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If
at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! This was indeed the
case for the Lido Ladies this season. After a long run of
devastating, demoralising defeats, the Ladies managed to pull a
victory out of the hat – even if it was only by one goal, a win
is a win.
The
Ladies had already played Bridgend twice this season – once in
the League and once in the cup, losing both games. But this time,
Lido were adamant they would win another game this season, come
what may. Spirits even before the game in the changing room were
high. Something was different
New
coach John had made some unexpected changes to the side putting
Steph Cook upfront with the regular Aimee Bowditch, and moving
Stacey Harris to left back (a position lost on her at first!)
Lido
were still carrying injuries but the character of the team proved
too much for Bridgend. Lido played the first half like a
top-of-the-table team, showing what true class the team can really
have at times. After all, this was the first time in a good few
matches where the squad fielded 11 players!
Kirsty
Pratt opened the scoreline with a devastating blast to the top
right corner of the Bridgend net. A fantastic effort for someone
with dislocated toes... Steph Cook then took the lead up to 2 nil
at half time after some brilliant carefully-played teamwork, with
all 11 players taking some part. Rebecca Owen managed to control
the back line to catch Bridgend out on quite a few offsides.
At
half time the Lido Lovelies were up 2 nil, a situation they
hadn’t experienced since ‘back in the day.’
In
the second half, Lido remained the team on top and were constantly
on the attack. They were unlucky however when on the counterattack
Bridgend managed to pull one back in the form of a bullet to
bottom corner courtesy of their number 7. Lido were also
threatened constantly by their fast centre forward but the skill
and guile at the back was enough to keep the lead.
The
only disappointing point of play came at 87 minutes into the game
where right-wing, lightening fast Tina Ellis was physically jumped
upon and struck repeatedly by a few of the Bridgend girls. This
summed up their team’s frustration. The fight was broken up by
the intervening Lido girls who had to pull 2 of the Bridgend girls
off Ellis. The ruckus may be examined further.
On
a good note however, the Ladies won their second match of the
season and hope this momentum carries them through to a win over
Pontardawe next Sunday. (I don’t know this may be the
celebratory alcohol talking…) And thanks again to those who came
to watch the match, the support is much appreciated!
Stacey
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