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Silverdale Ladies 3 - 3 Coventry City Girls
League 30/5/10

Well this was definitely not a match for anyone with a heart condition, actually scrap that, this was by no means a relaxed watch for anyone with a slight pulse! With both teams looking for 2^nd place (and promotion???), Silverdale only needing a draw or a win to secure it, the Reserves needed a win to get 2^nd on goal difference. Oh and rest assured, this match is definitely not a blur for me!!

The first half was somewhat of a disjointed affair, with both sides jockeying for that elusive goal, bringing some excellent saves from keepers at both ends and a disallowed goal for the Reserves. Silverdale broke the deadlock in the dying seconds of the half and we went in at the break 1-0 down.

The Reserves responded immediately after the restart, playing some decent passing football, enabling Legs to back-heeled a sneaky one to bring us back even within 6 minutes. A minute later and clearly motivated, the girls continued their attack when Dele hit the net again from the left. The Silverdale keeper got injured, and there was quite a long treatment period. They went down to 10 players and replaced her in goal whilst she got treatment to her wrist. 11 minutes later, Badge put one past the new keeper to make it 3-1.

With their injured keeper returned in a centre forward position Silverdale responded, and it was once more end to end stuff. Abby making numerous heroic saves to keep us in the game. 44 minutes after the 2^nd half whistle had blown a long range shot put Silverdale back in the running. With 12 minutes still left to play – well, the opposition scored another goal during that time and I think that I should conclude this match report.

Girls, you should be proud of your conduct. I could waffle on about some stand out performances, but I’m not going to - sorry! You all know how well you played and so do the management. I truly hope all the injured recover.

Squad: Abby, Kaylee, Jenna, Emmo (Nat), Roxy, Dele, Legs, Clarkey, Jodi, Badge (Michelle), Nay (Laura)

Thank you for a fantastic season girls. Thanks for all the help I have had during the season from everyone involved. Time for me to hibernate! ;o)

Netherton United 3 - 6 Coventry City Girls
League 20/5/10

I will start by saying that the fact you managed to keep focused during our (recently nicknamed) ‘trip to Beirut’ is a credit to you all – I didn’t! The intimidation and verbal abuse was unbelievable! You have my word; you will NEVER play there again! EVER! (I just want to quickly explain for those that weren’t there, this was NOT due to the opposition, but unconnected delinquents that decided to grace us with their charm, poise, social skills and demonstrate their couth, pacifistic and non-abusive presence!) :o

So once more the game is a bit of a blur! I’m sad (but honest) to admit that after Daz arrived, a mixture of a dippy day and watching my back for house bricks was slightly higher on my agenda than watching you play! Yep it’s all about me! Deal! In fact, I personally would have felt a hell of a lot safer on the pitch and I did wonder how much the players knew about what was going on for the supporters!

I think it kind of went, goal, opposition goal, goal, and opposition goal – half time. Goal, opposition goal, goal, goal, goal – Full time! Does that add up to the score? LOL I’m 99% sure Dele got the 1st, I think Rose got 2, Badge got 1, Clarkey got 1, and Nay got the other? In what order, I haven’t got a Scooby cos I lost my bit of paper in the stampede to leave! Oh and if I’m wrong about the goal scorer’s, you are more than welcome to be a little miffed at me! I’ll take it on the chin like the true non-distracted professional that I am! ;o)

Individual performances worth a quick mention (from what I saw!)… Flinty – you fitted in like a missing piece of a jigsaw! Welcome to the Reserves! Nay, I thought you played hard in midfield. Clarkey, awesome job in defence bud! Jodz, feeling more like your normal self again hon? It shows! Laura, 2 astounding saves of which you should be seriously proud. Badge, if at first you don’t succeed… move the damn goal posts! ;o) J/K hon, you soooooooo deserved that!

Squad: Laura, Jenna, Naomi, Kaylee, 118, Jodi, Clarkey, Flinty, Dele, Badge, Rose.

Thanks to Daz, Dave Smith, and Paul Kenny for becoming the Reserves personal bodyguards! Pete (LOL) thank you for seriously putting yourself out to help out, it was much appreciated. Daz thanks for driving like a total loon to get to the match and Paul for running the line. Thanks to all the supporters who also had to endure that disgusting display of adolescence.

Coventry City Girls 18 - 0 Cottage Farm Rangers
League 9/5/10

Probably the shortest match report in history, because I was taking photos, and wasn’t really paying that much attention if I’m honest! Thinking about it, maybe it might be beneficial if I concentrated on photos next week too??!!! LOL ;o)

Anyway, Badge & Long Legs both got hat-tricks. Rose, Clarkey, 118, Nay, and Jodz got 2 each, and Dele and Spud with one a piece.

