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If it were a boxing bout - we'd have won on points

February 06 2010 | Ladies 1st XI vs Burton | 2-3 Lose

Needing a huge performance after last week's blip against Belper, Lichfield didn't fail to lift their game - however it just wasn't enough as they were punished clinically for errors.

The game was due to be a hard fought battle -  a tactical game of chess had evolved after Coach Wilkinson changed the Lichfield set up to ensure that the previous meeting result between these two would hopefully be a different one.

With Menmuir playing sweeper higher up the pitch, Lichfield hoped to snuff out passes from the back and apply early pressure to a well organised Burton unit. 

The game was progressing well with Lichfield having a great deal of possession and when not in possession, they managed to pin Burton into their own half - causing them to make errors when moving the ball around.  A short corner strike from Menmuir was well saved by the grounded keeper and Lichfield continued to press.

A long ball that sycthed through the midfield was met by a Lichfield defender but an awkward bobble allowed the Burton forward to pounce, striking the ball past the outstretched knee and arm of the Lichfield keeper.

Although an undeserved lead for Burton, they began to play with greater confidence and Lichifeld found themselves on the ropes as an error by the Lichfield captain and keeper Zoe Lowe allowed Burton to score their second. Another long ball headed towards the D - the Burton attacker bearing down on the keeper should have created no problem - a clearance left or right was all that was needed - unfortunately the ball landed straight at the attacker who took the ball right and reverse stick, made no mistake.

Lichfield had been punished for mistakes but were fully aware of their strength in the game. the work rate of players across the pitch was immense.  As Burton played the ball methodically around the back line - Lichfield held firm and produced a magnificent unit performance.

Early in the second half Lichfield were rewarded for their efforts. Menmuir passed out to Mills to Leach to Sasha Layton to stroke home. 2-1

With the bit between their teeth Lichfield continued to press and had several chances but failed to get the ball over the grounded keeper on a couple of occasions.

Lichfield's second goal was finished well by Rodgers who tidied up after the ball bobbled around in the D.  It looked like Lichfield would get the draw but continued to fight for the win. For only the 4th or 5th time in the game, Burton found themselves in the Lichfield D and a well taken reverse stick clipped shot found its way looping into the top left corner of the Lichfield goal.  Although the ball struck a foot, it wasn;t seen and Lichfield's hopes were dashed.

2 lessons learned today. 1. Avoid mistakes. 2. Lichfield have the strength, belief, tactics and team performance capable of beating any team in this league.

Goal Scorers

Carol Rodgers (1)

Team

Lydia Riley (C)
Jessica Taylor-Tibbott
Lawrie Gleeson
Carol Rodgers
Steve Wilkinson
Alicia White
Rae Turner
Susan Leach