With the 3G at Moulton we were the only top division match to be played.
Conditions at the start of the match were horrendous with gale force winds and driving rain. But to their credit the players of both sides just got on with it and played out a decent match.
Moulton were on top for the first 15 minutes culminating with Steph making a run down the left and beating three defenders, instead of shooting she unselfishly laid a pass across goal to Shannon who took a touch and saw her shot blocked by the keeper. Corby then began to find their feet and come into the match a bit more without seriously testing Harriet in the Moulton goal.
Then on 32 minutes there was a midfield melee with the ball breaking to Charlotte in an advanced midfield position. She purposefully strode forward with the ball and as the Corby keeper advanced, she lifted the ball over her and into the corner of the net for 1-0 Moulton. Six minutes later another Moulton attack saw Cat put a cross over. Steph went up for a header and as the ball broke Sarah controlled the ball in the air with her first touch and her second touch saw her volley the ball high into the top corner for a brilliant goal. 2-0 Moulton. This is usually when Moulton seem to sit back and allow the opposition back into the game. The first half ended 2-0 Moulton.
Prophecy came true. After 7 minutes of the second half an innocuous move by Corby saw their number 2 alone on the left edge of Moulton's penalty area. Without further ado she hit a first time shot, hard and low, and found the far corner of Moulton's goal and 2-1 Moulton.
Six minutes later a good move involving Charlotte, Steph and Keisha saw Steph break forward and her shot went just the wrong side of the post.
After 62 mintes Charlotte won the ball in midfield and set Steph away. Steph strode forward and with the keeper to beat, lifted the ball over the sprawling Corby keeper to restore the two goal lead for Moulton. 3-1.
A few minutes later Keisha who was having an encouraging game, linked with Steph who went forward and again narrowly missed with her shot. On 72 minutes more good work on the left from Keisha saw the start of another promising Moulton move that came to nothing. Corby had an attack on 81 minutes but the shot narrowly went past the Moulton post.
The match fizzled out a bit now and with the Moulton defence of Cat, Jade and Fi being well in control of any attacks from Corby, ably assisted by the midfield who put together a decent stint today.
Kim in the first half controlled the middle of the park, Sarah worked tirelessly as usual, Amelia, making a rare start worked her socks off and is gaining fitness each week. Sophie Gates in midfield looked the quality player that she is and Charlotte had her best game for the team and deservedly won the player of the match from Steph. Steph as always worked her socks off for the team and thoroughly deserved her goal.
Starting up top with Steph was Shannon who held the ball up well and looked a decent addition. When Antonella came on in the 2nd half she showed what had been missing recently, her passing distribution was fast and accurate and she won several challenges in midfield, well done.
Beth took up her usual defensive midfield role but managed to find time to join the attack on a few occasions. Keisha showed what we have been waiting for her to show us in a match, well done Keisha.
Harriet in goal was a bystander for much of the game but was her usual dependable self when called upon.
Signs of what we are capable of even with a weakened squad due to injuries and more unavailability. The squad really are beginning to gel. We must however finish off the many chances that we are creating. Well done Ladies, another 3 valuable league points.