People say you should never go back and manage your old club. Just look at Jose Mourinho, sacked after a season of winning the title! Would I suffer the same fate? The pressure was certainly on to come back from Ellesmere with a result.
We should have taken full advantage that Ellesmere were not able to field a goalkeeper but they broke down our defence in the early stages to score the first goal! Their girls were looking confident. Our girls sadly seemed shell-shocked, with first match nerves clearing showing.
Ellesmere went to score the 2nd in the first quarter, oh dear! A quick team chat and change to the team and we started the second quarter. Ellesmere seemed well organised passing the ball quickly and broke down our defence again and again. Half time we were 0 – 4. Right what would any good manager do? Change the system of course! Three in defence, tw midfield and one forward; it was all about damage control for the second half.
The Adcote girls certainly did, with April Wenlock in defence supporting Grace Parker and Amelia Livermore in midfield and Hattie Candler upfront, the girls were creating chance after chance. Wow! Finally Hattie managed to sneak a goal, heads now slightly up. The second goal came not long after from Amelia Livermore. The girls ended the 3rd quarter ‘buzzing’ and now having some belief they could win.
Manager Randhawa’s return looking at little more promising (Phew). The final quarter underway, butterflies in my stomach. A draw would be good at this stage. Our girls certainly gave it their all, with shots from Grace, Amelia and Hattie,
Emilia Blackwell now pushed forward too, whilst Jasmine Wenlock was our rock at the back. Hattie netted her 2nd goal of the match and we went to 3 – 4. With minutes left we were on the attack, Grace crossed the ball, but it was cleared.
Sadly it was not meant to be our first win on this occasion, but the girls were truly amazing and showed grit and determination after the uncertain start. Well done girls.
Categories: Resilience