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eh hem..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA blinking brilliant!

March 21 2009 | Ladies 1st XI vs Cannock 2nds | 3-0 Win

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Where to begin….

Well a little update before we start (it’s a long one!)

 Due to last week’s disappointing loss v Bridgnorth (match report not supplied as match reporter/captain was sulking)  Lichfield lost their season long top spot to local rivals Cannock. 2 games remaining for both teams. Cannock 38 points Lichfield 36.  This Saturday saw Cannock host Lichfield  - a win for Cannock would secure them promotion, a win for Lichfield would take them back to the top by 1 point and needing a win from their final game to secure a 3 year battle to get promotion into Div 2.

The week leading to the game saw most players reminded of last season’s showdown at Leek, when umpiring and lack of mental strength saw Lichfield beaten and prevented from going up.  The morning of the game however saw a relaxed, focussed and excited team arrive at Cannock along with a presence of supporters that Lichfield has never seen before.  Friends and family from far and wide arrived at Cannock in the glorious sunshine to cheer on the Cathedral team in this make or break game.

The game started strongly for the home side and Lichfield withstood 20 minutes of pressure as Cannock played the ball quickly around the pitch creating several chances. These chances never came to fruition though as saves from keeper Zoë Lowe and exquisitely timed tackles from the defensive line of Wilkinson, Menmuir, Gleeson and Mason saw Cannock continue to come away empty handed.

The midfield and forwards worked tirelessly across the pitch as Cannock seemed happy to play the ball around the back. Knowing this would be their game plan (Steve Wilkinson’s great wisdom….coach not previously mentioned defender) ensured Lichfield were patient and composed in their defence.

This fortitude and equanimity shown by Lichfield allowed them to hold out and begin to make more attacking efforts.  ‘Reply to All’ Milward was given space to lash the ball across the D but no one quite able to find a touch to steer towards the goal.  Gleeson in defence, replacing absent White, had an awesome game in which she snuffed out chances with ease, looking comfortable tackling and then carrying ball out of the D.  The back line should also be commended for their movement in tracking defenders, a strange forward line form Cannock who were intent on frustrating Lichfield but never quite managed it as focussed communication thwarted them. Young Turner, Rodgers, Milward and Taylor Tibbet worked as a unit well in the midfield  - the midfield also welcoming back (briefly) Sue Funghis, returning from a dislocated shoulder injury. Hoorah!

Half time 0-0 but the momentum had swayed to Lichfield. The crown began to get into the game, many never having watched a hockey game before but being given a real hockey showcase by both sides.

Green cards were shown for both sides, Taylor Tibbet for a late tackle and Cannock players – one for a diving handball save from Charlie Robinson the other for a mistimed tackle by a midfield player. 

The game became more evenly contested but with 10 minutes gone Lichfield were awarded a short corner, with recent successes improving, the mood was positive.  Ball out from Chopper Milward to Menmuir, slipped left to Nic’ long one’ George who flicked the ball with power and accuracy and the cheer across the pitch and supporters could be heard as the ball was still threatening to break through the top of the net. 1-0

The game pace increased, the quick pitch and the desire from both sides to get the result saw the ball flashing around the pitch. Cannock creating several chances but either found a defender, the keeper or poor finishing…never the backboard.

Cannock seemed to lose their way as Lichfield found their stride.  The second goal created by Menmuir whose penetrating pass cut Cannock open and found Jas Vernon unmarked on the 25yd line – she raced toward the keeper and was initially curtailed, a slight touch pushing her off right and towards the baseline, was it a bird? Was it a plane? Was it a cross? No way Jose! it was a shot and from an angle that looked impossible Vernon ‘larupped’ the ball in.  The celebrations completely worthy! 2-0

Cannock looked lost, still moving the ball tirelessly across the pitch but with no real direction and their attempts to push forward only seemed to create more gaps. Bazeley latching on well to a ball from Rodgers but only managing to find the back line.

With the Cannock crowd silenced and the Lichfield gang aroused it seemed unbelievable to see a third goal go in. Another short corner routine, this one broke down but composure saw Taylor Tibbet flash the ball across to Rodgers who struck the ball with aplomb. 3-0

The final whistle saw loud and hearty celebrations - the victory seeing Lichfield back on top by 1 point. With everything to do again next week at home v Shrewsbury , Lichfield need to bottle it, chill it and pop it back open next Saturday.  A win seeing them crowned Feeder West Champions and promoted into Division 2! 

The match reporter and captain would like to thank all those who ventured to Cannock and offered their support – it was awesome.  If anyone’s about next week??

Goal Scorers

Carol Rodgers (1)

Team

Lydia Mylward (C)
Nicola Mills
Carol Rodgers
Rae Turner
Steve Wilkinson
Zoe Lowe
Alicia White
Lawrie Gleeson
Sasha Layton