Timperley Ladies 1s v Sutton Coldfield ladies 1s

5 minute game changer.
It was just a bad day – not a bad life. First home game.

Everything started with preparing the venue for Timperley’s first national league home game to Sutton Coldfield, who are a very established club within this league. The spirits were high in Timperley’s changing rooms with casual chatter until it was time to focus. The main purpose was discussed – no excuses – Timperley needed to earn their first 3 points in the League. After some inspiring words it was time for Timperley to prepare for the game.

Warm up, whistle and the game began. Sutton Coldfield started with the ball and put pressure early on Timperley’s defence. Timperley looked a little nervous and made a couple of early mistakes and the loss of positioning opened up a lot of spaces for the opposition, which gave them an opportunity to get into the D and score an early goal 10 minutes in. Timperley 0 Sutton Coldfield 1. Timperley push back, but unfortunately several reckless passes caused Timperley to lose the ball again and Sutton Coldfield took the opportunity and started another attack and scored goal 2. Timperley 0 – Sutton Coldfield 2.

Despite being 2 goals down, the ladies weren’t prepared to give up easily and award Coldfield with an easy victory. A quick set up allowed Timperley to attack, keeping the ball well and moving it across the pitch, being patient, to take the chance when it came. A goal before half time was needed for Timperley and they were starting to put pressure on Sutton Coldfield defence. After several minutes of concentration, team work and persistence Sarah Chancellor scored a very good composed goal and her first national league goal of her career, which made it Timperley 1 – Sutton Coldfield 2.

Timperley seemed to settle and looked more comfortable on the ball, there were several attacks from both teams, however both teams were struggling to find a way through the defensive units. Towards the end of the first half, Sutton applied good pressure against Timperley defence and with some great saves from Rachel Small, kept the score down, however Sutton won a short corner. This was a great opportunity for Sutton to make it 3 goals before half time. Umpire signals to play, the ball is pushed out, Timperley defence move from the goals, Sutton hit the ball, which goes towards the goals’ direction, and passes 3 Timperley ladies and a goalkeeper, and nearly crosses the goal line but Giedre Kvilonaite stops the ball and clears it. First half finished: Timperley 1 - Sutton Coldfield 2.

Second half starts and Timperley move with the ball. More concentrated and more positive, attacking down the left side and a great run from Catherine Thompson takes the ball down the back line and with a little help from Amanda, put the ball over the line early in the second half making it: Timperley 2 – Sutton Coldfield 2. The game opened up and the result was looking more likely to go with Timperley, with the pressure they applied to defence in the first 20 minutes of the second half. A couple of great opportunities, and short corners for Timperley unfortunately resulted in no conversions. Despite the pressure Sutton faced, they managed to gain control of the ball and despite Rachel Small multiple saves, Sutton took their opportunities and the next 5 minutes changed the game. Sutton scored on 56th minute, then another two making the score Timperley 2 Sutton 5. There was still 10 minutes left to play, however it looked too much for Timperley to get back into the game, as Sutton finished with a strong defensive performance, despite a yellow card being given. In the last few minutes of the game Timperley won a short corner, however didn’t convert and the game finished Timperley 2 – Sutton Coldfield 5.

Another day – another chance. Sometimes painful things can teach us lessons that we didn’t think we needed to know. In this scenario – Timperley ladies needed that lesson and they will become much quicker, much bigger and much stronger to prove that they deserve and are worthy to play in National League. Next game is away game on 7th October at Mill Farm Sports Village, Wesham against Fylde Ladies 1st.

DOD – Lomas (for being Lomas – too many faults during a day)
MOM – Alice Williams (brilliant skills and tackles!)
Match Sponsor - Helen Cue, THC Women's