Reds came out on top to earn the first points of the season.
Today was at all about the F's! ...
For the first league game of the season an away trip to Marlow was in order. As new friendships and formations formed, the ding family was ready to start the season.
Why was it all the about the F's.....
Well.... Firstly the first half was a real fumble and a tumble with Marlow piling on the pressure, meeting every first ball, and always pushing forward. Sue Newman made some fine tackles to help keep Marlow at bay, and Lauren at the back helped hold the Marlow centre forward. Marlow's fast paced and pressure led them 3-0 lead within the first ten minutes from some key movements and outfield play setups. Maddie, Amy and Harriet worked hard to move the ball forward to Blanche and Molly. So now came a first time, for the first aid kit, off went Jeanette with a torn quad..... With a couple sights on goal for Molly, it was one of those days that we wished every ball in the net.
Gabby had some great movement and strong passing down the wing, but the Marlow defence were strong. 4-0 at half time well... Let's say we felt and little flat.
A encouraging, constructive team talk gave us a new lease of life :
Forward passing, move forward and fight like troopers inspired us to go again. Some strong play from Carine in the centre and some strong work from Sarah and Sara helped us find some shape and keep moving into space and moving forward.
After another two quick goals for Marlow, Reading tried their best and a quick break and a lose ball fired through to Blanche saw a side step the keep and top of the D shot tackle the back board. Some strong movement from Gabby and direct passes into Amy and Carine showed some positive hockey.
15 mins from the end, Marlow struck 7! Piling on the pressure, Reading were not having any more and although Sarah had the first aid kit out again, we battled on.
Lots to work on - forward thinking, tracking back, first to every ball, and first to set up from set plays. Unfortunately Fran needed a bit more than a first aid kit intervention ....
MOM : Gabby