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A vitally important match with Woodlands lying 2nd & Radcliffe 3 3rd was marred by Radcliffe's decision to bring in first teamers while leaving regulars on the bench. Even so, Woodlands were unlucky in the end to lose a very entertaining match. The game itself was played in good spirit & the referee had a good game. Woodlands kicked off playing into the wind & up the slope, but in a first half of few chances Woodlands were very unfortunate to find themselves a goal down to a fluke, the ball going in off the Radcliffe first team midfielders heel without her knowing much about it and trickling over the line with Sophie in goal only able to watch in despair. Mel was causing problems for the Radcliffe defence and the Radcliffe first team goalkeeper made a terrific block when it seemed certain that Mel would score.
The second half was a more entertaining affair as Woodlands poured forward looking for the equaliser & Radcliffe continued to look dangerous when breaking with pace. A superb free kick from Nia was met with a beautiful header by Mel & this would surely have gone in but for a fantastic save from the Radcliffe first team keeper. Woodlands continued to threaten and Chloe P saw her half volley fly just the wrong side of the post.
Woodlands were getting closer and Mel, who was leading the line well was flattened in the box, when she seemed sure to equalise, the referee pointing to the spot. Nia stepped up bravely but fired the spot kick wide of the left hand post. Radcliffe went close at the other end and Sophie made a quite outstanding save to keep a near post drive out.
As Woodlands continued to press, they began to leave gaps at the back, Sophie dived bravely at a Radcliffe strikers feet only for the ball to squirm to another striker, but her effort was brilliantly blocked on the line by a Betty header.
With time running out, Mel broke through the middle and fired a beautiful shot, but was again denied by the Radcliffe first team keepers agility, the ball flew up & from 10 yards out and the goal at her mercy, Claire couldn't keep her header down and it flew just over the bar.
A very brave performance by Woodlands, it's a shame that Radcliffe have to pick first teamers and leave their real stars on the bench. Radcliffe 3 are and always will be a good side, they might have been good enough to beat us with their normal players, we'll never know? They might win a trophy for doing what they have done. But they haven't gained any respect. We played them last year in a friendly & leant them players, so they could field a full team. That's sportsmanship. Radcliffe had 14 players this time around, but CHOSE TO PLAY first teamers.
By beating Radcliffe 2 next week, we could still finish 2nd. But that would rely on Radcliffe 2 beating Radcliffe 3. On the evidence of Sunday i don''t think we can rely on any favours.
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