All I will say is, HUGE match next Sunday girls, no reverse gear next week please, start by getting yourselves psyched now!!! Lets get ready to rumble… LOL Oh dear!

Team: Laura, Nay, Kaylee, Jenna, Michelle (Jodz), Spud, Clarkey, Dele, Legs, Rose (Nat), Badge.

Crusaders Girls 4 - 2 Coventry City Girls
Open Cup 2/5/10

Right - to kick off with the criticism I’ll start with myself! When the only two goals of the match, come from the player I deemed suitable to play as a right back, maybe a change of thinking is required! LOL

The first half I think that everyone will agree was more like a game of hot potato. Everyone was working for themselves, a lack of closing down, not looking where we are passing and the deathly silence all contributed to make the life of Crusaders one hundred times easier. The 3 key T’s in football are: teamwork, triangles and talking - all of which seemed absent for the first 45 minutes. Thankfully, 30 seconds before the whistle for half time was blown, a box scramble helped us to creep back to 1-1.

However, a frank half time team talk meant the puzzle began to piece together. After each individual started to turn into a collective, the passing came together and with an amazingly calm and accurate finish from Rose took us 2-1 up. For the next 10 minutes everyone in blue put their all into maintaining it, and glimpses of last week shone through and the tense atmosphere on the sideline lifted somewhat!

But just that 2 minutes of lifting your foot off the accelerator meant Crusaders were back in it, and heads dropped. From then on there isn’t much more to be said; only the girls on the pitch know what went wrong.

Now lets look past this and forward onto the league and do what needs to be done and prove what we all know you can do, and do well!

Team: Badge, 118 (Nat), Jodi (Naomi), Long Legs, Clarkey, Dele, Roxy, Spud, Kaylee, Rose, Laura.

A huge thanks to Nat, Jenna and Leah for being persuaded to turn out in the freezing weather when you had all requested not to play due to injury / illness. It was much appreciated that you understood that a sick bench was better than no bench! Nat, the conversation we had during the week was the most unselfish and team spirited ever, and you made me seriously proud. Jodi, I hope your ankle recovers quickly. On a personal note, thanks to Darryl and Alan, and everyone else who has supported me during the season, it is much appreciated. I know you can get runners up in the League girls – just believe in yourselves.

Coventry City Girls 9 - 2 Leamington Hibernian
League 25/4/10

On a scorching day at Wolston, the Reserves reeked revenge on a much experienced Leamington side, for their Halloween howler earlier in the season.

With the majority of the Reserves unable to settle for the first 10 minutes, Leamington controlled the midfield and the ball. With the Sky Blues unable to capitalise on opportunities at the other end, Hibs took full advantage and hit the back of the net and momentarily it looked like the horror story would continue. Perhaps, that was the warning required to produce the sublime performance that ensued? However, as if by some kind of synchronised magic, the whole team relaxed as a unit, started finding feet, outmanoeuvring Hibs, and it wasn’t long before Dele cut in from the left and scored her first goal (of hopefully many!) for the Reserves. ‘Duddeee’ was clearly on a footballing mission today, gave it everything and her sentiments rumbled across the park like an aftershock! Shortly after, Badge rediscovered her ability to score whilst facing the goal ;o), and then Leah’s full force shot ricocheted off enough people for Jodi to somehow claim the next! However for me, the quantity and quality of the passes that dissected the opposition to produce the final goal of the half from Leah, gave me goose bumps! It just goes to show what you can all do, when you put your foot on the ball, look up, and pass it! Half time 4-1

The rest is somewhat of a blur if I’m honest, I just remember doing a cheesy grin impression! Second half, our midfield were firmly back in control, with both Clarkey and Emmo getting seriously stuck in, doing more head banging than at a rock concert to regain possession, and feeding quality balls out to Dele and Jodi on the wings. Badge reverted back into the scoring machine we all know she is to produce a hat-trick in the first 15 minutes of the half, I think it was the last one that was a top notch volley finish. Nat came back into the squad, like she had never been away, replacing Rox, who had worked tirelessly to restrain Hibs fastest goal threat. 118 replaced an injured Leah, and used her quick reactions and vision to score from a wayward goal kick from the opposition’s keeper. Rose also impacted immediately when she came on for Badge and I mustn’t forget to mention that Emmo found the middle of that white posted thingy and scored the 9^th!! ;o)

With 5 minutes remaining, Long Legs came off injured, 118 went to right back, with Badge returning up front, 118 obtaining charge of the speedy blonde. Frankly you were faced with a no win situation! In my opinion, you made the only decision (albeit a little scarily) conceding the penalty which Hibs coolly slotted home to take the final score to 9-2.

