Wildcats Match Reports 2010/11

25/09 Walbottle (Home)
02/10 Longhouton (Away)
09/10 Wylam (Home) 
16/10 Newbiggin Hall Allstars (Home) 
06/11 Longhoughton (Home) CUP
13/11 Walbottle Girls (Away)


Bedlington Town Wildcats 10 v Walbottle Girls 0
13 November 2010. Match day reporter - Jim Jones

Here we go again, another Saturday of Wildcats watching on a breezy but mild day with the sun low in the sky and with a slight cross wind. Conditions were good enough to encourage a fast flowing game where skill and control would be very important against a team we had defeated fairly easily at the end of September, but who had managed to score three of the four goals we had conceded in the league so far this season.

If Walbottle were able to show the same attacking flair, we would need to be very careful right throughout the team if we were going to maintain our 100% record for the season; Mazie was not available for the game, but the rest of the squad were eager to put this record to the test once again.

Monty called the girls together after warm up and encouraged them to enjoy the game, but to remember to keep their shape, play the ball to feet and close down when not in possession of the ball, and after observing a period of silence for Remembrance Week, (which both teams fully respected) he sent out the girls for the first quarter.

Q1

Moley took her place in goal with Caz and George in front of her and Ellie at the top of the defensive diamond. Erin and Bella played right and left wing respectively and Lauren played as central attacker, with Alice sitting out the first quarter.

We kicked off and made our intentions clear within the first few seconds when good wing play from Erin saw her find Lauren whose powerful shot was pushed away for an early corner. Walbottle managed to clear the corner and enjoyed their first attack which was comfortably defended and played forward with accurate passing movements to Lauren who took a snap shot on target which hit the goalie (who seemed to know very little about it) and bounced away to safety. We were soon in the lead however when Ellie found Lauren on the right wing and her accurate shot was diverted into the net by a Walbottle defender.

It was not long before we were able to increase the lead when a Moley kick was pushed out for another corner from which Ellie found the back of the net with a great strike for her first goal of the season.

We were already well on top and were winning most of the loose balls, and as we were almost camped in the Walbottle half of the field, this enabled Ellie to play further forward than normal to increase the pressure on the Walbottle Girls goal.

Lauren was not having the best of luck when she again hit the 'keeper with a shot and after latching on to the rebound, saw this attempt hit the goal post. We were playing some very good passing, flowing football right throughout the team, and even at this early stage, it did not seem as though our unbeaten record would be under serious threat. It was most encouraging to see the girls play football right from the back. Moley would find either Caz or George with a gentle throw out and our defenders were able to carry the ball forward, drawing Walbottle players before finding our own forward players with accurate passing, leaving the forwards to swarm in on the Walbottle goal. It was great to see this level of confidence right through the team, and it was a little disappointing when the whistle blew to end the quarter with the Wildcats thoroughly deserving their lead of 2 - 0

Q2

Monty allowed two girls to rest this quarter, as Walbottle were short handed, so Lauren and Ellie sat out. Moley remained in goal with Caz and George in front of her. Erin took Ellie's place with Alice and Bella up front.

The score board was soon ticking over again when Alice picked up a ball from the Walbottle goalkeepers clearance, and was able to find a clear path to goal and shoot past the 'keeper for a well taken goal.

We were still managing to control the game at six a side, and were intelligent enough to play the ball back to defenders and midfielders when there was no direct route to goal. This enabled us to create space nearer to the opponents goal and to continue to attack in numbers.

Lauren and Bella swapped as we looked to add to our score, and a rare Walbottle attack was well dealt with by Caz and George to get us back on the front foot again. Lauren gathered a clearance and fired a shot back at the Walbottle goalkeeper who was able to make a save and was then relieved to see another Lauren shot from a goalmouth scramble end up in her hands. We continued to pound the Walbottle goal when Erin got the ball to Alice who hit the post again before the ball was cleared. We did manage to increase the score shortly afterwards however as Alice fed Lauren who had yet another shot saved but the ball fell to Erin who was able to slot it home, when any one of three Wildcats forwards could have scored.

We reached half time with the score at 4 - 0, but the rampant Wildcats could have been much further ahead but for the intervention of the woodwork and some good goalkeeping.

Q3

Having scored goal number four, Erin was rested for the third quarter and Lauren took over in goal from Moley. Caz and George stayed where they were and Ellie returned to what was centre midfield rather that in the defensive diamond. Bella and Alice were to provide the speed on the wings with Moley taking over as centre forward.

Goal number five came early in the quarter, and what a goal it was as Alice picked up the ball in her own half and waltzed her way through any number of opponents before slotting the ball into the net for a fine individual goal.

Alice almost became a provider when her right wing cross was just in front of Moley when any connection with the ball would have seen it end up in the net. Moley and Alice combined again to provide an opportunity for Bella who hit the ball past the goalkeeper for goal number six. Bella then almost turned provider when she slipped down the left wing and crossed for Moley who saw her shot go just wide of the post. We were then presented with an action replay of this move with Moley's shot again just wide, but Moley was not to be denied when Alice fought for and won the ball on the right and found Moley who was able to find the back of the net this time, and the Wildcats took their score to seven without reply.

