the first whistle without a goalie. However, with our biggest fan Buddy the reindeer cheering us on from the sideline, City remained calm and confident, holding off the Watton attack until Naomi was kitted up and in position.

From the back City created some beautiful passages of play making textbook use of the wings that is sure to put us on Santa’s nice list. With her silky skills Ciara made some lovely runs around the Watton players and options were created up front as City packed the Watton D. Soon, an attacking short corner saw a powerful shot from Becki and a perfectly timed touch in by Barks to secure our first goal! 

The rest of the first half was dominated by City. Our defence were practically impenetrable with Laura and Verity easily intercepting Watton’s counter attempts and giving many well-timed passes to our attack. Up front, Katie was unstoppable, making leads to keep Watton under threat and it was not long before two stunning Chanré classics meant we ended the first half 3-0. 

With a target of three more goals, City came out strong in the second half but were unlucky with a few near misses on the posts. Bebbs made some brilliant tackles, getting low to create an unpassable wall as Watton also upped their intensity. Their attack was no match for Naomi who made a brilliant save, sending the ball straight onto a Watton foot. 

Some effortless turnovers by Claire saw City attacking again and the next goal came from a sneaky left post touch in by Emily between the goalie’s feet. On a high, City won a succession of short corners, one of which was pushed off course by the uneven pitch and another was given as a contentious disallowed goal, depriving Chanré of her hattrick and resulting in a card for Becki.

But City did not let their heads drop, Barks made some lovely 1-2s out to the wingers and next came a beautiful well-deserved goal from Anita. Ella stole the ball off the Watton attackers many times during the game, which allowed us to open up the pitch and attack again. After dribbling into the D, eliminating the Watton defenders and taking a shot, it really was ‘snow’ joke that Holly scored our final goal during her centre forward debut! 

Thanks to Hop for managing the subs bench and POM went to Katie for her determination and relentlessness up front that was crucial for us retaining our position at the top of the league! This 6-0 win was certainly Claus for celebration later that evening in our team Christmas meal with one bottle of prosecco drunk for each goal scored :)

Match report - Emily