January 2003 News

The weather finally relented and allowed both sides to play their first games since early December, the firsts facing a potentially tough away tie at Chichester. With no game and only one training session in two months, we predicably started shakily, with the hosts looking the better side for most of the first half. However, they were unable to make the most of their share of possession, and only a miskick by emergency stand-in keeper Nat from a backpass gifting them the first goal. We equalised almost on the stroke of half time, our first decent move of the game resulting in Ellie's cross being hammered in by Rachael from close range. The second half was much improved, with us winning most of the midfield battles, but it was midway through the half before we took the lead. Sam was given space about 25 yards out and hit a long range drive which hit the post with the keeper beaten. Rachael was quickest to react and stabbed home the rebound. Chichester tried to up their game but were unable to create anything dangerous, and it looked like Carly had killed them off with a powerful right footed blaster from just outside the box to make it 3-1. As we tired in the last few minutes, Chichester started throwing players forward and we were rocking, conceding from a melee in the area following a corner in the fourth minute of eleven added by the ref for stoppages. Despite several players cramping up we held on for a vital win.

The 2nds came up against a physical, hard-working, full squad of 14 from Lewes. We started with only nine players and held Lewes at bay until the half-hour when we failed to clear from a corner. The Lewes striker shot from the edge of the box into the top corner giving Roby no chance. Not having played for six weeks, the second half was always going to be a struggle. After 65 minutes we began to tire and were struck a mean blow when a Lewes shot from the edge of the area was deflected off Tanya and past the stranded Roby for 2-0. With the game won, Lewes had time for a third, using the extra space and all three subs to their advantage to record a 3-0 victory. We had our chances during the match with Nat, Milla & Terri all failing to find the net when one-on-one with the Lewes keeper. The defensive four of Roby in goal, Tanya, Terri and stand-in left-back Liz all had excellent games. Lisa, who looked the fittest player on the park, also turned in a fine performance in midfield. Towards the end of the game our players suffered from cramp and if we take anything from this game it must be that if you start with only nine players, all nine need to be fully fit and at the top of their game to have a chance. Lewes 3 Boro 0. (thanks to Darren for 2nds report)