For those I haven’t really mentioned… Laura, it is clear you are getting better each week and growing in confidence in goal. Kaylee, I thought you partnered Spud well in the centre of defence, and mopped up superbly. Spud, today you played one of your best performances this season in defence. Jodi, you played your little heart out, showcasing your determination and skill. Long Legs, your defensive performance was to quote Cowell, ‘simply outstanding’. Dele, your execution of passes to the front two was downright visionary. In short, it was a quality team performance and you should ALL be proud. I was.

Team: Badge (Rose), Leah (118), Jodi, Emmo, Clarkey, Dele, Roxy (Nat), Spud, Kaylee, Long Legs.

A huge thanks for the support I had today from Paul - oops I mean Dave Smith! ;o) Not forgetting Damo and Sarah, Charlie, Paul K and everyone else who offered words of encouragement! Thanks to Naomi and Jenna for coming and supporting their team. Most of all, thanks to the players.

Bilbrook Ladies 2 - 0 Coventry City Girls
League 28/3/10

Please accept my apologies for the delay. I have tried unsuccessfully to write an individual paragraph about everyone, but my literary brain just isn't functioning!!

Girls, you should all be proud. The management and coaches certainly are. What made today special? Your attitude, your team spirit, and your perseverance! Having gone 1-0 down before a minute had passed from an outside the box shot, and then suffering another blow not long after by a wind-assisted (but well taken) corner, not one of you gave up, or thought it was over. You all put in overtime, learnt some quick lessons, to ensure that you didn't concede another, and as the game went on, we applied more and more pressure onto their goal and played some great football!

Ok so we lost, but there were so many positives to take from the game. Most importantly, I felt that you finally revived the attitude that you all started this season with. I was ecstatic to see it back. I truly hope it continues.

Not just the forwards, but quite a few midfielders had shots on target, unfortunately as the score line shows, they hit the bar, went inches wide, frankly just wouldn't go in. However, it's actually a positive that we managed as a team, to penetrate the most solid defence in the league so many times. Would I have liked them all to go in? Duh! I'm sure you all wanted it too, but stop beating yourselves up and take the positive!! Leah (a quick welcome to the Reserves in writing!), Badge, and Nay – you all worked your socks off, and that didn't go unnoticed!!

Defensively, we were strong, tackled effectively, and you all ran yourselves ragged. Abby pulled out a reactive crucial flying save at 2-0 down. Rocky (oops I mean Roxy) put in an excellent debut as right back. Spud and Jenna once more looked focused and solid in the middle, and both Kaylee and Rose read the game well, and were just as effective on the left.

Midfielders were always going to have to their work cut out, with the opposition's formation, however, you all proved you had the resources to overcome that. Dele (welcome!) and Long Legs managed to furrow their field on either side of the park, and Emmo and Clarkey (welcome too!), grooved their ground in the centre. I was selfishly pleased to witness Jodi's return too.

Thanks go to Darryl and Alan for their support and help throughout this season, Charlie for running the line, and to the players for giving the spectators a thoroughly entertaining (if somewhat stomach churning, nail biting and teeth clenching) match. Nat and Emmo get well soon.

Team: Abbster, Rox, Spud, Jen, Kaylee (Rose), Dele, Clarkey, Emmo (Jodi), Long Legs, Leah, Badge (Nay). Unused subs: 118 (DNA), Laura (DNBK)

University of Warwick 0 - 10 Coventry City Girls
League 15/11/09

The girls knew they had to take their winning performance of last week and better it. I believe they did, and although it probably wasn’t our greatest footballing day, on a pitch better laid than the garden at Buckingham Palace, the Reserves eventually proved too much for a brave and ever-resilient student team.

At half-time we went in an admittedly disappointing 1-0 up, although to be fair, I felt the Uni side were definitely up for this game, and made it as hard as possible for you all. Second half, perhaps the team talk and patience paid off, or maybe it was just sheer determination as the girls began to play once more, proving it only takes 45 minutes to put 9 goals past a decent goalie. We kept another clean sheet, something else to be proud of girls.

I have spent ages considering other aspects and listening to player feedback (and more is welcome if you feel able to give it!). I’m not going to dish out individual praise this week and concentrate on team spirit. That’s not saying there were not any good performances, there were, however, I fear it would be detrimental to what I’m trying to say!

I do believe it is important that all of you proved you could pick yourselves up, find feet, connect more passes and score more goals than had been happening the last couple of weeks – a step in the right direction. Only you can build on that girls, and relight my enthusiasm and admiration for all of you, and fulfil our expectations of that beautiful passing football that you have shown us previously. Seriously, you can do it – the skill and knowledge is still there!

