Page 3 - Keynsham Town Ladies v Cardiff City 260821

KEYNSHAM TOWN LADIES 3

Manager’s Notes

Having had a very good and professional start to the season
with the 2-0 home win over London Bees two weeks ago, we
then faced them away last Sunday and let ourselves down badly.

We were undone by player availability. Already without key
signing Laura Williams due to a recurring injury and Ellie Curson
for personal reasons, we found that another four players could
not travel. Charlotte Haynes’ work pattern is a known factor,
but we were also without Corinne Yorston, Jade Munro and
Justine Lorton who could not travel.

We had a very makeshift side and I would not criticise any of
them for their performances. We played Kerry Walklett as a
second striker and Natalia Bak and Lily Withers from the
Academicals both started. There was playing time also for
Emma Norris and Amy McCorkell two more of our talented, but
very young, Academicals side. We also gave a debut to young
16-year-old Bristol City goalkeeper, Erin Foley. The back line further featured Lorna Coates
from our Reserve squad, who played despite being unwell on the day.

We went a goal down early on, but levelled with an excellent free kick from Kerry Walklett.
Then with a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, Kerry Bartlett hit the post. They say that
goals change games and that was a turning point as we continued to concede at regular
intervals thereafter.

No doubt it was frustration that led to two bookings for captain Rachel Cullen and Nadine
Grogan, who also hit a post. The real disappointment is that with a full strength side, we
could have come away with something and it is occasions like that which will be very
unhelpful at the end of the season when so many teams can be relegated.

The programme today has the Reserve team’s fixtures and like the Academicals, their
season starts on the 5th September. There are plenty of gaps in the calendar for both of
these teams although Cup fixtures will no doubt help to fill some of the gaps.

Our visitors this evening are Cardiff City, against whom we have taken only a few points
over the years. Probably still our nearest local derby, even after Yeovil’s relocation to
Bridgwater. Moreover, they have a few of our ex-players
to add a little spice to the game. We know how difficult
the traffic can be in the evenings from Wales and trust
their journey is without incident.

Our next fixture will also be testing, which will be on
Sunday 29th August, when our visitors will be Plymouth
Argyle.