The Navy started the game at a high tempo looking to close down the Army quickly whenever they had the ball. The first 10 minutes passed without incident as both sides trying to find a way through, with the Navy being captained and confidently marshalled by RPO Michelle Garrett, HMS Westminster from the back.
The first real chance came to the Army on 25 mins after a good passing move found the Navy out numbered down the left wing with the Army working the ball into a crossing position. The Army winger kept calm and was able to cross the ball into the Navy’s penalty area who fortunately had AB Lisa Fraser well placed to clear the danger away from the Navy goal. This seemed to wake the Navy up and produce the Navy’s best period of the game.
On 28 mins the Navy took the lead after LT Nat Granger who was having a good game in the centre of the Navy midfield was brought down half way inside the Army’s half. Garrett stepped up to fire the ball into the Army’s area connecting crisply with the ball, which flew into the top corner of the net, giving the desperate Army keeper no chance. 1-0 Navy
An injury to the Navy Centre Forward, AB Sarah Mansfield, saw her being replaced by POPT Sam Covey which was the only disruption to the Navy for the remainder of the first half. Half time score 1-0 Royal Navy.
The Navy came out the second half looking to try and take the game to the Army, however, with just 5 mins gone it soon became apparent that the Army were pushing more players forward looking for the equaliser. On 55 mins an Army attack led to LLOGS Lou Lee making a great save to deny a strong looking Army centre forward scoring. Lee was to produce a number of brilliant saves to frustrate the Army for the remainder of the match.
As the Army pressure began to mount on the Navy it seemed it would not be long before they found the equaliser which proved the case at 60 mins when a Army corner was not cleared. This enabled an Army player to side foot into the back of the net. 1-1 Army
With the Army sensing victory and the Navy beginning to look tired a long shot from an Army midfielder, who surprisingly found herself in far too much space, ended up flying passed the RN keeper and into the net.2-1 Army
With the Army in full flow the Navy had to dig deep to prevent conceding anymore goals. An injury to Garrett on 70mins forcing LT Laura Thombs to cover as centre back for the remainder of the game was also a major concern with no other recognised defender on the bench. The Navy determination and shear doggedness not to allow anymore goals to be conceded was absolutely first class, every Navy player was giving more than the expected 100% . This inlcuded AB Kayleigh Edwards who hadn’t played a single game of football all season but still attempted, at every opportunity, to keep the ball and break out of defence with what must have been very tired legs.
On 80 mins cool composure from Bavister and Thombs led to a spell of Navy pressure within the Army half. This ultimately led to the Navy’s equaliser. Bavister who had dropped into a central midfield position collected the ball from MA Lindsey Phillips, HMS Collingwood, and proceeded to dribble in field into an area of space, and launched a 35 yard left foot rocket which flew passed the helpless Army keeper. 2-2 Navy
Both teams had another chance to win the game with Lee again coming to the Navy’s rescue in goal with a great save to prevent a good shot from the Army centre forward. The Navy’s chance fell again to Bavister, who this time with space and no defenders in front of her, tried to beat the Army keeper this time from 40 yards. Unfortunately she couldn’t reproduce the quality of the last shot and the Army keeper was able to save comfortably. The final minutes of the game passed with the Army attempting to find a winner however the Navy’s defence held strong. Final score 2-2
In a very hard fought match the Army played the better football during the match but were continually frustrated by the shear determination and commitment of every player within the RN Team. Bring on the RAF!
Player of the match Lou Lee
Next match - RAF(W) at Victory Stadium, 18 Mar 2010. Kick off 1430.
Photos by Gareth Davies / GDPics Photography
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