It was a busy weekend for Phoenix this weekend, and some great and determined football. Neither of the Ladies teams lost, despite a shortage of players, and the under 13 team did not get their just deserts, despite their dominant play.

Saturday 14 March 2015

Pershore Town v Wyre Forest Phoenix

The Under 9 Girls put in another good performance with goals coming from Grace Gallagher-Kennett, Holly Durbin, and Kady McGarragh to secure another win. Player of the game went to Caitlin Anderson in her first game for us.

Droitwich Spa Ravens Girls 3 v 0 Wyre Forest Phoenix

The Under 13's dominated Droitwich from the off and had a number of chances to score within the first 20 minutes. They put good pressure on the Droitwich defence but the ball just wouldn't go in the net! Then 5 minutes before half time, Droitwich were awarded a free kick outside the area, the ball was put in the box and Phoenix turned their back on it, rather than heading it and it bounced into the net off the Phoenix defender. This was harsh, as Phoenix were the ones doing the attacking.

After half time the game began to open up as Phoenix pushed for an equaliser. Again squandered opportunities would make Phoenix pay. A Phoenix corner was not attacked and a Droitwich long ball over the top found the striker who rolled the ball past the onrushing keeper. 2-0. Phoenix continued to press and were given a penalty when the Droitwich player handled in the box. But it just wasn't to be our day as the penalty was hit straight at the substitute keeper. Phoenix lost their way after this and Droitwich added a third late on. Again a result that does not at all reflect the game.

Wyre Forest Phoenix 0 v 7 F C Reedswood

The Under 18 were at home to FC Reedswood but conceded 7 in their game.

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Sunday 15 March 2015

Midwest Counties Female Football League

Today saw WFP Ladies County play Droitwich in a double header and both games finished even. Droitwich had a number of Subs compared to Phoenix who had only ten players available.

Wyre Forest Phoenix County 1 (0) v 1 (1) Droitwich Spa Belles

During the first game, Droitwich had the best of the first and us the second. In a game of 2 halves. Droitwich’s goal came when a lapse by our midfielder, who lost the ball on the edge of our box, saw the ball hit into the bottom right hand corner to make the score 0-1 at half time. Within 5 mins of the restart we were level after a well taken penalty by Melissa Knott evened the score. 1-1 Girl of the Game was Emilia Sinden

Droitwich Spa Belles 0 (0) v 0 (0) Wyre Forest Phoenix County

Phoenix rode their luck in this game, as we entered our second one hour game for the afternoon, Phoenix, a player down, were bound to feel the pressure as legs tired. However massive credit to the to the 10 ladies who put in a stirling performance to keep a clean sheet, and press forward when possible, Battling 110% in what ultimately was over 2 hrs of football. Keeper Vicky Hyde was chosen as Girl of the Game in this one, for some excellent saves to keep us in the game.

As manager today I was really proud of the way everybody performed, the overall attitude and never say die spirit that was shown today. Next game away to Ludlow.

West Midlands Regional Women's League

Kenilworth Town 1 (0) v 4 (3) Wyre Forest Phoenix

Too many times this season WFP Ladies team have been unable to field a full team and this has resulted in our current league position, 4th from bottom. Today we travelled with 10 players to mid-table Kenilworth who beat us 5-0 in our first encounter, so we knew we were in for a tough game, and possibly nil points. The pitch was certainly not going in our favour as it was still a mud bath from all the rain.

As the whistle blew to start the game, the managers could not have been more proud of every player who turned up and played their hearts out. We had to defend well, but our counter-attacking paid off as the front two of Chelsea Mudge and Kirsty Roberts were causing havoc with the home defence, looking for the perfect pass between the defenders all the time.

On 10 minutes Chelsea received the ball on the left from player of the match and Captain, Kat Meredith, to run past her defender and cross into the box for Kirsty Roberts to smash in with her left foot.

The home side stepped up the pressure and defenders Jodi Boraston, Amy Rutland and Kelly Preece were blocking the passes and heading the crosses, and when the home side did break through, Goalkeeper Tracy Evans was picking everything up with safe hands.

On 25 minutes Kelly cleared the ball up to Mel Zaffino, who found Chelsea Mudge, who beat her defender and played a through ball to Kirsty Roberts who raced on and smashed it past the on-coming keeper.

The team were now in good spirits and were determined not to let the lead slip. On the wings, Rebecca Carter and Sadie Brown were like marathon runners, up and down the pitch tracking their opponents when defending and counter-attacking support as we turned the game over.

The home side keeper did not have the best kick and on 35 minutes one of the defenders did the goal kick. Mel Zaffino headed forward, Kirsty Roberts headed to Chelsea Mudge who took one touch on the edge of the box and turned on the volley to fire into the top right hand corner and give us the HT lead of 3-0. Never expected that!!

To be honest, the second half was always going to be difficult due to player fatigue, but the ladies continued to battle and support each other, in defence and attack. Kat and Mel in midfield constantly were there helping defenders, then clearing the ball and winning their battles. Their endurance paid off as they found a through ball to Kirsty on the right who this time delivered a perfect pass between two defenders for Chelsea Mudge to run on and place it past the keeper.

The home side were awarded a penalty later in the game, and keeper Tracy, dived the right way, but could not keep it out.

A special praise to all the team for their hard work and just rewards. And many thanks to the opposition for their respect and hospitality.