21st December 2008
Radcliffe Olympic 8 - 1 Southwell United (Devils)

Well here it is football lovers everywhere... the final game of 2008 for the Blues. On the back of 4 consecutive wins confidence is high. Arriving at Bingham Road we find the Southwell players already there! These guys won last time out and are obviously up for the game today. However, it looks like they are going to only have 10 players. The Blues are told to be on top form and concentration is required from the beginning.

Kick off, we are kicking up the slope and it just goes to show one word from the coaches and... they do what they like !!!! An intercepted pass catches the defence pushing forward and a run in on goal ends with a powerful shot into the bottom left of Shannon's net. 1-0 Southwell. Will this wake up the Blues?   Yes it does...

A quality through ball from Sharmy sees Crouch shrug off the defence with her pace and bury the ball into the net. 1-1. Then a throw in from Hannah is partially cleared to Lampard who drives in a shot , deflection... Goal... 2-1 to the Blues. Southwell are not finished though and reply by hitting the post. Then...  Torres collects and shields the ball before slotting a ball for Hannah to run on to, straight in on goal, the defender does well to recover but Hannah turns and hits a left foot shot which finds the back of the net 3-1 to the Blues. Once again Southwell respond and Shannon makes a fine save to deny them. Then a Lampard corner is controlled by Sharmy before slamming in number 4. Half time 4-1 to the Blues. Good half!!!

The second half starts and staright away the Blues are on the attack, a strong run by Beth down the right finds Torres in space... a fine save by the keeper and Beth finds the side net. Shannon is called on once again as Southwell remind the Blues that they can still cause problems. Then a first for the season as Beth slides a shot into the far corner for her first goal for the Blues. After a Crouch effort is cleared off the line, a Lampard corner is crossed back into the box for Sharmy to claim her second of the day.

As time goes by both teams are trying their hardest and it's a back and forward game. Then Hannah finds a ball to give Lizzie the opportunity to drive in to the bottom corner 7-1 to the Blues. Almost full time when Keals finds a great position at the far post (not for the first time today) and despite calls of 'time' she chips it first time over the keeper and into the net. The pick of today's goals we think. Another first as Keals scores her first of the season.   8-1.

Well done to Southwell who fought valiantly throughout and never stopped trying , the keeper was very brave and had an outstanding game.   Back to the Blues and again a solid defensive display from Wigan, Sugs, Amy M and Lily W. The outstanding performer today being Lily Morton who moved from midfield to defence at half time. Captained by Shannon the girls are on a very positive run of games. An excellent end to 2008 girls, 5 consecutive wins and against some very good teams.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone.

Team: Shannon(C), Beth, Lily W, Amy M, Sugs, Hannah, Lampard, Sharmy, Lily M, Torres, Crouch

Subs (all used): Keals, Wigan

Player of the match: Lily Morton