GIRLS’ FIRST TEAM FINISH THE HALF TERM ON A HIGH: 5-2 WIN AGAINST KING’S ELY
The Girls’ 1st team topped off a good first half of the season with a great win over King’s Ely. Woodbridge started strongly with India Lawson scoring the opening goal five minutes into the match thanks to Georgia Harrold’s skilful feed. But the early goal led to a slightly unguarded relaxation which allowed King’s Ely a scent of a chance which they took, punishing Woodbridge with two goals in return – once from open play and once from a penalty corner.
Half time gave Woodbridge a chance to regroup: plans were made how to deal with King’s main play maker; the press was fine-tuned; and a much more determined Woodbridge team took the field. The forwards worked incredibly well together and linked up perfectly, in particular India, Georgia and Victoria Williams. Kiya Smith showed good positional play and decision making; and Poppy Fletcher can be very proud of excellent play on debut. Woodbridge equalised early, with Victoria deflecting the ball into goal, after good play again by India and Georgia, herself on the score sheet soon after. At the other end of the pitch Woodbridge did very well to break down play, make last ditch tackles, save and clear away chances for King’s, with Joanne Garnett, Chloe Outen, Eleanor Berridge, Sophie Little and Mollie Biddle all making crucial interventions. Meanwhile in midfield Georgina Warren and Mollie Biddle were impressively influential, distributing the ball well.
With the defence secure, and with the team growing in confidence, Woodbridge killed the game off when India scored the fourth goal and Victoria followed with a fifth after a great solo effort 6 minutes from the end: a perfect pass cut through the King’s defence to find Victoria on the half way line; she wove her way past two defenders and finished with a perfectly timed strike rocketed into the back board.
The team reflected on a great win: in particular Georgia Harrold worked very hard, played an excellent match in different positions and had a hand in almost every goal; Poppy Fletcher deserves a mention for playing so well on debut, seemingly showing no nerves; Victoria Williams had an outstanding game; but it was India Lawson who was voted player of the match for a magnificent performance.
