Page 8 - Keynsham Ladies 2017-18

KEYNSHAM TOWN LADIES 8
Luckless Reserves rue Lady Luck
View from the dugout

Somerset Women’s League Cup
Keynsham Town Reserves 3-4 Bishops Lydeard Reserves

A frustrating game with an unfortunate defeat to a physical
Bishops Lydeard side well versed in the niggly aspects of the
game and seemingly practicing some sort of dark arts – given
the size-able ‘rub of the green’ for the third time this season!
Keynsham again had to contend with injuries, as Ellie W and
Issy N failed late fitness tests and Dani M and Emma N are
long-term absentees.
A nightmare for the team before the game, as top scorer,
Yasmin P, arrived ill and would have to start on the bench –
whilst Evie G and Zoe R carried injuries into the game and
one or two others were not feeling 100%. It seemed every-
thing was stacked against them.
Keynsham started in a 4-4-2 formation – Katie B played right
back, with Darcey B moving across to the left back position. Naomi N and Ellie G partnered at centre half.
Olivia B and Evie G formed the midfield with Ellie-May H and Elena F providing the width, Poppy L and Zoe
R spearheaded the attack, with Yasmin P and Tilly B on the bench.
In the first two encounters between the sides, Keynsham had fallen behind to a fast start by Lydeard. The
message from the coaching team before the game was that we couldn’t afford to let this happen again,
thankfully the girls responded!
Keynsham started on the front foot, pinning Lydeard back and a hooked cross by Zoe R, saw Elena F
almost beat the keeper to the bouncing ball – before an Evie G corner saw the first of many games of
pinball in the Lydeard area, with Zoe R and Olivia B both seeing efforts blocked and hacked off the line by
resolute Lydeard defending.
LEAGUE PLATE FIRST ROUND Kbut, this early pressure paid off when, in the 6 minute, Katie B won the ball and fed Ellie-May H, who
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released Poppy L, her cross saw Zoe R’s show well saved but Elena F produced a beautiful chipped finish
which kissed the underside of the bar. Exactly the start Keynsham had hoped for!
Both teams started to find a nice rhythm as the game settled into a more even affair.
The teams traded long range efforts, with Evie G coming the closest to add to the Keynsham tally.
Zoe R, Poppy L, Elena F and Evie G were causing Lydeard real problems, particularly down the left- hand
side, as Keynsham started to take more of a grip on the game.
Lydeard were reliant on the counter and almost drew level, Xanna K first making a good save, whilst a
Lydeard player fired the rebound well wide under pressure from Katie B.
Olivia B and Evie G were working hard in midfield to dominate, whilst Naomi N was marshalling the
defence superbly and Keynsham looked relatively comfortable.
Zoe R tested the Lydeard keeper with a free-kick, which was almost juggled out of play.
After a largely well controlled first 25 minutes of the game for Keynsham.
Lydeard drew level on 26 minutes – when a well worked opening - saw their striker race through, Xanna
K looked to have control of the situation, but the ball ricocheted favourable for the Lydeard striker to walk
the ball into the net. Keynsham were suddenly all over the place, in truth over-playing and rushing,
causing their own problems! – Xanna K made a good save to keep the teams level.
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Out of nowhere, Keynsham retook the lead in the 29 minute – when Zoe R’s cross-come-shot sailed over
the Lydeard keeper and nestled nicely into the top corner. Keynsham started to believe again. However,
Lydeard drew level for a second time, with another fortuitous goal, Xanna K made a great save to deny