As we were back to playing with seven players for this quarter, we were able to keep our shape very well, and although the game was well won we needed to make use of the opportunity to play as a team in the formation we would need to use for the rest of the season. We needed to keep our discipline and play as a team rather than a group of individuals, and we were doing this very well indeed.

Alice was again unlucky when her shot hit the goalkeepers knee and bounced clear, but the final score of the quarter came when a speculative shot from Bella was fumbled by the Walbottle 'keeper and crossed the line for our eighth goal of the game.

Another quarter came to an end with Wildcats still working very hard for each other and controlling the play for almost all of the game, although it must be said that the Walbottle girls never let their heads droop and stuck to their task very well.

Q4

Bella took time out this quarter with Caz taking over for a rare spell in goal, with Ellie and George providing the protection and Erin resuming in centre midfield. Alice and Lauren were the speedsters on the wings and Moley continued at centre forward.

Not surprisingly, the same pattern of constant attacking continued in this final quarter and we were soon to witness what was probably Moley's best goal, when she gathered the ball and seemed to go too far to the right of the goal, but she turned and fired a fierce shot into the net for goal number nine.

We kept pounding away at the Walbottle goal with shots from Alice and Lauren unable to find the net. Our forwards were finding it very easy to pick their way through defenders for a sight at goal, and Alice hit the post again after a strong run down her wing, but she was to get her reward after she hit a shot into the net after Lauren had hit the 'keeper again with yet another great attempt.

As the game was coming to an end, Bella took over from Moley, and we continued to motor forward almost continuously, prompted by Erin and supported by Ellie and George. When we were running at the Walbottle defence we were attacking in numbers and with speed, accuracy and precision. It was great to see the way the girls were continuing to work hard and take the game to our opponents although they were defending deep and still fighting even at this late stage in the game. We hit the post twice in very quick succession, but Walbottle deserved this bit of luck for their commitment.

The game ended with Wildcats winning 10 - 0

The only team member not to get a mention in this quarter was Caz, because she did not even get a goal kick to take never mind having to make a save. This is testament to the way the Wildcats played throughout the game and not just in the final quarter.

Wildcats supporters were able to go home very pleased with the way their team had performed. We were solid at the back, fluid in midfield and impressive going forward. Keep up this standard girls and you will get the rewards your play deserves.

Girl of the game was Alice again and Managers girl of the game was awarded to Moley

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Bedlington Town Wildcats 5 -v- 1 Longhoughton
6 November 2010  -  Match day reporter  - Jim Jones

Every Wildcat player was available for this game on a sunny Saturday morning with little of no wind, making it almost perfect for a game of football. Today's game was the first in defence of the cup we won last year when we were playing on grass pitches. We now needed to do the whole thing again on the plastic surfaces at Complete Football.

We have shown good form on plastic this year, winning each of our games, (including the previous meeting with our opponents of today) so we were able to start the game with the confidence that our season so far had enabled.

After warm up, Monty gave his usual instruction to the girls to get out on the pitch and enjoy their football, but to work hard to ensure a good result.

Q1

Erin and Alice took their turn on the side line as Monty sent out the following team :-
Moley was in goal with Caz and George in their usual positions at the back and Ellie at the front of the defensive diamond. Mazie and Bella were wide right and left with Lauren up front. Bella was captain for the day as we kicked off and immediately took the ball into the Longhoughton half of the field.

Our first attack came to nothing however and Longhoughton retaliated with an attack of their own, producing a good shot on target from wide right, but Moley was up to the task and saved well.

It was a very interesting start to the game with some end to end play, but we looked to have the better of the chances one of which Bella hit just wide of the goal from her position on the left, then Lauren fought for and won the ball in mid field and produced a well struck shot from wide right this time, but it was pushed away for a corner. We looked to have the beating of the Longhoughton defence at this stage, even though they were certainly better organised and stronger than they were on our last meeting.

With more and more possession, we were playing much further up the pitch, which gave Caz the opportunity to shoot from distance. George and Mazie combined  with good control and passing skill, but they just could not find a Wildcat forward to round off the good approach play. Although we were playing into the sun which was fairly low in the sky, and we were showing great fight throughout the team and playing some very attractive football, we still needed to turn this advantage into goals. This however we were unable to do and the quarter drew to a close with no score.

Q2

Erin replaced Ellie at the front of the diamond with Moley, Caz and George behind her, Lauren moved over to wide right as Mazie was due a rest, to let Alice take her place as Centre Forward, leaving Bella in her usual place on the left wing.

Longhoughton changed their goalkeeper for this quarter, and it was not long before she was picking the ball out of the back of the net after good work by Alice enabled Bella to fire in a shot which was poked home by Lauren at the far post. It might have been a bit scrappy, but it was well deserved nevertheless.

Our three forwards were causing the Longhoughton defence no end of problems, and an Alice run and pass found Lauren, whose shot was deflected for a corner which found its way to Bella but her volley was just past the post. Bella produced another good effort when George found her with a pass up the left wing and her far post shot was well gathered by the Rangers 'keeper.

Hard work by Erin in midfield set up another scoring opportunity without success, but the Wildcats supporters were sensing that a further score was not far away. This score came when a Lauren throw found Bella, who had plenty of time to take the ball forward and slot it past the advancing goalkeeper for number two to the Wildcats. Bella was again involved in a bizarre episode which saw her fierce shot hit both posts but very unluckily did not cross the line.

