| There appeared a real
sense of readiness, with several new additions
to the squad over the summer; AFCB lined up a
team full of talent, equally matched by the
bench and newly appointed manager Shaun
Langrish.
Things began well with AFCB attacking
confidently, Nikki Rowswell braking up the
play in the middle and Janie Morgan and
Charlotte Young continually pressuring the
Rovers defence with their quick pass and move
play; until the 35th minute when Rowswell
received the ball from Lisa Langrish inside
the opposing box. Rowswell was met with a
heavy challenge from the Rovers 5, which
effectively ended her season; as she suffered
a ruptured cruciate ligament, torn medial
ligament and suspected meniscal damage.
Alison Goater replaced the injured Rowswell
and helped maintain the constant pressure from
the cherries until half time.
HT 0-0
The second half started with real pace and
determination from the cherries and it was
full back Claire Heydon who opened the scoring
with a fine finish from the corner of the 18
yard line, whipping the ball neatly into the
top locker.
10mins later it was Heydon again popping up
to net her second. Rovers appeared to have let
the game escape them as Langrish and Roe were
unlucky not to get on the score sheet, only
the Rovers keeper proving very difficult to
beat. It was just before the final whistle
when new signing Kirsty Bell drilled a fine
Goater pass through the net and completed the
game in favour of the cherries.
FT 3-0
Squad: R. Simkin, L. Little, S. Howarth, K.
Fisher, C. Heydon, J. Morgan, N. Rowswell, C,
Young, L. Langrish, L. Roe, K. Bell.
Subs: A. Goater, R. Rider, G. Neill, K.
Merry, G. Hoban. |
