With only a few games played this weekend, there were still some excellent results to give managers a reason to smile. One team played themselves into a Final, another progressed to the second round of their cup while the remaining two teams played excellent league games.

Saturday 7 February 2015

Wyre Forest Phoenix v Arley Kings

On a bit of a frosty day the Under 9 Girls played the return game against Arley kings. Having played them at the start of the season with them being well on top and with us having been together longer this was going to be a good game. The improvement was there to see by everyone as we matched them in every way apart from the end score line where they just edged us out by 1 goal, a major difference to the first game. Goals from Holly Durbin and Grace Gallagher-Kennett contributed and Player of the game could have gone to all the girls, but was given to Kady McGrarragh.

Kinver Colts 0 v 2 Wyre Forest Phoenix Raiders

The Under 10 Raiders extended their unbeaten league season with a 2-0 win against Kinver colts. A headed goal from Melanie Chen and a well struck effort from Rosie Lawley secured all 3 points in what was a hard fought for victory. Girl of the game went to Mollie Moore for her outstanding performance in defence.

Kewford Eagles North 0 v 1 Wyre Forest Phoenix

The Under 11’s girls were both very excited and nervous for this, the semi-final of the cup. We kicked off and with three defenders at the back we were strong, and had plenty of chances on goal too. It was looking good for us, and got what we deserved before half time, with Olivia Wood putting in a shot that took a deflection from a Kewford defender making the score 0-1. We started the second and Kewford really did come out fighting, causing us lots of problems in the defence although some vital defensive actions held our lead from Ellie Symons and Megan Hancher. There were also some great saves from our goalkeeper Amy Barnett to end the game 0-1. Girl of the game went to Ellie Symons, a unanimous decision, for her hard work and overall great performance. Well done girls, we’re through to the final, let's keep up the good work and team spirit!

Sunday 08 February 2015

West Midlands Regional Women's League Cup Round 1

Wyre Forest Phoenix Ladies 5 (3) v 2 (1) Worcester United

WFP Ladies turned up determined to get something from this Cup game as all previous encounters with the visitors had been close encounters.

Both sides started strong but this has to be one of the best displays the team has put out this season. Some great link up play was being created from defence, right through to the strikers and on 13 minutes Chelsea Mudge hit a 20yd strike into the top of the net giving the keeper no chance. 10min later and striking partner Kirsty Jones doubled the lead after Rebecca Carter ran down the right wing, crossed into the box for Chelsea to give a cheeky flick allowing Jones to latch on and smash into goal.

Worcester made a couple of changes to try and get back into the game. This paid off just before 30min when a long ball over the defence was met by Amy Summers who raced passed the defence to clinically finish and get them fired back into the game. As the game continued the defence team of Amy Rutland, Kelly Preece and Jodi Boraston, looked comfortable and in control. Captain Kat Meredith was playing a holding midfield role and was creating some great through ball passes, linking up well with Mel Zaffino and Jess Richards. Kat saw an opportunity with Chelsea, so lobbed the wall to allow Chelsea to lob the on-coming keeper for her second of the game and put the team 3-1 up at the break.

Worcester knew if they got a goal back early in the second half then they would be back in the game, and for the first 10min of the restart put on the pressure. They were awarded a free kick just outside the box which was executed perfectly by Eloise Gerhold, going over the wall into top left corner. This game was in full flow and Phoenix were looking fantastic, and at no time relaxed. Kirsty Roberts and Mel Zaffino both scored absolute screamers from outside the box to finish the game off and put us through to the Quarter finals against current league leaders Droitwich. Goals: Chelsea Mudge (2). Kirsty Jones (1), Kirsty Roberts (1), Melissa Zaffino (1).

WFP travel to Worcester on Sunday for the return leg of the league campaign and will hopefully be looking to put in the same performance and come away with 3 valuable points’