Bella was to get her reward shortly afterwards however when she gathered the ball from a cleared corner and beat the goalie with a shot into the roof of the net to take the score to three nil which was a decent reflection of the game so far.

We were prepared to work hard for our possession and continued to press the Rangers goal. Caz found Lauren up the right wing and she won a throw, which was eventually fielded by the Longhoughton goalkeeper whose kick was well anticipated by Alice and she was able to gain a corner for her efforts. The corner kick which Alice took herself, found Lauren who was able to turn, shoot and score. The attacking play was maintained for the remainder of the quarter and the whistle blew with a very comfortable 4 - 0 score line in favour of the Wildcats.

Wildcats supporters had witnessed some very good, powerful and skill-full teamwork, and this, matched with hard work and enthusiasm had reaped its reward.

Q3

Monty was still looking for more from the girls, pushing them to even greater efforts. 'work your socks off, close down opponents and move the ball around the pitch quickly to feet'

Bella and Moley took their turn to rest this quarter, with Lauren taking over the goalkeeping duties again, protected by Caz and Erin at the back with Ellie fitting in to her usual front diamond position. Alice slotted in at centre forward with Mazie providing the width on the right and George moving forward to the left wing.

The quarter started with some interesting end to end football, but there were very few times when Wildcats supporters were overly concerned as our girls seemed to have the game under control and the team were playing with confidence.

The end to end stuff continued: Lauren sent a clearance to Alice who won two throw ins but we were unable to take advantage: A Longhoughton attack was cleared first by Caz and then an Ellie header set up another attack which ended with a Mazie shot just past the post; Rangers were back in our half again, but excellent passing play out of defence by Erin and Ellie thwarted another attack; Mazie pressure down the right gained a corner but again it was cleared; Rangers produced a good attack but their final shot was just past our post (although Lauren had it covered).

The quarter ended without any change in the score line. We had seen some interesting football played by both teams with plenty of hard work especially in mid field, and while this was definitely Longhoughton's best period of the game, we were still comfortable on the ball and did not look in danger of conceding a goal.

Q4

Caz and Lauren could now do a bit of keepy upy on the sidelines, as Monty sent out the following team for the last quarter. Moley took over in goal again, with Alice and George defending and Ellie in front of them. Mazie and Bella were to provide the width for Erin who took over the centre forward spot.

Within the first few minutes however, Monty changed the formation with Ellie reverting to right defence, Erin taking over at the front of the diamond and Alice going back to centre forward, which produced a much more balanced set up. This change of formation had an almost instant impact when good intelligent defensive work from Ellie, George and Erin provided Alice with a clear run on goal, and she made no mistake with her shot, leaving the 'keeper with no chance as the Wildcats increased the lead to 5 - 0.

More clever interplay between George, Mazie and Erin enabled Alice to shoot on goal, but this was well saved. Mazie then won a corner on the right after showing a determination not to be knocked off the ball, the resulting kick found Bella but she was unable to take advantage.

We were playing with a lot of confidence, and it was going to take something quite special to score against us, but this something special happened when a Longhoughton player gathered the ball in midfield and thumped a long range shot past Moley who had no chance at all. Spectators from both sides applauded this strike and rightly so. Good as the goal was, it would have little effect on the result of the game as Wildcats were leading 5 - 1 with only a few minutes to go.

Bella almost got the hat trick she deserved when, following clearance from a Rangers corner, she gathered the ball and hit a fierce shot against the cross bar, and then hit the side netting with another attempt.

Lauren was sent on for Mazie in the last few seconds but there was no further score and the Wildcats progressed into the semi final of the cup with a very satisfactory final score of  5 - 1

Monty was very pleased with the performance of the girls today, describing it as outstanding. The forward play was fast and incisive, we were solid defensively and the midfield battled hard for possession and made good use of it.

Many, many thanks girls for another Wildcats victory and we can now look forward to the semi final round of the cup. Two more wins in this competition and we will have won the first piece of silverware of the season so keep up the good work. Next weeks game is a noon kick off against Walbottle Girls.

Girl of the game was awarded to Alice (again!!!!!)
Managers girl of the game was Bella for her hard work and captains performance.

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Bedlington Town Wildcats 3 -v- 1 Newbiggin Hall Allstars
16 October 2010  -  Match day reporter  - Jim Jones

After our excellent performance last week, we had the opportunity to take this form into our game with Newbiggin Hall, (re-christened Allstars from last season) to try to record our first win against them on the plastic surface. To be fair, last season we were unlucky to be beaten by Newbiggin Hall when we met them with a depleted team playing six against seven, but were well beaten in the return match.

There was a chance before the match that we would only have seven players as Alice was not available and Ellie was poorly, but she felt well enough on the morning and wanted to play so we would be able to rest someone each quarter.

Before kick off, Monty got the girls together and reminded them that in each of the matches so far this season, they had improved and were feeling more at home on the plastic pitches. The important thing to remember was to enjoy the game and to remember that we were still playing friendly matches until Christmas (except for a cup game against Longhoughton on 6th November)

Q1

Caz was the first to stay on the touch line, but was asked to be ready to come on for Ellie if necessary. The starting line up had Moley between the sticks with Ellie and George defenders and Erin at the front of the defensive diamond. Mazie and Bella were wide with Lauren up front.

