From the first moment, the players put into practice everything they have been learning in training. The showed great positioning, passed into space when they could and were always looking for the next player. In defence the Bulldogs were tenacious, leaving the opposite numbers with little time on the ball and fewer options – Samantha, Amelie and Imogen all got in some great tackles. When shots did come in Emily was magnificent in goal and conceded only three goals over the entire competition. The Bulldogs broke quickly whenever they could which led to some great goal-scoring opportunities.

Although the Bulldogs started slowly, losing their first match 1-0 to Sevenoaks 2, they improved in all areas of the game throughout the competition. Periods of sustained pressure failed to break the deadlock against Tunbridge Wells 2 which ended 0-0 when Emily’s shoe fell off. In the third match against Tunbridge Wells 1, Amelie had a great shot cleared off the line and got her rewards seconds later when she managed to force the ball out of the goal-mouth scrum and over the line. With Megan and Betty helping to keep the play at the other end, Rebecca scored a few minutes later to win 2-1. The final match was a 1-1 draw against Sevenoaks 1, in which Amelie scored and the whole team played for each other right to the very end. The team ended the tournament, exhausted but with 1 win, 2 draws and a single loss. So often, great ideas and passes didn’t complete as there wasn’t quite enough power behind the ball; this will come with time and then the team can expect even greater success. The girls clearly enjoyed the tournament and came away exhausted, a bit cold but, rightly, very pleased with themselves.

Well done to the Blackheath Bulldogs!

Match details

Match date

Sun 14 Oct 2018

Kickoff

09:20

Meet time

08:50

Location

Tonbridge School Sports Centre

Team overview