With this week being the start of the half term week, most of the youth teams were out of action. The Under 11 team played out a nil – nil thriller and the Ladies West Midlands team got a lucky seven goals.

Saturday 25 October 2014

Studley Girls 0 v 0 Wyre Forest Phoenix Girls

After playing Studley in a pre-season friendly The Under 11’s knew what to expect, and were hopeful of some more points. We were both equally matched, and was not one sided at all, with both teams having chances. We had quite a bit of possession but were not able to lay our shots off. We had some great passing going on, and some great runs from Holly Tew, Olivia Wood, Ellie Symons and Mollie Moore. Studley had a strong defence, and we were unable to beat both them and the goalkeeper. Likewise, our defence coped really well with their break away attacks, made up of Megan Hancher and Lois Lawley. We played really well and were looking strong, but unfortunately could not get anything more than a draw out of this fixture. Final score 0-0. Girl of the game went to both Megan Hancher for being as reliable as ever, and Lois Lawley for a brilliant game in a position that she wouldn't usually be in with great clearances and tackling from both of them.

Wyre Forest Phoenix Girls 2 v 4 Boldmere Falcons

The Under 18’s fell prey to Boldmere Falcons today in a fast paced game which hampered the home side's ability to control and pass. Boldmere took the lead after only six minutes when our own goal kick was headed back up field into space to place the ball home. Fortune favoured Phoenix when Caitie Haine's cross was deflected off the defender for an own goal on 14 mins. With no danger imminent, Boldmere had time to spot an attacker outside our box who fired another low shot on 29 mins into the corner for 1-2. Within two minutes of the second half, Phoenix pressed forward with Kathryn Baylis's cross fumbled by the keeper but an immediate counter saw the home side go 1-3 down after our last two defenders were beaten for pace. Phoenix pulled one back with a fine move starting at the back. Eiildh Shakespeare's pass to Molly Brookes, right of midfield, was then threaded to Kat who controlled a gentle tap in. Phoenix were finally masters of their own downfall when two consecutive miskicks on 80 mins end up in the danger area, where Boldmere's excellent number 12 gets to it first and blasts home for her fourth goal of the game. Final score. 2-4. Goals: Kathryn Baylis (1), Own Goal (1).

Sunday 26 October 2014

Midwest Counties Female Football League

Cookley Sports 3 (1) v 1 (0) Wyre Forest Phoenix Ladies County.

Today the Ladies County team played our local rivals Cookley, and with only 8 players available late on Saturday morning due to continuing injuries, things did not look good. However emergency signing two players immediately before the game and borrowing Kirsty Roberts from the West Midlands team we finally kicked off with 11. There was no shape to the team at the start and no communication. We continued to try and play our natural game but it was not working. Cookley raided down the right wing and the winger sent a great cross to the far post for their on-coming left sided attacker to half volley it into the net. We were again 0-1 down and kicked off, we were starting to get ourselves into the game a bit more, as the new players settled, but couldn’t get the equaliser to reach halftime 1-0. We were getting to grips as the second half started, the game on a more competitive level, there was little in it as we matched Cookley in all departments, but in what was really against the run of play Cookley scored a second with a great shot over debutant keeper Nancy Stringer leaving her no chance. This spurred us on and within 10 mins were awarded a penalty which Mellissa Knott stroked into the net. We continued to push forward to get the leveller but were again caught with a counter attack. Despite our attempts to get back into the game we couldn’t get another goal to give a to give a final score 3-1. Goal: Melissa Knott.

In summary not a bad effort today with new players in the side, praise to Nancy Stringer who playing in goal on her debut was given the girl of the game by the opposition. Also to Welcome to Natasha Cweitkow returning after 4 years, and Rachael Flynn playing her first game, having been out with a back injury since pre-season. A big Thank you also to Kirsty Roberts who did us a big favour by foregoing her game with the West Midlands team to help us out.

West Midlands Regional Women's League

Home Wyre Forest Phoenix Ladies (7) v 0 Studley Women

WFP Ladies picked up their second win of the season as they took on Studley Women. Both teams turned up with 11 players so fitness was always going to be an issue as the game went on.

After narrowly missing a result the previous week against table leaders Rubery, the team were in good spirits and certainly did not disappoint. Sadie Brown got two goals, Heidi Mitchell, Chelsea Mudge and Mel Zaffino all got on the score sheet. Studley were unfortunate during the game as they conceded two own goals in their attempts to clear out of their own box.