Sport

Girls Football Team Narrowly Defeated inCup Match

25th November 2008

 Opposition: Stafford Girls Football Team
Date: 12th November
Match:  Quarter Final of West Midlands Region of British Colleges Cup
Venue: Westfields
Score: Hereford 1 Stafford 3
Hereford player of the match: Tash Merris

The girls came out fired up and knowing a win would see them make the semi-final of the British Colleges Cup for the West Midlands. Hereford had a few half chances in the first fifteen minutes but Stafford held them off. Twenty minutes in Clare Almond produced a stunning run, ripping the defence in half and forcing a great block from the opposing goalkeeper. Fortunately, Emily Lovelock was following up and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
 This goal spurred Stafford on with Hereford’s defence trying to survive a twenty minute onslaught towards the end of the first half. With 40 minutes played Stafford swung a corner into the box and in the confusion one of the Stafford players went down and the penalty was given. It was slotted into the bottom corner leaving the Hereford goalie with no chance of saving it. The girls went in at the break with their heads down and the score remaining 1-1.
The match was still tight after half-time but Stafford had more chances. Hereford then made a tactical change, moving Clare Almond into midfield and Tash Merris forward, as a striker. The pair then began linking and Hereford seemed to be getting back into the game. Unfortunately, a mix up in defence gave Stafford a 2-1 lead. Hereford responded well throwing bodies forward. They could have scored if it were not for an incredible tackle by one of Stafford defenders. Another opportunity fell to Charlie Lloyd who, after a brilliant run from defence, received a fantastic long ball from Tash Merris but could not quite steer the header into the back of the net.
 Unfortunately Hereford were caught on the counter attack too often and as one of the Stafford players was fouled inside the box, another penalty was awarded. Like the first one, it was put away without any fuss and Stafford were two up. The girls kept fighting until the end, but didn’t have enough to break down Stafford’s defence.
 Tash Merris was superb throughout, working incredibly hard to get Hereford back in the game fighting for every ball. Her long balls were particularly effective giving the strikers chances to score. Clare Almond was also fantastic. Her movement off the ball was good as she created room to run at the defence. Furthermore, her power and speed opened the defence up on a number of occasions.
Overall, the game was incredibly close and there was no doubt that Hereford could have won. The period in the match where heads went down quite possibly cost them the game but they worked very hard and were unlucky to not at least draw with Stafford.

The boys also played against Brecon and played superbly winning 7-2. Notable performances came from Nick Aldrich and Jaron McCauley who each scored twice.

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