Women’s 2s report by Cheryl Macer
Away vs Herne Bay 3
Score Ville 0-5 Herne Bay
Cliftonville Women’s 2s put in a determined and spirited performance against a strong Herne Bay Ladies 3s side in this rearranged fixture. Originally postponed due to a frozen pitch, the game saw us travel to face the league leaders, who had a full squad and plenty of energy.
Despite Herne Bay’s quick and physical style of play, we held our own and created several attacking opportunities, winning multiple short corners. Unfortunately, we were unable to convert our chances, but our defensive efforts were outstanding throughout. Sally made two incredible goal-line clearances, and the whole team worked hard to fend off numerous Herne Bay attacks.
Although the game ended 5-0 in their favour, the score line didn’t reflect the fight and resilience we showed. Paula and Olga were deservedly named joint Players of the Match for their fantastic performances, demonstrating great skill and determination.
There are plenty of positives to take from this match, and we’ll be looking to build on this performance as we move forward in the season!
Men’s 2nd XI vs Sittingbourne M3 report by James Perks
Score 2-2. Goals: Simon Hooper & Matt Westby.
Pre-Christmas we had put on a decent little run, however post-Christmas it has been a different story. 4 defeats in 4 games and a few poor performances to go with it, time to try and turn it around. With no game last week and two decent training sessions under our belt (laid on by Matt Westby) the Ville were optimistic, however a very tough fixture awaited us against a Sittingbourne team who sit comfortably 2nd in the league.
Ville started the game in control and looked by far the more dangerous outfit. Their dominance finally paid off about 15 minutes in, with an attack into their D, Perks played a reverse stick pass across to the oncoming Hooper (Simon) who swept home to make it 1-0.
Sittingbourne managed to level the game up before half time with a rare attack into our D and an unmarked attacker at the back post had the simplest of finishes to make it 1-1 at the break.
The half team talk consisted of getting back to what we did well for the first 20 minutes, getting the ball finding the next pass and moving it on quickly rather than running with the ball and holding onto it for too long.
The 2nd half started off as a fairly even contest, but Ville managed to break the deadlock 15 minutes into the 2nd half. The ball broke through to Matt in their area, he came in off the baseline running at goal and managed to squeeze it past the keeper and over the line despite their defender trying to make a goal line clearance with his foot. 2 – 1 Ville.
We were rarely threatened but an aerial over the top caught us out and Sittingbourne managed to finish well to pull it back to 2-2. That is the way it finished in what was a rather feisty last 15 minutes or so.
A game we created more chances than the opposition and despite their 2 goals I don’t remember Hughes having to make too many saves. A lot of positives and a few things to work on but all in all good to pick up our first points post-Christmas against one of the top teams in the league.
Next up another home fixture against Ashford next weekend where we hope to build upon the progress made today. #Uptheville
