After a summer of significant changes within the Tornadoes, it all led up to this morning – as we opened our league campaign with the visit of Bridge JFC to Leverhulme School. Several players had moved on during the close season so today saw a lot of these girls making their debuts in the famous blue shirt of Bolton County – and they did not let us down…
Thankfully the blazing sun had disappeared overnight – but it was still really warm as the players began arriving and as they were put through their warm-up’s, it was clear from the looks in our player’s faces that they really wanted this today. So with everything set, the referee blew the whistle – and our 2023-2024 began…
It was County who started the brightest as we got the ball down and moved it well and we were so unlucky not to take the lead when Chloe sprinted down the left – leaving her marker for dust – but she could only slam her shot just wide of the upright. A good start though and the County fans were buzzing…
Back came the team from Rochdale though and it took a couple of smart saves from our Poppy-Lea to keep the scores level – however she was helpless when they did finally take the lead – somewhat against the run of play – following a good ball through the middle. We were still very much in this – but we had work to do now. 0-1…
We kept plugging away and Heidi produced a moment of magic when she ran down the right, cut inside and hammered her shot goal-wards – only to see the Bridge keeper get down to make a great save. That proved to be a crucial save for the visitors – as they then went down our end and doubled their lead with a good shot from the edge of the area that flew past our Poppy before she could even react. 0-2 and we had a lot of work to do now…
Still giving it their all, the County girls were finally rewarded for their persistence when Chloe managed to pull a goal back – after some great work down our left – but soon after, the visitors regained their two-goal advantage after some loose play in possession saw them gifted the ball. All in all though, that had been a fantastic effort from the girls in blue and when the whistle went for the break, we had more than enough optimism to believe we could get back in this…
Half-time: BOLTON COUNTY TORNADOES 1- 3 Bridge JFC Girls
As the drinks were gulped gratefully, Alex and Co. set about their work – reminding the girls that they had been doing really well but we just needed to get closer to our player when they had the ball. And when we had it, we just needed to move it a bit quicker to catch them off guard. A great effort though – now we had to go and do it again – and more…
The second period started pretty evenly but it was the Tornadoes who were creating the better chances. A great curling shot from our Molly saw the ball fly centimetres over the crossbar – and then we managed to get a goal back when some determined play across the middle saw the ball land at the feet of our Chloe – and she made no mistake in sticking it home from about 8 yards out. 2-3 and we had a way back into this now.
The County girls kept trying to work the ball forward now in search of the equaliser – but it was leaving gaps in behind – and the opponents managed to seal the victory when they counter-attacked following us losing possession from a goal-kick and as the ball nestled into the back of our net, the score was 2-4 and that was that…
The handshakes were done with respect and as the Tornadoes came in, there was nothing but praise for each and every one of them. There were girls making their debuts out there so to perform so well against an established side is a massive credit to them. It was a massive effort despite the lack of experience and a great lesson we can take forward into the season. Lots of positives to build on – so onwards and upwards…
Alanya was awarded the Girl of the Match today – but all of her team-mates can go home knowing that they more than played their part in this great match – so let’s hope that they can use training well in the week and come out next Sunday ready to go that bit further once more…
A massive thanks to the Bridge JFC players, coaches and supporters for making the journey over and we wish you all the best for the rest of the season – and a safe trip home – and as for you County fans there today, a huge ‘hats-off’ because you were ace and backed us all the way. See you again next weekend yeah?
#UpTheCounty!