Thame v Phoenix & Ranelagh

Cold, cold and cold!

It was a bitterly cold start to the game this week and there was a bit more moaning than usual! The girls took their positions and the game started with a strong push back from Phoenix. It took a few minutes and Thame began finding their interceptions but the play was going both ways with no clear dominant team. Finally Thame got the break they needed and were pushing hard for a goal but after some heavy pressure in the D and some sideline euphoria, the goal was disallowed. With the girls fired up they started moving the ball around and showing their skill but Phoenix's defence were putting in some strong clearances. Both Emma H and Bea were doing a fantastic job of collecting the clearances and firing them back down the pitch to the waiting halves who were pushing the ball up to the forwards. With this amazing teamwork they at last found the goal they deserved with Amber perfectly positioned to score, 1-0. Phoenix were not giving up and they got a breakaway resulting in a one on one with their player and Imogen. Imogen was not phased and with a superb save cleared the ball back over the 23. After this Thame picked up the pace and the ball was now moving neatly around the pitch and in and around the D, finally finding Holly who slotted the ball into the back of the goal, 2-0. Half time and the hail was threatening to overshadow the jelly babies but a quick sugar fix and some tactics thrown in, the girls were fired up for the restart. After 3 minutes Amy was on the end of the ball evading the opposition and shooting the ball past the goalie into the back of the goal, 3-0. Phoenix then came back at Thame and all of a sudden play stopped and the umpires were consulting in front of the goal. Decision - Penalty Flick!!!!! This is the first penalty flick that the girls have conceded and as Imogen stood there alone facing the Phoenix forward everyone held their breath, even the wind decided to take a break. The Phoenix player pushed the ball in but Imogen read the play perfectly and made an amazing save, no goal. Play resumed and Thame kept up the pace and again were trying for another goal. Finally Amy was back on the ball, firing it past Phoenix's goalie taking the score to 4-0. Another great game and amazing play by every single one of the girls. MOM Imogen who again showed her amazing skill and bravery, both throughout the play and stepping up against the Penalty flick.
A big thank you to all the parents who braved the wind, hail and freezing temperatures to cheer the girls on and to the great umpires, Clare and Becs.