Birkdale United Ladies v Tranmere Rovers Ladies Reserves
October 26th, 2009 by NoelWarham| Date: | Sunday 11th October 2009 |
| Location: | Bedford Park, Birkdale |
| Result: | Birkdale United Ladies (2) Tranmere Rovers Ladies Reserves (2) |
After the great fightback against Dingle of the previous week, Birkdale Ladies faced their toughest test of the season with a match against a Tranmere team who boasted a 100% record prior to the game. What made the task at hand even more difficult was that their three wins had come against Mossley Hill, Dingle and Liverpool Feds, widely considered three of the strongest teams in the division. Noel and Dave opted for a change in formation to a back four, with Birnie coming in for McEvoy at the back to play alongside the returning Lloyd- although McEvoy would take Birnie’s place for the second half as they shared the crucial role.
The start to the match was quite cagy with the home side maintaining their discipline as Tranmere probed and looked for an opening without avail, as Birkdale kept their concentration and maintained discipline. The game became a bit more even and stretched as Birkdale gained in confidence, beginning to put together a few moves on their own. However, their good work was almost undone when Tranmere were awarded a penalty, after a forward went over Dixon’s outsretched leg. While there was no doubt it was a foul, it certainly appeared that the visiting player was looking for the contact. However, the Tranmere penalty taker blasted her kick high and wide, and as a result, parity was maintained at the break.
Boosted by a rousing team-talk, the home side came out and began to put their more illustrious opponents under pressure, starting to test the keeper more and cause them problems. However, just as they looked as they were beginning to gain a foothold in the game, they went behind. A corner from the right was not cleared properly and an unmarked player on the edge of the area fired through a crowd of players giving Hesketh no chance.
To the great credit of the home side, their response was swift. A passing move involving Granby, White, Griner and Jackson saw Cooper released and she hit a low, swerving shot from the edge of the area which gave the keeper no chance.
This further motivated the Blues and they flowed forward with confidence, with Cooper and Griner both having chances to put the home side into the lead. However once again a momentary lapse in concentration would cost them, as a loose ball was only cleared to the edge of the area and a Tranmere forward finished with accuracy to put them back in the lead.
Once again, Birkdale showed grit and determination, and managed to draw themselves level – and what a goal it was. Griner picked up the ball on the half-way line and began a jinking run which saw her beat five players before finding herself one-on-one with the keeper. She kept calm and finished neatly in the corner for one of the best goals seen at Bedford Park in many years.
Both teams had confidence for the win now and it was real end-to-end football throughout. Tranmere were presented with another golden opportunity to take the lead when Hesketh raced from her line to collect a loose ball but only succeeded in fouling the Tranmere forward for another penalty. To her immense credit, she fully redeemed herself by saving the penalty and the follow-up, while a second follow-up hit the outside of the post and spun away to safety. Both teams had chances to win the game but in the end it finished up in a creditable and entertaining 2-2 draw.
Noel and Dave were absolutely delighted with the performance of the Ladies against a very skillful and determined opponent. Through the character they had shown in the last two games they have proved that they can compete with teams at this level and should take great confidence from their displays. They have set fantastic standards for themselves now and need to ensure that they do not let them drop. Well done and thank you!
The Player of the Match, awarded by Tranmere, went to S. Hesketh.
The Manager’s Player of the Match award went to the whole team.
The team was: Hesketh, Davidson, Coulter (c), Lloyd, Birnie, Cooper, Griffiths, Jackson, Granby, Gillingham, White, Dixon, McEvoy and Griner.