Newbiggin kicked off on a sunny early afternoon with a slight breeze, but we were soon in possession of the ball and attacking as usual when Lauren had her first run at goal following a George free kick, but she was not able to take advantage of the opportunity. We were seeing some good positive football from both teams but Wildcats were having the better of the attacking play and looked to have the edge at this early stage. Even though we were attacking more, every player needed to be switched on as the goalkeepers were easily able to launch the ball into the opponents half of the pitch from their own goal areas.

Lauren again tested the Allstars defence with a hard shot from distance which was luckily cleared over their own bar by the Newbiggin defenders, and the a very positive Mazie run and shot was almost spilled by the Newbiggin 'keeper with Lauren following up for any rebounds, but the ball was gathered just in time to prevent another attempt at goal.

In their first real attack, Allstars had a good attempt flash past the Wildcats far post and out for a goal kick. This was a fairly isolated attack and we were soon back on the offensive when a Bella cross from the left almost found Lauren, and then the breakthrough we deserved came following a move started by George who passed to Erin who in turn found Lauren in front of goal and she was able to open the scoring with a well placed shot.

The opening goal spurred Newbiggin on a bit and an attack by them was headed behind for a corner, and another attempt was placed past the post, but the last action of the first quarter almost saw Wildcats increase their lead when shots, first from Bella and the by Lauren following up were somehow kept out of the net by the Newbiggin Hall goalie.

The quarter came to an end with a very satisfactory performance by the Wildcats who were able to take the break with a deserved, but slender advantage of 1 - 0

Q2

A colder and slightly stronger wind was blowing for the start of the second quarter, and with Caz taking the place of Ellie in defence, the rest of the team stayed as they were, and continued to play on the front foot with Mazie producing a shot from the edge of the goalkeepers area which was just wide of the post..

The two teams were quite evenly matched although Wildcats were making the better use of their possession, but we suffered a set back when a lucky shot through bodies, found its way past Moley with just enough strength to cross the line for the equalising goal.

This goal encouraged Newbiggin and they produced their best spell of the game. A Moley save from a corner sent us back on to the attack, but this was broken down and a counter attack led to another corner which was cleared, creating a counter attack of our own when a quickly taken throw in by Mazie found Lauren who was able to control the ball with her head and run on to it for a sight at goal and a shot which was just over the bar. Another Allstars corner was fired across our goal mouth but out for a throw, and a free kick led to yet another corner which was headed clear by Erin.

We were seeing some good attacking football by both sides and the game was reflecting the score, being very even at this point. A move involving Erin, Bella and Lauren ended with a shot wide of the goal and this was followed by two Newbiggin Hall throws eventually leading to a corner which was cleared and this signalled the end of the first half of a competitive and fairly even game which was well contested by two good teams.

Q3

Monty reminded the girls that they needed to defend in more numbers when we were not attacking, and when we were on the attack then Lauren needed more support from midfield to take advantage of the possession. We needed to have confidence in our abilities and that chances would continue to come, but we also needed to take care when marking at set pieces and to ensure that we stuck with girls being marked.

Caz and Ellie swapped places again to keep the same formation for the third quarter running as it had served us well so far.

The pattern of the game continued from the first two quarters with a lot of the play in midfield. We got the breakthrough our play deserved when Lauren battled for possession of the ball against two defenders, came out of the battle the best and hit the back of the net with an excellent shot on the turn to restore our lead.

We continued the attacking play and were beginning to get the better of the Newbiggin players in all areas of the pitch. We were fighting for every ball and won a throw in which eventually led to a corner and although this corner was cleared, we were back in the attacking third of the pitch again with good inter play between Lauren, Bella and Mazie. We were back on top again, but needed to keep up the levels of concentration if we were to maintain or increase our lead as the Newbiggin girls were well capable of scoring in a breakaway.

To the disappointment of the Newbiggin Hall supporters and the delight of those of the Wildcats, Lauren completed her hat trick after she gathered the ball, ran at the defence and passed the ball across the face of the goal and into the net. This was just reward for both Lauren and the team as a whole for the standard of play.

Bella then had a shot deflected but the 'keeper was able to gather and set up an increasingly rare Allstars attack which was very well defended with our girls not afraid to use both feet and head to clear the ball.

We were playing very well as a team, fighting for every ball and supporting each other both in attack and defence. This play was making us extremely hard to break down and equally hard to defend against.

The whistle for the end of the quarter came just as the Newbiggin goalie saved at the feet of Lauren, and we trooped off with a well deserved 3 - 1 score in our favour.

Q4

Ellie came off and yo-yoed with Caz again to retain the formation which had served us well so far, and the attacking play resumed right from the kick off.

We were attacking well, but the ball did not seem to be running for us. Lauren won a corner which was well defended and sent forward for Allstars forwards to chase but our defence held solid and cleared the danger. The ball was then bobbling about in midfield on the hard surface and a Newbiggin Hall snap shot was sent just past the post; although they were still attacking, Moley was up to the challenge.

It was Bella's turn to fight and win the ball in midfield, she looked up and spotted Mazie on the opposite wing, delivering a great ball which was struck just over the bar. This was the start of another period of sustained pressure by the Wildcats, interrupted by a breakaway which was well dealt with by Caz whose shot/pass was collected by the goalkeeper who returned the ball with interest to our defensive area and the resulting corner was again well dealt with.