Generally you all worked, but at times some of you looked uncomfortable under pressure, beat yourselves up for goal misses or offsides, bad passes / mistimed tackles, which you let affect your work rate / performance, so you played worse. Yes, it’s important you listen to the calls, learn from your mistakes, but more importantly take a chill pill! (Rich coming from me eh? Lol) The goals / end result will come.

Sure, I take on board that everything changes on a weekly basis, through both fairness and necessity. Some players don’t have a set position, which is either trial and (occasionally) error on my part, or simply a lack of fit players. However much we rant, please don’t think we don’t expect mistakes, especially when you are in a foreign position. However, we wouldn’t ask you to play there, if we didn’t believe you could do it! So never forget that you do not have anything to prove, are ALL rated, whether started, benched or subbed. Cos frankly, you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t!

We have everything to play for Reserves, some huge games coming up, believe in your abilities, enjoy it and I promise you, it will 100% show on the pitch and you will be strutting your footballing stuff in style again!

For those still injured, Nat (ankle), Jas (foot), Deanna & Pezza (lergy), Laura (calf) – I truly hope you are all back for good shortly

Thanks to Darryl and Alan, and Charlie once more. Just a quick word also about the referee, I thought he had a fabulous game and the Uni girls were sporting to the end.

Squad: Sofia, Rose, Jenna, Spud, Kaylee –1 (Lizzie), Jodi - 2, Emmo, Long Legs -1, Badge - 1 (Roxy - 1), 118 - 1, Nay - 3.

Apologies.

Coventry City Girls 1 - 0 Silverdale Ladies
League 8/11/09

We saw an evenly matched game in which some talented players on both sides, put in acres of attitude, a jigger of jostling, a sackful of skill and 10,000 wee drams of determination, all aiming for that desired result. It might have been one small day for everyone else, but it was a huge 90 minutes for the visions in blue, wanting desperately to forget the lament of last week.

Deep in the heart of the country, thankfully the spectators were the only frozen ones all stood still today, as we all reaped the wild winds of pitch 3 at Wolston, despite the glimpses of sun. It was obvious from kick off that the Reserves had come to dance this week, and there were no halloween-esque sleepwalk-ers first half, but for the first 20 minutes, it was still somewhat reminiscent of the same old story. However, I suspect due in the most part to over-compensating rather than anything else? Once the Reserves settled themselves, they reminded us they could play some ultra-foxy football!

Team selection was a nightmare today, and once more players found themselves in unfamiliar positions. Jenna returned post-injury to a new central defensive position, and played 90 mins in style. Spud looked solid and settled alongside her new partner, and with Nat getting stuck in on the right, and Kaylee reading another excellent game back on the left. I should definitely mention a solid performance, some crucial saves and clean sheet for Sofia on her debut in goal for the Reserves. Welcome!

Sadly, we lost Nat first half to A&E making way for a recovering Lizzie to come back into the side and remind us what she is capable of! And she did.

Rose after a great game as left back last week, was re-positioned once more to left wing, as Jodi moved from out wide into the centre with Emmo, replacing a missing Long Legs. We welcomed back Roxy who retained her right wing position.

The only two players to start in their usual centre forward positions were Jas and Badge. In the second half, a visibly ill Nay replaced Jas, and later defender Michelle took over from a battered Badge up front! I was dancing with tears in my eyes watching (for me) the most surprising performance of the season so far, and with the likes of a 180 roundhouse shot proving that erm strikers BEWARE, 118 212 has definitely got your number! (I’ve been sooo dying to work that in all season! LOL)

After Jodi’s first half slow motion lob had put the Reserves narrowly ahead, for the last ten minutes Silverdale pounded with a dangerous rhythm against the thin wall of a 1-0 lead. It looked like it might all fall down and the points would be shared when they finally hit the back of the net in the dying minutes of the second half, only for it to be cruelly, but fairly ruled offside.

In short, a much improved and gritty performance from 99% today girls. Impressed.

Thanks to Charlie for running the line again, Darryl, and Alan for doing perhaps the most running on the pitch (ha ha) with all the injuries! Most importantly though to Nat (ankle), Long Legs (lergy), Laura (calf), Badge (back, head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes) LOL), Nay (????????), Jas (foot) and Jodi (groin and knee) – no pressure girls, but I seriously hope you are all recovered soon, we sooo can’t do without all of you!! :o( We hope Silverdale’s keeper also recovers after being ‘Badged’!

Squad: Jenna, Spud, Nat (Lizzie), Kaylee, Rose, Jodi, Emmo, Roxy, Jas (Nay), Badge (118).

