The match for Merlins Ladies 2nd team on the 3rd of October was against Aberdeen University Ladies 2nd at Countesswells. This was Merlins toughest physical challenge as the opposing team was full of young legs. However, despite this, Merlins kept strong throughout with only a few dips in energy. We had a star appearance in goals of a former GB player, Tracey Menzies. Her saves throughout were on point and her vocal coaching and advice from the back helped our defence. Unfortunately, we had a few unsuccessful attacking short corners, even after the extensive practice at training. The Uni’s first runner was speedy and caught us out; maybe more practice will be needed.
A strong start was had with solid linking passes between the defence and mid-fielders, the height of the forwards was improved on from previous matches. Around half way through the first half a goal was scored by our right forward, Isla Simpson. The Aberdeen University Ladies defence re-bounded the convincing strike Lyndsey Cackette (our captain) made for Isla to swoop in and score through the goalies legs. Soon after this goal, a technical flick was made by Lyndsey Cackette to give us a 2-0 lead. There was a moment where a third could have been scored but unfortunately Martha Douglas (substituted for Isla Simpson) hit the post with a fabulous strike.
The whistle was blown for half time and the tired legs of Merlins came off to regain some energy. From team talk, positive things were to be said, our forward pressing was strong protecting the middle of the pitch which put noticeable pressure on the Uni girls. Another positive was the open goals we had made- something which as a team we have struggled to do. We agreed to work on the movement of the ball in the attacking D to prevent the loss of the ball.
As the second half started a strong press was made by the Uni girls to bring the ball into the top left hand defence corner. Isla (now at left defence) was under pressure with 2 Uni girls defending well. With Isla’s skills, there was a great pass made to bring the ball out of that corner and down the left wing to which it was passed to the middle, with around 7 strong, amazing passes to end up with an incredible finishing goal by Martha Douglas. Zoe Richardson’s eye for the linking pass to Martha was solid and created a space for Martha to collect the ball to score. This goal showed the skill and composure of our team and represented the hard work we do at training.
With a 3-0 lead, the pace increased for Merlins and 2 more goals were scored in the space of 5 minutes of eachother. Martha Douglas, a very speedy player, dribbled the ball to the right corner of the attacking 23, passing the ball into Rachel Ni who was in the D, putting the ball in the left corner of the goal. This team work between Martha and Rachel happened again, scoring the two goals.
The last goal was made by our solid team member Jocelyn Roberts from a penalty flick. This being the 2nd flick Jocelyn has made in the past 2 games.
The final result of 6-0 was very positive and the 2nds are hoping this team spirit and hard work continues throughout the season.