This was always going to be a close match as both teams started the day neck and neck in the top half of the table. With fifteen girls available for selection the coaches arranged a 9 o clock training session for them all before the match and then kept a squad of 13 for the game
As with many of the matches this season, it was the opposition who started the brightest and it was immediately clear that Teddington were going to be one of the strongest teams the Eagles have faced in the League this season.
Teddington won many of the early challenges and attacked sharply and repeatedly down the middle of the pitch but the well drilled defence of Ruby Tabs and Heidi were up to the early pressure and covered well for each other to prevent any shots on goal. Seren looked sharp in goal an launched some kicks out of hand to get the ball up the pitch.
Soon the Eagles settled into the game and started to win challenges in midfield with Ria and Bonnie working hard down the sides and Ella chasing everything in the centre of the pitch. The Teddington team had some powerful players throughout their team and the Eagles found it hard to get the ball through them. However some long passes over the defence saw Lyla and Freya chasing into the opposition penalty area but the Teddington goalkeeper was more than a match for their efforts.
At the mid-point of the half, a break down the right saw the ball passed in to Ella who turned and shot on goal. The ball hit a Teddington defender on the hand and deflected in to her face and then into the goal. The Eagles started to celebrate only to see the opposition player lying on the ground and the referee opting to award a goal kick to Teddington.
This didn’t deter the Eagles and they pressed on for the remainder of the half. With Maeve and Isabel coming into midfield and Molly into attack they had the best of the possession but few chances came their way. At half time the game was finely balanced
Stella came on in goal for the second half and battle recommenced. But the tide started to turn in Teddington’s favour – urged on by their coaches their forwards began to threaten the Albury goal by repeatedly moving the ball quickly and accurately and finding space more readily. The Albury defence held firm, making last ditch clearances and tackles but eventually the pressure told and a slightly skewed shot squeezed into the bottom corner to give Teddington the lead.
The final five minutes were scrappy with Teddington looking to extend their lead while Albury tried to play on the counter – relying on long balls out of defence for the forwards to chase but in the end they just couldn’t squeeze the ball past the Teddington keeper to equalise.
It was another thrilling end to end match and to be in the top half of the table at the halfway point of the season is a wonderful achievement for a fantastic squad of players who are a real pleasure to coach. The morning ended with hot chocolate, sausage baps and a Santa lucky dip for them all. Thoroughly deserved!!
Star player: Ella