Crystal Palace Ladies FC

The U13 Reds arrived at South Park on a bright but windy day for what is always a tricky fixture against a team which improves every time we play them. With 3 players out, but with Rebekah returning, Rick reshuffled his defence to place Emily at left back and Elizabeth in an unfamiliar right back role. The rest of the starting line up was as per normal, however without Mia Q available the midfield would need to make sure that their natural attacking desire was tempered with defensive discipline.

Despite the sunny weather there was a strong wind blowing downhill and the resent dry spell meant that the pitch was a devil to handle and CPLFC's desire to play the ball on the floor left no room for error in control, however the early part of the half saw a good chances for Rebekah and Elle narrowly missed and well saved respectively, both from forays from Mia L and Hannah Mc on the wings.

With the slope in their favour, but the wind not, throws and longer aerial balls held up significantly and at times progress was only made
through a series of throws however there were examples of good football from Shola distributing intellegently from the middle of the pitch to both Mia L and Elle.

At the back, the wind assisted clearances and high bounces did cause some excitement for Lucy, Emily and Elizabeth, but were generally
mopped up efficiently or ran through to Rebekah, resplendent in her new keeper kit.

After 20 mins CPLFC went a goal up from a similar chance as prior, with Rebekah providing and excellent corss for Elle to sweep into the bottom corner, however CPLFC were never really in control of the game as South Park's midfield were working far harder to win the ball in the first phase of play, but ultimately could not breach the CPLFC back line save from a well crafted attack that resulted in Rebekah tipping over smartly.

Rick introduced India and Maya to inject more pace into the team as the latter part of the half progessed and both worked hard to pressure South Park defence, with both coming close and also supplying Rebekah with chances which she was unlucky not convert with sharp shots on the turn.

HT 1-0

Unsurprisingly in the heat, the pace of the game slowed up and Rick began to rotate the team and positions to reduce impact of fatigue and with both teams flagging the pace of the match at time reduced to a "pre season friendly" pace, but in bursts both Maya, Mia L, Inadia, Elle and Rebekah all having chances, but in seeking out the decisive second goal, where not protecting the defence and CPLFC were luck not concede a goal having been bypassed in midfield.

In the latter 15 misn of the half, When called upon, the CPLFC did well to quell the South Park 3 man attack and Emily and Lucy began a competition as to who could win the most headers, with Emily the outright winner with a couple of "Eric The Ninja" specials whereas Lucy got caught out adjusting her ponytail as the ball plummetted towards her ...

The game finished 1-0, which was not a reflection of CPLFC's dominance in terms of chances, and the team needs to ensure that when back to full strength, they work harder in midfield to win the ball in the first phase.