adverts

9th Game: Home versus UCLAN

Date: 7th February 2007

Kick Off: 2.00pm

Another week and yet again LUWFC were at the mercy of Mother Nature as their all important match against UCLAN had to be reorganized as away fixture due to frozen pitches at LAncaster. Baffled by the fact that this game was not cancelled? Yes, so was the football team. Preston is a mere half and hour away and despite it being known for its sunnier climates, it too had frozen pitches. However Lancaster pulled out all the stops for this game and was determined to win it.

The match started at a high pressure and never decreased. From the off Lancaster showed that they were in this for victory and nothing less. After suffering a humiliating defeat to UCLAN two weeks prior, the Lancashire ladies were in good form, wanting the ball and coordinating themselves well. This desire pushed them to score the first goal, a fabulous move from Sue Wynes gave Lancaster the lead.

However it was not the first goal that mattered so much, rather it was more about how Lancaster would deal with the reaction of a very organized, hard working UCLAN side. Lancaster remained consistent and continued to play some lovely football. However against play, UCLAN were able to make a move which resulted in a goal.

Lancaster reacted immediately and affectively and pushed forward once more. Both teams were competing heavily and the drive was phenomenal. Just before half time, the situation turned for Lancaster as UCLAN were awarded a penalty. The Lancaster defender and midfielder involved in the penalty were baffled by this decision but the referee stood firm and remained resolute on his decision.

The penalty was taken and scored resulting in UCLAN taking the lead, although this did not reflect the game as it was very much level to this point. The half time whistle blew and both teams went off for team talks and drinks.

The second half started in the same vain as the first, Lancaster were pushing forward in great style and UCLAN had to rely heavily on their defenders and goalkeeper to ensure Lancaster did not equalize. After approximately fifteen minutes into the second half Lancaster made a tactical substitution introducing Rachel McKinley an attacking player in exchange for a more defensive player.

This substitution made an immediate impact and within seconds of Mckinley stepping on the pitch Lancaster had scored, courtesy of Sue Wynes. The game continued with Lancaster pushing forward, there were a few occasions when UCLAN stepped back up however Ali??? the Lancastrian keeper made some awesome saves to keep UCLAN out.

The overall performance of the team was fantastic, playing brilliant football and working as a unit. The team managed to revenge their 5-1 defeat and now it is on to Sunday where the team has to battle for their place in the national competition. Knockouts here we come.

Player of the match was Emma Kevin, voted by the majority of her peers after a sterling performance.