As for the Walker Brothers – bite me - 14 + band (ish)!

Leamington Hibernian 4 - 3 Coventry City Girls
League 1/11/09

Today it was obvious that sadly in more ways than one, our team performance had Halloween stamped all over it! So… how much of a horror story was that first half eh? Some of you had definitely been abducted and replaced by aliens, there were a couple of zombies, and frankly what a freaking nightmare on green street!!

I make light of it, but the humour hides my devastation. By the looks on your faces, you all felt the same. But are you gutted enough to rectify it for next week? Whichever way you look at it, Hibs wanted it more, reacted quicker, buried their chances, and are savvier about women’s football. In short, that’s why we lost!

I should perhaps take one on the chin for a couple of errors myself. However, we just don’t have the depth of squad or substitutions for strikers not striking, defenders not defending, and midfielders not erm performing! Obviously I also take on board having two experienced defenders out with illness and injury isn’t ideal either, we haven’t played for a couple of weeks, people haven’t been at training, everyone was late due to diversions and road works. All I believe may have been contributing factors/excuses, but not the main problem…

I’m more concerned that some of our team spirit vanished and we seem to have forgotten how scoring opportunities are properly created. The longest string of passes that I saw today was five. That is a seriously backwards move that we need to rectify and fast.

Rose, you played a fantastic game as full back, and without complaint – thank you. Long Legs, you continue to show us what a utility player you can be and a nice goal to boot. Jodi, you provided some quality left footed crossing with two assists. Kaylee, if you incorrectly thought you had something to prove, you certainly did today. Badge – thank you for being honest, versatile and playing whilst injured. Nat, I thought you tried your hardest, and 100% congrats for attitude. Nay, well done on your 2 goals.

For those I haven’t mentioned and perhaps some I already have… What was going on in those heads? I’m not going to single people out, so pick the most accurate options for yourself, I’ve already formed my opinion and find it frustrating that in some cases we didn’t have the information to work with before kick off!!

• genuine off day – don’t beat yourself up about it – we all have them!
• tried too hard and played badly due to pressure you were putting on yourself / lack of confidence in ability – come and see me on Weds please.
• complacency / arrogance – sort it out!
• Injured, unfit, tired, distracted or dare I say it - hungover? Snail reactions, wild leg swings, a very low connecting pass rate…whatever the reason – information we should have had prior to announcing the team!

I truly hope we can all exorcise our demons, and return to winning ways next week. Please talk to me on Weds if you are unhappy, have any problems etc etc that’s what we’re here for and we genuinely want to help.

I want to say special thanks to Darryl and Alan and to Charlie for running the line. Lizzie, Jenna, 118 212 and Roxy, I hope to see you all back soon.

Squad: Abby, Rose, Spud, Kaylee, Deanna, Jas (Pezza), Long Legs, Emmo (Nat), Jodi, Nay & Laura (Badge)

Coventry City Girls 5 - 1 Ladies United
League 11/10/09

Well Reserves, it looks like we can’t stop this thing we’ve started eh? Congratulations on another fine win, but more importantly a great team effort, of which, you should all be proud! There was some exquisite football and a great result.

Defence: - Although it cuts like a knife that we conceded a goal from a set piece, I thought in general, the defence of Mel, Spud, Long Legs and Nat looked extremely confident and relaxed on the ball today. Abby even found time to have a little dribble! Just occasionally though, I do need to take my heart tablets girls!!! Nat, I have watched you play since Under 14s days - today that was the best performance I have ever seen you put in. Made up for you hon!

Attack: - Some great team performances from Nay and Rose today. The 1^st goal came from a parried Rose shot, that a quick to follow up Jodi managed to net. Shortly afterwards, she spotted the keeper off her line, and lobbed in her 2^nd of the match. Deanna scored the other goal of this half, but I’m sad to say that all I saw was Mr McAleer’s back (& I have photographic proof)!! Second half, Rox went on a solo run to net the 4^th of the match and Nay slotted the last one home to increase her goal tally. In general, it was obvious that advice had been taken on board from last week, and implemented. We had a great attitude, were positionally aware and there were some lovely layoffs.

Midfield continued the team performance theme as Jas, Rox, Emmo, Deanna and Jodi produced some terrific triangles to torture the opposition with. It was also nice to see them instinctively cover as the defence started to believe in their wingback abilities. Some great stuff girls, both going forward and defensively.

Generally, I want to thank everyone who played out of position today, but especially Pezza who played in every area of the field without complaint. Bring your goalie gloves next week luv! I hope the sick and injured players recover quickly and thanks to the parents who helped with the nets. I think I can sum this week’s performance up in one word - HEAVEN! So thanks girls!