The final few minutes were played out with some entertaining end to end football, but we were always looking the most likely to capitalise on our more controlled possession.

The last quarter failed to provide any further score and the Wildcats ended the game on the attack, winners of a match in which they deserved their victory because of the application of teamwork, skill and endeavour - not to mention a lot of hard work. This victory should go a long way towards ensuring that we do not need to worry about the plastic pitches at Complete Football. We are able to adapt to any surface and play to the conditions.

The final score was Wildcats 3, Allstars 1.

Girl of the game was awarded to the hat trick specialist Lauren by the opposition and Monty's managers award was given to Erin for her solid performance throughout the match. The result and the way we played the game meant that players and supporters alike were able to troop away home with a smile on their faces thanks to the efforts of the Wildcats who were all stars today!!!!!!

Four games and four wins so far, so our girls can be very satisfied with their performances. We are the only team not to have been beaten we have scored 29 goals in these four games and conceded only four. These figures are testament to our all round ability to play both offensive and defensive football to a very good standard.

The next two Saturdays are without matches, so we will all turn up at Gosforth Park again for the cup game early next month.

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Bedlington Town Wildcats 12 -v- 0 Wylam
2 October 2010  -  Match day reporter  - Jim Jones

A 12.00 kick-off for the Wildcats this week at Gosforth Park on a damp, misty day. The pitch would have a wet surface which would mean that the ball would travel quickly over the plastic and this would require good control, quick passing and constant movement if we were to continue the good start to the season.

 

We had a full squad to choose from for the first time, so two girls would be rested each quarter. Monty asked the girls to be hard working, to look for team mates and to pass to feet while looking for space and enjoying their football. We had the opportunity today to really show our footballing skills in conditions which would need concentration and intelligent use of the ball.

Q1

The game started with Caz and Lauren sitting out the first quarter. Moley was the goalie, Erin and George in defence with Ellie in her usual position just in front of them. Mazie (captain for the day) was wide right and Bella wide left with Alice taking up the third attacking position.

We had the kick off and right from the start we saw a good flowing move involving Bella, Alice and Mazie whose shot was well saved, low down, by the Wylam 'keeper. There followed a brief Wylam attack, but this was easily defended as Moley collected the ball for her first action of the day. Bella produced a good run down the left and her shot was pushed away for a corner which came to nothing.

Pressure on the Wylam goal was maintained as Alice was just wide after trying to pass the ball into the net. Mazie however had better luck as she collected the ball on the right and her shot found its way past the 'keeper into the back of the net for the opening goal which our play deserved.

With this constant pressure and by playing a lot of skilful football, it was inevitable that Wildcats would increase their lead and this was achieved when Mazie hit her second goal in very quick time following an accurate pass from Alice. Two soon became three when Alice made a very positive run on goal to see her shot deflected into the net by a defender. The shot was certainly on target anyway and was rightly awarded to Alice.

We were playing some excellent football and the first quarter's performance put the result beyond doubt even at this early stage, if we were able to maintain the standard of play. The first period ended with the Wildcats very happy with a 3 - 0 score line in their favour.

Q2

With Alice and Erin sitting out the second quarter, we were able to keep our shape with the Caz slotting in to the right side of defence and Lauren replacing Alice up front.

The second quarter followed seamlessly on from the first with more of our controlled attacking play leading to an early corner, which was well defended. Good passing play got the ball to Mazie and her on-target shot was forced away for a corner by the Wylam goalkeeper who was also on hand to produce a fine save from a Lauren shot and then again when Mazie almost got the ball past defenders from close range.

It was no surprise when the constant pressure produced a hat trick goal from Mazie after a Lauren centre from the left was not cleared. We almost made it five shortly afterwards when a Bella effort through defenders hit the goalie, but number five did follow when a fierce Lauren shot from distance cleared the goalkeeper as it found its way into the roof of the net.

It was then Bella's turn to make it onto the score sheet, when she teased the ball away from defenders and casually stroked the ball into the back of the net for number six.

We reached half time as a Caz throw found Mazie who got the ball to Lauren who in turn spotted Bella on the left wing, but her shot was just wide of the post for what would have been an excellent goal. We were really playing some good stuff now, probably the best football of the season, and certainly the best football we have played on the plastic pitches at Complete Football.

With the score at 6 - 0, we were cruising, but it must be said that the Wylam girls were still fighting hard and were showing a good attitude to the game despite the score.

Q3

Monty was very impressed with the girls' performance, and urged them to keep up the work rate and the standard of controlled football we had all enjoyed so far. The girls were also enjoying the game and were anxious to get quarter three under way with the following team. Moley, Caz, George and Erin made up the defence, with Alice, Mazie and Lauren in front of them. Ellie and Bella could enjoy the game from the side line this time round.

We kicked off and were straight down the pitch to win a corner and although this was well defended, the ball found its way to Erin who picked out Alice and she was able to score a well taken goal with an accurate well struck shot.

It should be mentioned that Moley actually touched the ball briefly at this stage of the game.

