Solid performance by the swans

The Swans arrived at Cantley Park only to find the game would be subject to a pitch inspection for surface water in the goals. The goal mouths were forked and enough drainage made for our second cup match to start.
Wokingham and Embrook (W&E) are a good footballing team and they put us under pressure from kick off, but resolute defending kept them at bay. Lianna swept well behind Anna, which allowed her to be a full blooded centre half attacking space and tackling with great effect. Izzy H and Olivia were both faced with fast tricky wingers, but did enough to prevent clear cut chances. Grace and Maud were under instruction to stay deep and protect the back four; this worked well and even allowed Izzy T to distribute to Leonie, Lally and Lucy to attack for the Swans.

W & E turned up the heat as the half wore on and Lucy hurt her ankle in a goal mouth scramble. The ball then hit the net, but the ref had already blown for the foul and Courtney came on to replace Lucy.

With around 25 minutes gone the opposition right wing cut inside and Lianna was unlucky to catch her as the ball ran out but the ref awarded a penalty which was duly converted.

The Swans heads bowed only for minutes before their collective spirit and strength returned. Courtney showed her defensive and attacking prowess closing down right midfield and providing an exquisite through ball which nearly resulted in a chance in goal. The half finished with just the one goal separating the teams.

Half time saw Robyn come on for Leonie. Robyn threw herself into the battle of left midfield not shying from the physical contest that the game demanded. W&E started the half pumped up and just as our press dipped they put together a good move and scored. However, this sparked Swans to counter and Izzy T went on an awesome run forward only to be unceremoniously dumped to the ground after being fouled painfully on the ankle. Leonie came on for Izzie T. As the Swans readjusted their shape a corner was conceded, which was hit hard and low to the near post. Unfortunately, Maud’s block was a tad too glancing and it beat Serena to make it 3-0. Swan’s bad luck continued as Grace was badly fouled on her ankle and had to come off to be repacked by Lucy. The midfield was re-jigged with Lucy and Maud quickly patching things up; Lucy seemed recharged after her earlier injury and covered every blade of grass in the middle of the park.
Inevitably the disruption caused by Izzy and Grace’s injuries left us vulnerable and a fourth goal was conceded. But the Swans were in no mood to roll over, and with Izzy T’s return to the field, the girls pushed themselves hard resulting in the indefatigable Lally charging on goal only to be fouled in the penalty area. Izzy T courageously volunteered for the spot kick and rifled the ball top right to be engulfed by her team mates.
The game continued with Swans first to the ball and wanting more, but the match had run its course and the ref blew for full time.
Mick and John complimented the girls on a gritty performance full of passion and heart - they can rightly be proud of themselves.