Squad: Abby, Nat, Spud, Mel, Amy, Rox (Jas), Emmo, Deanna, Jodi, Rose (Pezza) & Naomi

Kenilworth Town 0 - 5 Coventry City Girls
League 4/10/09

Historically eventful fixture, and this one was no trend breaker! However, the Reserves’ pristine passing fuelled further frustration for the opposition today, as they stormed through this match, continuing their unbeaten run!

Sadly, we were missing two players through injury, and one for personal reasons. We wish the duo a speedy recovery, and our thoughts are with the other.

With the initial starting eleven changed last minute for disciplinary reasons, it enabled us to officially welcome both Dee and Pezza to the starting line up of the Reserves. Glad to have you girls! The knock on effect also meant that two players had to play out of position for most of the first half, both Badge and Long Legs showing their versatility.

Whilst on an efficiency rant, Spud and Mel were as ever, defensively dependable, proving adaptability to gel with whoever occupied the full back roles. Pezza slotted in well and as the skies darkened over Kenilworth second half, 118 212 put in her best defensive display yet and Nat left her own inimitable mark! Another clean sheet ladies - result! You showed us again this week how incisive you are, and how well you read the game. Consequently, you probably left Abby even more time this week to reflect on life, the world, and possibly even the universe!

Attacking, I was thrilled to see some excellent crossing, and a first league goal from a confidence grown Rox to kick us off this week - some quality work hon – be proud! Whilst in the process moving to her usual centre forward position from left back, Badge took the defensive throw in, and then scooted up field to coolly finish the move to get her first of the match. She nicked another within five minutes, and after Dee had headed her first on her debut, we went in at half-time 4-0 up. The last goal came in the second half when Badge completed a well deserved, hattrick. Pezza and Rose battled as ever and Nay put in a solid supporting performance second half.

Minor criticism in the final third (and not just for the forwards) was decision making, and if we’d been positionally aware of others, I’m sure it would have been double figures, as the build up play was sublime today. However, having said that, I’m sure Kenilworth’s keeper broke a few nails denying some of you anyway!

Emmo and Deanna, Amy, Jodi and the afore-mentioned Roxy all put in some great footballing performances in midfield, and some of the interchanges between the defence / midfield are really starting to look polished! Long Legs – it is highly noticeable that you have started to relax and relish your role in the middle now, and with a fine defensive display thrown in this week too – treat yourself gal!

I may have already mentioned lol, I was seriously smug with the ball play today! Without exception, you should ALL be proud. More of the same of (almost) everything next week please! Which leads me nicely onto… If we continue to play quality balls round the opposition, some teams only know one other method to gain possession. Take it as a compliment, be determined and make sure you have the biggest grin on your face for the next goal, cos they make the best photos! ;o)

Squad – Rose (Nat), Pezza (Naomi), Jodi, Roxy, Emmo, Dee (118 212), Spud, Mel, Badge and Long Legs

Coventry City Girls 8 - 0 Halas Hawks
League 27/9/09

Our first home game of the season saw the rookie Reserves continue their unbeaten competitive run this afternoon, against a far better footballing opposition than last week, but thankfully, with waaay less drama! No recipe for success this week girls… just plain speaking!

On the goal-scoring front, Nay continues to deliver as per request. Another hattrick, (long may that line live in my match report!) plus 2 more! Rose also replicated last week, and cooly slotted another home. I’m pleased that Jodi got ‘2’ next to her name this week, even if she didn’t actually realise she’d scored the first, but an inch perfect cross from Jas ensured her bonce scored the second! LOL

Abby continued to make goal-keeping look easy, Mel, Michelle (Nat), Jenna, and Spud recovered a multitude of menacing balls, and kept yet another impressive, but important clean sheet – which as stupid as it might sound coming after the second game of the season, could be crucial in the latter stages! Mel, I was impressed with your astute attitude today, and I always enjoy watching you tackle with a huge grin – clearly loving your job!

The midfield of Amy, Emmo, Roxy (Badge), and Jodi all did well and once more showed some intelligent football. Again, I’m not unhappy with anyone, but Emmo looked cool, calm and composed in the centre, linking well both defensively and going forward, and playing some great passing football. Jodi is looking more confident and showing positive signs of returning to her old form after her 8-month injury hiatus.