We were playing with power and speed and most of our attacks were three pronged. We were certainly looking very good right throughout the team and this was emphasised when George won the ball in her own half and found Alice, who in turn passed to Mazie who reacted faster that the defenders in front of goal to take her personal tally to four and the Wildcats to eight.

Eight soon became nine when following two corners in quick succession, Lauren found Erin in space and she was able to volley the ball side foot into the net. This was just reward for the standard of play where we were attacking from the back with great accurate throw ins from Caz and George were setting up our midfield and forward players who were making very good use of the ball. One such throw in found its way to Alice who was able to keep the ball, look up and spot Lauren who she found with an accurate pass leaving her with a relatively simple chance to take our score into double figures.

An Alice corner was saved on the line. A Caz throw got to Mazie via Alice and another corner resulted. George collected a throw from the Wylam 'keeper and sent a ball down the line for Alice to run on to, collect and score number eleven, to end the quarter on a high note.

Q4

Time for Moley and George to take a break with Mazie taking over in goal, protected by Caz and Bella with Ellie back to her usual holding role. Lauren, Erin and Alice would finish the game up front.

Shortly after the start of the final quarter, we had our first fright of the game when the Wylam forwards were narrowly wide with a good effort. Mazie then produced a good save which she pushed away fro a corner. Wylam were enjoying their best period of the game at this point, but we were defending well and a head out of defence by Lauren was latched on to by Alice who took off towards the Wylam goal supported by Erin and Lauren. Alice had a choice of balls to play and chose to play in Lauren who was able to collect the pass and score again to take the total to twelve.

Wylam continued to have a good spell and they forced a corner which was well defended and sent forward for yet another Wildcats attack.

Moley was sent on for Caz in a rare Wildcats mid quarter substitution and she was on hand, in tandem with Ellie, to see off a Wylam attack and get us back on the front foot. This period of the game was the most competitive so far, and it was good to see the attitudes of both teams which was testament to the spirit of the game at this level. Although Wylam were more into the game, there was little danger of Wildcats conceding a goal as we continued to dominate possession and territory, and it was no real surprise when Erin scored the thirteenth and final goal of the game.

At the end of the match, a Wylam supporter mentioned that he was very impressed by the skill level of our girls. He liked the way we played the game and the attitude of our players. He really enjoyed the match despite the score !!

Girl of the game according to Wylam was Alice, and manager's girl of the game was Erin, but every last one of our players did themselves and the Wildcats proud.

This match was the best we have played on a plastic pitch and all team members can be very pleased with the way they performed today. Our defenders were very resolute, prepared to play football where possible but well aware of their responsibilities. The ability to attack from defence with throw ins and accurate passing from George and Caz; the hard running and intelligent positioning of Ellie providing a good link to the forwards; the speed of thought and limb of Alice, Lauren, Bella, Erin and Mazie up front providing opportunity after opportunity to score goals; the enthusiasm and courage of Moley is important to the team even though she was hardly troubled today.

We have ability and skill to go with the excellent team spirit and we will need all of these qualities as the season progresses.

Super performance today ladies, thank you very much for another satisfying Wildcats Saturday.

Girl of the Game: awarded to Alice  |  Managers Girl of the Game: Erin  

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Bedlington Town Wildcats 6 -v- 0 Longhoughton
2 October 2010  -  Match day reporter  - Jim Jones

After a good start to our season last Saturday, Wildcats and their supporters arrived at Complete Football for the team's first game against a new team in our league, Longhoughton Rangers, who had made the long journey south on a fine day, with little wind and a pleasant temperature.

Wildcats had a full squad available except for Bella which meant that we would have one girl sitting out each of the quarters. Caz was captain for the day, and Monty started the game with Moley in goal. Caz and George were in defence with Ellie at the front of the diamond. Mazie and Lauren were asked to provide as much width as was possible on the small pitch, and Alice completed the forward diamond. Erin was the first to sit out.

Q1

Wildcats kicked off and as usual were straight on the attack, with a Lauren attempt very well saved and a Mazie follow up again being kept out by the Longhoughton 'keeper. The early exchanges were fairly even, although it must be said that Wildcats were producing the better football and showing a higher skill level.

It was soon the turn of Alice to test the goalkeeper, and again her shot was well saved by a very good goalie. It was clear even at this stage that we would need to produce some good shots to beat the Longhoughton defence.

Another Mazie shot was smothered and the ball was sent up field for the Rangers forwards to chase. Our defence were almost caught out, but they recovered to clear the ball at the expense of a corner, which was easily dealt with my Moley with her first touch of the game.

Alice and Mazie combined well to provide a Mazie shot on the volley, but straight at the goalkeeper. It was then Alice and Lauren to try to open the scoring without success. Surely it would only be a matter of time before we found the back of the net, as our approach play and shooting certainly deserved some reward.

Alice had a very good shot saved, and a Lauren shot from close quarters hit the excellent Longhoughton goalkeeper in the face and the whistle for the end of the quarter blew as she was receiving treatment. She may have been hurt, but was the only reason that the Wildcats did not have a comfortable lead at the end of the first quarter which ended 0 - 0.

Q2

Monty was rightfully very pleased with the way the girls had been playing, and urged them to keep up the pressure and the hard work. We would be playing with the sun in our eyes this quarter and the weather was turning warmer as Erin took the field in place of Mazie, with the rest of the team retaining their positions.

