Womens Representative XI

Saturday, 11 June 2005.

News from the newly formed County Representative Squad.

Following some hard work by a small working group  from the CFA, and Active Sports we are pleased to announce that two fixtures have been arranged for the coming weeks.

The fixtures are as follows

v            Dorset FA. –  Result  Won 3 - 2

 

Wednesday 4^th May K.O 7.30pm

 

Women’s Football has gone from strength to strength in the County over the last few years and tonight was a testimony to the support the County FA gives to Women’s Football, as our Women’s Representative team took to the field in only their second match, but their first ever home match. The first being away to Middlesex in 2002.

 

Trials for the Berks and Bucks Women’s squad were held in early March when all the women’s teams in the two counties were invited to nominate players.  Twenty-two players were picked and two squads named for the match today against Dorset and a match next Wednesday against Hertfordshire at Chesham United FC (KO. 7.30pm)

 

The match got underway at Thatcham Town FC with Berks and Bucks playing the ball well with some positive passing and cross field balls.  It was against the run of play in the 13^th minute when Dorset broke away and put the goal in the back of the net.  The team kept their heads and kept playing positive football but in the 22^nd minute Dorset’s patience again paid off as they broke away and scored a second goal to go 2-0 up.

 

A substitution in the 28^th minute by manager Lisa Welling saw Ellen White step into the game, Ellen’s added pace re-sparked the team and a few good shots on target tested the Dorset keeper.  The Berks and Bucks midfield held their ground well, Cath Andrews working tirelessly to break down Dorsets attacks, a strong performance from captain Seun Odeniyi in the heart of the defence saw the ball continually swept up and played back up the field she organised youngsters Lucy Thompson and Amber Luzar admirably to prevent Sam Holloway being forced into to many saves.  The Dorset defence were being put under more and more pressure as their keeper had to make a spectacular diving save to keep out a powerful shot from Jen Ray. It was in the 40^th minute when striker Sian Williams made the break through and volleyed in a fantastic goal to take Berks and Bucks in at half time just one goal behind.

 

The second half saw both teams come out firing and the spectators were treated to some excellent football Josette Pearman was pulled slightly deeper to stifle breaking midfielders and give wingbacks Heather Mcdonnell & Pippa Allen some support. Berks and Bucks kept up the pressure in their half and 5 minutes in Allen who had worked so hard down the right took a long shot from outside the area to beat the diving Dorset keeper and level the game at 2-2.

 

Ellen White was turning heads in the crowd as well as on the pitch with her lightening pace and quick feet so it was no surprise on the hour mark when she picked up the ball from the half way line and skilfully weaving in and out of the Dorset defence cut the ball across the goal scoring in the top corner of the net.  With the score at 3-2 Dorset kept firm and turned on the pressure Captain Seun Odeniyi continued to keep a cool head at the back with Anna Stevens and Thompson picking up Dorset’s lively strikers right to the end but with the final whistle looming Berks and Bucks were still firing shots on target.  Collette Bardi performed admirably replacing an injured Jen Ray, Striker Sian Williams came close to scoring 10 minutes from time but the final whistle was blown and with the score at 3-2, a first win was recorded for the Berks and Bucks Women’s Representative team.

 

The Women’s team are playing again next Weds (11^th May) against Hertfordshire at Chesham United FC K.O 7.30pm.

 Team

Sam Holloway [Bracknell Town Ladies] Seun Odeniyi [Chesham United Ladies] Sian Williams [Chesham United Ladies] Cath Andrews [Chesham United Ladies] Jen Ray [Chesham United Ladies] Lucy Thompson [Reading Girls] Josette Pearman [Reading Girls] Pippa Allen [Reading Girls] Heather McDonnell [Chesham United Ladies] Ladies] Kayley Forsythe [Chesham United Ladies] Amber Luzar [Holmer Green Ladies] Collette Bardi [Holmer Green Ladies] Anna Stevens [Chesham United Ladies] Ellen White [Arsenal Ladies] Lucia Masella [Chesham United Ladies]

Report written by Clare Nichols

 

 

v             Hertfordshire FA – Lost 3-1

 

at Chesham United Football Club, on Wednesday 11^th May 2005, kick off 7.30pm

 

No report is available at the current time.

 

It is hoped that the team will develop, and in time mirror the full strength of football within the Berks & Bucks.