I’m thrilled with the win. However, Ladies, you have already shown us that you can be an outstanding team and it is purely for that reason alone that I/we feel the need to push. It’s not your skills that I’m questioning – it’s your headspace! ;o) So blister your brain rather than your feet, and over the next few days please consider…

I want you all to be confident, and every single one of you should be, as you are all fantastic players, and have exceeded our expectations!! I don’t expect footballing perfection every minute (only 89 of them!) LOL! Seriously though, please don’t let your brain convince you to cross that line into arrogance/complacency and not giving 100%. Handbags at dawn IS women’s football – deal with the decisions and duel! No winning team at this level will ever be a one-woman talent show, so use your teammates to make you look good! Save your legs some work, be mentally switched on and plan ahead. You won’t have to crank those cranial cogs once you’ve already received the ball and have a selfish or ‘aaaah what do I do now’ moment then!

I can soooo hear you all now… ‘Geez why are you moaning? We won 8-0 didn’t we?’ Yes we did – great result! My fear is though, that if I don’t question your mentality now, it will stick and there will come a game where you will get punished for it. Also, if ‘the management’ didn’t want you to improve as all round players, we would not be doing our job right! It’s not that we are never happy, and don’t see all the good stuff, we just don’t want such a talented team (which you ARE) to unnecessarily slip up later in the season, that’s all!

A huge thanks to the parents who helped with the nets, I hope the other parents will share the responsibility in the home games to come.

Squad: Abby, Mel, Sinead, Jenna, Michelle (Nat), Jodi, Roxy (Badge), Emmo, Amy, Naomi, Rose (Jas).

Development Utd 1 - 5 Coventry City Girls
League 20/9/09

A truly terrific transformation from girls to women unfolded before all of our eyes at Wolverhampton University today for our first ever ‘Ladies’ league match. It was a tense and somewhat tempestuous meeting, where free kicks were frequent, and spectator’s children learnt some new words, but most importantly, some seriously inspirational football from every single Sky Blue on that pitch.

The Reserves played uphill first half, and to their credit, Walsall took full advantage of a clearly nervous side in the first few minutes, and had scored their singular goal before I had time to get my camera out of its case! However, the mood in the Cov camp was far from disheartened, in fact, it turned decidedly determined.

Some stubborn slogging from her teammates put through a clearly in-form Naomi, who cooly drew us back level. With belief came confidence. Walsall’s flat back four were unable to match the electric speed of our forwards, relying solely on their fifth defender. Moving swiftly past a disallowed goal from Nay, Badge also got her league goal tally underway before half-time and the Reserves having put in the hard work uphill, came in on top 2-1.

The second half saw more of the same, and Naomi complete her 4^th consecutive hattrick – an awesome achievement by any standards! Rose did everything right with her first touch of the ball, forcing the Walsall keeper to make a back-breaking save, but it was a pleasure to see Rose’s second touch / shot, find the back of the net! Full time: 5-1

Last week, I had nothing to say about anyone as it would have taken too long… but this week let me wax lyrical!

Having already mentioned three of the sensational forwards, who along with the gutsy Jas battled and chased every lost cause, even when we were 4 goals to the good. However, the strikers may have the numbers next to their names, but it was the delightful passing football that enabled them to do their jobs today. As a team, I wanted to mention that Walsall’s insistence to keep the ball in the air meant a lot of initial brave headers from everyone to get it to feet and pass. Your resilience and battling was a pleasure to watch.

The defence of Spud, Mel, Lizzie, Michelle and Jenna were soldier-esque today, standing their ground, clearing their lines, and unified in their advance. To continue the analagy, the midfield of Amy, Emmo, Jodi and Roxy advanced and retreated tirelessly, providing accurate arrows into the target area. I don’t want to play down anyone’s performance today, as you were all superb but Abby I was suitably impressed mate! Birthday aside, I last saw you play properly a couple of years – what an improvement - a HUGE official welcome to the Reserves!

Squad: Abby, Sinead, Mel, Lizzie, Michelle (Jenna), Amy, Emily P, Jodi, Roxy (Rose), Naomi, Emily B (Jas).

Rugby Town 0 - 6 Coventry City Girls
Friendly 13/9/09

After the adrenalin rush that was last Sunday, I’d be lying if I hadn’t already considered that the Reserves had set themselves such high standards, that perhaps anything less would seem disappointing? So here we all are, a week later with post-match blues that we beat another team a league higher 6-0! LOL – Gutted!

Putting things into perspective, if last week you’d auditioned, you’d have got four instantaneous yes’. This week however, perhaps you didn’t look like you wanted it as much, the group harmonies were not as tight, and there were a couple of diva moments. So only three nods this week – BUT you still get to go to boot camp girls! Yeaaaah!

So a relatively short trip along the A428 took us to a very nicely set up and accommodating Rugby Town FC today for a friendly match against the Ladies. Business boomed in their café, as a few spectators settled in with hot drinks and snacks!