The second quarter started in the same way the first quarter had been played, with Wildcats enjoying most of the possession which we would need to take advantage of.

A Caz free kick was pinged across field to Lauren on the left for another shot at goal. Alice was then just wide with a volley after receiving a pass from Lauren. This constant pressure must soon convert itself into goals, but the girls did not panic and continued to play good open attractive football where all that was missing was the final reward for the quality of our play.

Alice had three shots in very quick succession well saved, but the deadlock was finally broken when Lauren produced an excellent shot which hit the back of the net to give the Wildcats a well deserved lead at long last.

With the amount of pressure being applied to the Longhoughton defence, their attacking skills were rarely on display, but when they were able to breakaway, they found that Ellie was buzzing around them, and if they got past Ellie then Caz and George were on hand. It was also good to see that if we were under any pressure defensively, that the forward players were back helping out.

Lauren hit the post after receiving the ball from a good Erin cross, but she reacted quicker than anyone else to seize on to the loose ball and put it in the net again for her second goal of the quarter. At half time we were leading by 2 - 0

Q3

In his team talk, Monty was encouraging the girls to play the ball to feet more quickly, and to look for space. The pitch size needed quicker thinking and lots of hard work. He did however change the team more for this quarter, with Lauren taking over in goal and Moley moving up to right back and Caz switching to left back. Erin took over at the top to the diamond with Mazie at the top of the attacking diamond, Alice right side and George on the left. Ellie could rest this quarter.

We lost the ball in midfield by not playing to the whistle, and this led to a Longhoughton attack, but this was short lived and first Mazie was in on goal but just wide, and then Alice found herself doing the same thing after a very good passing movement which sliced through our opponents defence.

Mazie's previous shot proved to be a good 'sighter' when she produced a good powerful right footer which left the 'keeper with no chance to notch up goal number three. The temperature was rising now, and if we were able to keep up the pressure then this would surely lead to more goals as it is always more tiring to be under constant pressure than it is to be attacking and in control of the game.

Another Mazie shot was beaten out to Alice whose own shot was saved and the 'keeper was then able to drop on the ball almost on the goal line, at the feet of our on-coming attackers.

We than saw the first real period of Longhoughton attacking when they hit the post after a good run through the centre of the pitch. A follow up attack was thwarted by a good interception by Moley at the expense of a corner.

It was soon business as usual when George almost got on to the score sheet but again the goalkeeper smothered the ball at her feet to prevent a further score. Good passing between Mazie, Alice and George resulted in a corner, from which Erin was on hand to have a go at goal, but just like the end of the first quarter, the ball hit the goalkeeper in the face as the whistle blew.

Q4

Monty again stressed the need to work hard, look for space and try to seek out players who are in a better position when bearing down on goal. So the final quarter started with Moley back in goal. Erin George and Ellie made up the defence with Lauren, Alice and Mazie up front and Caz rested.

Alice was quickly into the groove at the start of the quarter as she drifted past defenders and shot. This good play produced its reward when a Mazie shot/centre from the right found Lauren at the far post with an easy tap in from close range to complete her hat trick (the second in two games, well done Lauren). Very quickly after this fourth goal, an almost carbon copy move saw Lauren hit number five and then number six following a mix up in the Rangers defence.

The game ended with Wildcats running out winners by 6 - 0 in a very entertaining game played to a very good standard and in an excellent spirit. Alice was given girl of the game by Longhoughton and Ellie got the managers award for her hard work in the middle of the pitch. There was no doubt that Wildcats deserved this victory, but both sets of girls could be very pleased with their efforts in what was a hard fought but clean game.

The Wildcats parents and supporters were able to go home having enjoyed another good performance, and while we will face stronger opposition as the season progresses, we can all be very happy with the attitude and application of our girls...........perhaps we might even get to like plastic pitches !!! Well, probably not.

Girl of the Game: was awarded to Alice  |  Managers girls of the Game: Ellie

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Bedlington Town Wildcats 7 -v- 3 Walbottle 
25th September 2010  -  Match day Reporter  - Jim Jones

At long last, we were able to kick off the 2010/2011 season, after last weeks mix up with start times.

 

This was to be the start of our fourth season as Wildcats, but the first under the new name of Bedlington Town and in the very smart new Argentina strip. Ellie and Alice were not available for this game, so we were not able to field any substitutes but we were able to welcome Erin for her first competitive start for her new team.

Monty was not able to be in two places at the same time, so Laurens dad, Keith, agreed (or was he volunteered?) to prepare the girls and coach them for the game. Thanks you very much Keith and I hope you enjoyed the experience.

Following last years problems with the pitches at Cramlington Sporting Club, all matches this season will be played on the small plastic pitches at Complete Football in Gosforth Park. These pitches are very small and we will need to be quick thinking and accurate if we are to make the most of our attacking abilities, but at the same time our defenders need to be aware that a long clearance can easily see the ball move very quickly from goalmouth to goalmouth, so everyone needs to be 'switched on' at all times.

Q1

We started the game with a familiar back three of Moley, Caz and George. Erin played at the front of the defensive diamond with Mazie and Bella providing width (or perhaps making the most of what width there was) with Lauren at centre forward.

We were 2 - 0 up within the first three minutes!!!

