This morning OWLS under 10s made the short trip to local rivals Wrenthorpe Rangers, at their home ground of Jerry Clay Lane academy.
A positive start to the season at the previous game with Queensbury offered the travelling supporters significant optimism in a fixture which historically has yielded good performances and lots of goals.
*Quarter One*
The first quarter began with Rosie on the bench and a conventional starting line-up, aside from the absence of Poppy in defense. OWLS started slowly, and from the off Wrenthorpe were able to carve through the OWLS with ease. OWLS responded well with an attacking run from the forwards, and Ivy was unlucky not to get a foot on a cross from Izzy to level the score.
But Wrenthorpe were dominating possession through accurate passing and some strong runs and if not for good clearances from Molly and the OWLS defense the Rangers would have doubled their lead. Sadly, the OWLS couldn’t hold back the pressure any longer.
The pressure didn’t cease, with Daisy forced into making an excellent save from the Wrenthorpe number 4, and a further attack.
*Quarter Two*
Coach Karl delivered an honest assessment of a below par performance aiming to motivate a more positive approach to the next quarter, and that’s exactly what was provided. The quarter began with Evelyn on the subs bench.
A surging run by Izzy from the kickoff and a shot to the feet of the Wrenthorpe keeper got the OWLS off the mark. Constant pressure out of possession from Esmai and good link play between Lena and Rosie when on the ball led to a close attempt from Ivy, followed by a series of near misses from the OWLS attacking line, initiated by probing balls from Molly.
The OWLS period of domination from strong play across the team produced another opportunity with Izzy one on one with the Rangers keeper.
*Quarter Three*
With Izzy starting on the bench for the third quarter and Rosie pushing up on the right wing, OWLS supporters were wanting a similar performance to the second period.
But Wrenthorpe were keen to regain their authority on the match and an attack against the run of play offered a prime opportunity to do just that. But an incredible intercepting tackle from Esmai saved the OWLS blushes.
With Ivy having expended her reserves of energy in the first half, and going into the red for the penultimate quarter she came off for Izzy midway through the period.
Taking the opportunity to gain advantage from an OWLS team looking increasingly spent, the talented Rangers number 4 once again stormed through the OWLS forcing a brilliant initial save from Daisy, but the follow-up was unstoppable.
OWLS refused to stand down though and strength on the ball from Evelyn followed by a well-timed release up to Ivy who had just come back on for Molly, produced an accurate shot.
*Quarter Four*
After giving her absolute all in the first three quarters, Esmai deserved a break at the start of the final quarter.
The period didn’t start well as once again the team was split through the middle by the speed of the Wrenthorpe attack.
Again, the OWLS responded well and turning defense into attack Molly fed the ball to Izzy, who rocketed it.
Following an excellent penetrating run, Rosie was swapped for Esmai, whose strength and agility was needed to unlock opportunities. But Rosie’s respite was short lived as Ivy took a ball full on in the face and had to sit the remainder of the match on the sidelines.
Sadly, the clock was against us and albeit for a late goal from Izzy the result was a given.
*Review*
Another resilient performance from the OWLS, providing significant hope for the season.
Coach Karl praised the OWLS for the vast improvement they made across the team following the first half and highlighted Rosie for her best game in an OWL'S shirt.
*Players of the Match*
The Rangers player of the match was given to *Izzy*.
OWLS supporters picked *Esmai*.
Well done team, enjoy the rest of the weekend.