Football wise, the goals continued in stunning fashion! Nice one ladies! If I have to comment, it would be to insist that you concentrate solely on your role. However, we may have scored 22 goals pre-season (did I mention that averages 5½ a match?), but those don’t count in the league! As happy as I am with the strike rate, any complacency would truly make me cry next week! LOL

Accurately placed assists were sporadically present throughout the match, thanks mainly to the midfield, but we could be more consistent with our balls into the final third. That said, first half, I could see (and approved of) the thought process behind most! There was also some respectable interplay between both right and left backs and midfield as a whole today. Oh and I mustn’t forget to mention, we happily rolled out the green carpet for Emily, back after a couple of season’s respite!

Defence - another clean sheet! Result! Perhaps not quite as totally focussed as last week, but with some flashes of competent brilliance! I actually thought the positioning off the ball improved more this week, with some good calm inter-defensive passing. However, if we can keep all ‘cylindrical white things’ out of the net when we’re not as 100% sharp as I know you all can be…I can’t really moan!

Four goals to the good at halftime, it was always going to be unavoidably disjointed with the substitutions that followed, (and consequently, it would be impossible for me to fairly analyse everyone’s game in this report, so to be completely impartial - not one person’s skill get a mention!). However, pitch wide it seemed somewhat lack lustre today. Maybe, the shouts of ‘relax’, have been taken too literally, or maybe you just felt you could today? Without interrogating players (as Julie says I’m not allowed to do that), my female intuition suggests that perhaps the recipe for today’s disappointment would include:

• ¼ tsp of arrogance
• 3 pts of unfit
• 3 oz of dropping our standards
• 150 ml of blinkered passing
• A sprinkling of hot potato spooners

So now we’ve tasted today’s performance, and I think we all realise it wasn’t quite as good as the roast we made last week… lets aim for a full blown carvery for the start of the league eh? :o)

Coventry City Girls 5 - 0 Solihull Ladies
Friendly 6/9/09

The Reserves proved a viable threat today, eventually turning in a stunning display of passing football as they took on Solihull Ladies from the Premier Division. It was a highly entertaining match from a spectator’s point of view, with a missed penalty-a-piece, disallowed goal, and some downright dogged determination!

Most importantly there was a marked improvement from Wednesday’s wet win. After an initial period of perhaps a mixture of nerves, awe and Sunday morning blues, the reserves relaxed and started to hint at their potential, playing as a team, showing Solihull we wanted it more. With this being the most physical of the three games played, I was especially impressed with the instantaneous response across the park. When you consider that out of the fifteen players that took part today, only a third are older than 16, meaning the rest had never experienced women’s football until a few weeks ago – but be assured not one looked out of their depth!

We welcomed Laura and Kayleigh into the fold, and they settled in straight away, linking well with their new teammates. In fact, the understanding is starting to gel in all areas.

Going forward, from the offset Laura and Naomi clearly wanted to wobble that mesh! There was some nice finishing over the two halves, as Na scored her 2^nd consecutive hat trick within five days, and both Amy and Emily found the back of net. Some very unselfish play was evident too. However, without playing down the score-line at all, or failing to realise that we have amassed an impressive sixteen goals in our first three games… I know it could have been more.

Amy and Emily (and later Michelle and Deanna) worked well in the centre, with Jodi and Roxy (and Beth) on the wings. All of midfield seemed eager to get to the ball first, tackle tenaciously and be playmakers. Tracking back, and the feeding of the balls out wide, was refreshingly oceans apart from Weds. The wingers worked tirelessly up and down the pitch and looked potent in the final third. Comparatively, probably the most improved area on the pitch today. Big smiles! :D

The defence also portrayed a much more fortified and organised approach. Sinead and Mel united in the centre, providing some outstanding recoveries. With full backs Jenna (later Hayley) and Kayleigh on speedy form too, all showed some intelligent reading of the game. Abby, looked sharp and impenetrable, rising well and collecting confidently when dealing with corners. More importantly, yet another clean sheet! With not one of you ever playing with the others before, your defensive record so far is one to be seriously proud of! Made up!

So, lessons learnt from Weds, instructions followed and I personally smiled pretty much throughout - even with a headache! However, now you have shown us what you can do, forget complacency! We need consistency and there is still much to be learnt in training and matches to get something out of this season. Now you all just need to repeat that performance and more… week in, week out! So no pressure ladies! :o)

A huge thanks to Paul Griffiths for refereeing for us – much appreciated!

Squad: Naomi, Laura, Jodi, Amy (Michelle), Emily (Deanna), Roxy, Jenna (Hayley), Mel, Sinead (Beth), Kayleigh, Abby.