We’ve all been waiting for this. It’s been years in the making. And as we awoke this morning, it was there right in front of us. Our first-ever competitive 11-a-side match as we were welcoming Ainsworth FC to Leverhulme School and being a side that we’d never played before, we didn’t know what to expect. But the girls were up for it and as they started to arrive, there was a confident mood amongst the ranks…
Thankfully the sun had decided to dim itself a little from yesterday – but it was still pretty hot out there as both teams warmed up and it was clear to see that there would have to be plenty of fluids taken on board throughout this one. And when the referee called both the captains forward, it wasn’t long until the whistle went and our 2023-2024 campaign had begun in earnest…
The opening exchanges were pretty frantic – with both sides trying to attack whenever they could – but it was County that seemed to settle the quickest. We were knocking the ball around well and in turn, that was creating chances for our forward players. We were dominating it in the advanced areas but then as is football, we conceded massively against the run of play. Having had several opportunities to clear it from a corner, the eventual block tackle that came in saw the ball loop over our keeper’s head and as it landed in the back of our net, it was the visitors who had the lead. 0-1…
We kept going though and as the seconds ticked by, there was only one team that looked likely to score. Sanya picked up the ball and carried it down their right-hand side, beating a number of players in the process – and in the next phase of play, the ball fell to her feet again and this time – with the composure of a player so much more experienced than she is – she lifted it over their advancing keeper and it felt like an eternity before the ball finally crossed the line! 1-1 and we were back in it! Sanya’s first-ever goal for Bolton County and Jess seemed to get all emotional on the touchline as she wheeled away to celebrate with her team-mates. When asked why after the game, the coach said ‘That goal was so deserved for somebody who has beem working as hard as our Sanya and improving all the time!’ All square again and still all to play for…
But that’s how it ended and when the whistle went to end proceedings, it was a point each and probably fair enough. The handshakes were done with pride and as both sides made their way from the pitch, the crowd showed their appreciation…
The girls were praised for their efforts as they came in for their drinks – and the work they had put into their passing game during pre-season really came to the fore out there today. We were composed on the ball and if we can take this forward into next week, there’s every reason to be optimistic about another great performance…
All of them played their part out there but special mention must go to both full-backs – Olivia and Klarisse – who had some great battle with their opponents and came out on top for most of them. The Girl of the Game was awarded to Lucy K though – who was back to her old-self and the standard she had set previously. She did well in the various positions she was asked to play in and fully deserved it – so well done!
And that was that. As Leverhulme started to empty, the first weekend was over and we had got our first point on the board. That will do for starters. A massive thanks to the County fans that came down to cheer us on and we hope to see you all again the next time we play…
#UpTheCounty!