The ball was in the back of the Walbottle net in seconds after kick off for what must have been the quickest goal we have scored. Mazie had the ball at her feet on the right hand side and fired past the 'keeper with an accurate shot. Goal number two came by courtesy of Lauren, and we were off to the best possible start. It looked as if many more goals would come with Wildcats almost constantly on the attack and the ball was peppering the Walbottle goal.

With minds set on attack, there was the anticipated scare when only Caz was left in defence and the ball was punted clear to the Walbottle forwards, but they were unable to capitalise. Shortly after this attack, Moley was called upon to make her first save of the season, but she managed to get the ball to Lauren for a breakaway of our own, but she shot just wide. We were very much on top at this stage and we were playing some nice accurate passing football, keeping the ball on the floor and playing it to feet exactly as we should do on the plastic surface. This passing football was to produce the next goal, when Bella made a run down the left and her shot/pass found Lauren in front of goal to score our third goal of the quarter.

The fourth and final goal of the quarter soon followed when another Lauren shot was saved, but pushed into the path of Mazie who was able to score easily and bring the quarter to an end.

Q2

Keith praised the girls for their play in the first quarter and asked for more of the same. The girls heeded this request and it was soon business as normal for the Wildcats when Caz won the ball and played it to Bella who produced a good accurate shot to take the goal tally to five.

Another Lauren shot was well saved, and the ball found its way to Bella who was just inches away from scoring again. We were able to find a bit of time to play some skillful flowing attacking football while at the same time the occasional Walbottle attacks were well defended. One such attack, started by Erin, saw Mazie and Bella combine to provide a chance for Lauren which was cleared. We were soon back on the attack however and Lauren latched on to a ball on the right and fired a strong shot from distance past the helpless goalkeeper to score the first hat trick of the season and take the score to 6 - 0.

As the quarter was coming to a close, and in a very rare attack by Walbottle, the ball fell to one of their forwards who was able to get it past a scrambling Moley who had no chance as she did not see the shot until the last second.

The whistle blew for the end of the second quarter with Wildcats leading by 6 - 1

Q3

We were to see the first change in formation when Lauren took over in goal, Caz and Moley were the defenders with Mazie in front of them. Erin was pushed forward on the right with Bella staying on the left and George moving from the back to centre forward.

The third quarter was following the same pattern as the first two, with our girls very much on the front foot with a very quick two corners taken by Erin, but they came to nothing. We then saw the first period of Walbottle pressure when first Caz pushed the ball away for a throw and then Moley was forced to concede a corner which was comfortably defended and cleared to George, but she found that there were too many defenders buzzing around her to take advantage.

Mazie was injured at this point and needed to get to the sideline to recover, but even though the Wildcats were down to 6 players, they were still the most likely to score.

We were on the receiving end of a good goal when the girl who scored Walbottle's first goal was able to carry the ball too far and produced a good shot to beat Lauren in the Wildcats net. It was possible at this time to wonder if the lack of substitutes as well as being down to six players was having an effect on the Wildcats stamina but there was still no doubt that we were the better team.

George almost scored following a pass from Erin, and at this point Mazie was able to return bringing us back up to full strength. Erin was again involved when she found George once again, but this time George threaded a good pass back to her and she was able to get her name on the score sheet to bring the score to 7 - 2 just as the third quarter was brought to an end.

Q4

Moley was back in goal for the start of the final quarter with Caz and George in defence and Erin just in front of them. Lauren, Mazie and Bella filled the forward positions.

We were hit by a very early goal to complete a hat trick by the scorer of the previous Walbottle goals with another well taken strike.

This set back led to an almost constant Wildcats attacking. Erin almost got her head to another well executed Lauren corner but she was not able to get a good enough contact with the ball. Another Lauren centre almost found Mazie, but she was not quite able to take advantage. The roles were then reversed with Mazie providing Lauren with a chance which she was not able to convert.

Another Lauren corner, and Erin was able to get a bit more direction on her header, but still not enough to get the ball on target (keep trying Erin, it will come eventually!!) A pass, almost the length of the pitch sees Mazie shoot just wide and shortly afterwards, Lauren hits the post. The Wildcats supporters were certain that this pressure would lead to further goals at this point. Erin then won the ball in midfield and found Lauren wide on the right with a very good pass, and the resulting centre was marginally in front of Mazie for what would have been a very good goal.

The wind was picking up now and was blowing towards the Wildcats goal, but this did not stop the constant pressure we were exerting. George and Caz were able to pick up any long, wind assisted clearances and set up further attacks which were thwarted by either narrow misses or good saves by the Walbottle goalie.

Despite all of the final quarter attacking, we were unable to increase our lead and the game came to an end with a very creditable win for the Wildcats by 7 - 3.

It is true to say that on another day, we might have scored many more goals, but the fact that we were not able to rest any players and the injury to Mazie means that we can be satisfied with a job well done. We may not prefer playing on the artificial surface at Gosforth: we may not prefer the narrow pitches and the hard surface, but we will have to make the best of the situation this season and play to the conditions to the best of our ability.

Thank you very much girls for an entertaining game, and for reminding us just what Saturdays were meant for............watching the Wildcats win.

Girl of the game was awarded to Lauren, and the managers choice was Erin. Congratulations to both of you.

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