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1st Game: Home to Liverpool Hope

Date: 25th October 2006

Kick Off: 2.00pm

As Lancaster kicked off their first home game of the season it was expected that the side would carry on their winning form of the previous week and make an impression on Liverpool Hope. Lancaster started with a change in formation, starting with a 4-4-2 format rather then the formation used in the previous game 3-5-2. There were a few minor adjustment made to the team to conform to the new formation, but the starting eleven was mostly the same.

The whistle was blown and the first half began, from this point Lancaster struggled to involve themselves in the match and remained on the back foot for the majority of the first half. Liverpool Hope consistently pushed on the Lancaster defense and completely disregarded Lancaster with their strong forceful passes and linked runs. Within 11 minutes Liverpool were winning by two goals to nil. The second goal scored by Liverpool Hope resulted from a penalty kick. Katie Perry, the Lancaster goalkeeper, dived the right way but was a few inches from stopping the shot.

Lancaster at this point could have easily been three goals down. In the opening minute of the game Liverpool went straight for the kill and a mixture of clever runs and strong passes resulted in a goal, however the goal was deemed offside by the officials and the reality for Lancaster was to compose themselves.

Up until the 30th minute, Lancaster appeared to be a weaker side. The only real attack they had on the Liverpool goal was struck by Sue Wynes and unfortunately this hit the post. However, for the last fifteen minutes of the first half Lancaster organized themselves and started to work together. This resurgence of team spirit did not stop Liverpool Hope scoring on the 44th minute, making the half time score 0-3.

The whistle was blown and half time was indicative of resolving the problems, after team talks and re-hydration the second half commenced. It soon became apparent that Lancaster were making something of the game and Liverpool were being pushed further and further back into their own half, their attacking runs were being held by the Lancaster defense and Liverpool became less poised on the ball. Much of the play in the second half was now shared, Lancaster were showing the quality of football they could play and Liverpool started to struggle with this new found push.

This resurrection of talent in the second half was awarded with two Lancaster goals, both of which were scored by Jenny Murphy. Jenny was awarded Woman of the match due to her brilliant contribution. By the end of the match the tables had turned and Lancaster looked a completely different team; a team that could have easily won the match if they had played in their customary style in the first half. The match itself was very gritty and highly fought out. The final score ended up 2-3. This match was team building for Lancaster; we now look forward to the next match where this can be practiced further.