1XI vs Plymouth Marjon 2

Our last super, super early start game (thank goodness) on Plymouth Derby day against Marjon 2s - and we got a kit delivery! After admiring ourselves in our new shirts (Michelle spilling coffee on her's within 5 mins), we jumped into a warm up and got ready and raring to go.

We’ve been building up over the past few weeks, steadily improving and getting used to a new formation and new combination of players. With positive intent, we started the first half with some good play building up to some attacking chances. Setting the press was effective, with the Marjon centre back looking exasperated when taking free hits; having to resort to playing the ball out wide, or some crash balls through our players. A Liv cross into the D to Tori saw her take a first touch shot at goal, which sped past the keeper but unfortunately hit the right post and pinged back out of the D at equal speed.

Marjon settled into the game, and started utilising short passes to work their way up the pitch. Our defence held stayed calm and collected, making some well timed tackles to keep them at bay. Tori shadowed one of the nippy Marjon runners all the way along the baseline, for an epic Ffi block tackle knocking the stick out of her hand. Ffi did end up on the floor, and was surprised with where her legs ended up!

Unfortunately during this half, we did concede a goal. I’m going to be honest lads, I was on the sideline and not looking. But I was told it was a Hannah Smith goal, and I’m sure it was very nice, but we don’t need to give it too much attention.

Half time was called, and Hussey told us all to give Marjon less space on the ball, and give them less respect. Our defence and midfield did just that, with Katie keeping Jackie Daw at bay down the wing, and Kirsten not letting Hannah Smith out of her sight. Helen, Hattie Michelle found more space in this half, allowing them to pass forward to Dee, Kat and Liv. To let everyone have a bit of a rest at this point, Liv headbutted a player (you’re welcome). Not to be outdone, Tori followed suit and headbutted a cross ball from Dee into the goal. Despite some stellar acting to claim it came off her stick, Fish was having none of it, and she was rewarded with a forehead lump only.

Marjon openly admitted that they had no idea what to do to keep Dee out of the game, she sped all over the pitch and created a lot of opportunities. One such run saw a cross into Kat in the D who got a touch allowing Liv to slip the ball past the keeper’s stick. 1-1 and we were back in the game! 

Lots of encouragement from Hussey and Cathan, and the rest of the supporters that had gathered, we had 5 minutes to go but continued to run our legs off. Queue another run from Dee, passing the ball forward to Kat just outside the D. She took it inside, taking a shot that sailed (in slow motion) past the keeper’s head and into the top right corner of the goal. It was EPIC!

Heads switched on for the last few minutes, and we held the Marjon attack at bay to win 2-1! 

Player votes went to Liv, Hattie, Michelle and Kirsten, but Kat took the prize for top notch attacking play and the awesome winning goal.

I’d like to pretend that the votes for Donkey were evenly spread…but they were not. Michelle took donkey for turning up half cut, spritzing herself with Chanel before leaving to house in what can only be described as the classiest pre-match ritual, spilling coffee on herself and stacking it during the game. I’m sure she’s looking forward to Jess’ return next week! 

All in all, a fab game and we were buzzing to take our first win in the brand new kit! 

Ps I didn’t proof read this soz.