1s in Away Win over Saints

It is never an easy game against St. Andrews, a notoriously physical team, who like to play direct and very competitive football. It is even more difficult to play them away, where we battled travel sickness, rain and a shortage of changing rooms before even reaching the field. Regardless, the 1s stepped up to the occasion with yet another fresh line up (emphasis on fresh as 4 1st years started!).

The game was a tale of two halves with a somewhat nervous start that resulted in 25 minutes of rapid football and do-or-die defending from both teams. Making full use of our speed out wide, we ran the St. Andrews full backs into the ground as 1st year Kayla Duverger made some explosive and unpredictable runs through their defensive lines, ultimately orchestrating the first goal where Sophie Boeckh fired in from close range on the end of a great piece of football from the winger.

The girls took control in the second half, playing fantastic passes and linking up well across the pitch, able to break down a tiring St. Andrews and build high-level football. Eleanor Patrick held great composure on the ball up top and both Margaux and Margot came on to bring fresh legs into our attacking third. The second goal, a penalty, was built up by a creative set of quick passes and an overload in the St. Andrews box. An unfortunate handball by their defender set the scene for Eleanor Patrick’s composed finish into the bottom corner and EUWAFC’s dominance in the game.

The 1st team has undergone many personnel changes since last season and this year has provided the opportunity for a number of players, both new to the club and from the 2nd team, to step into the squad. As the season goes on, they continue to prove their capabilities as strong footballers and excellent teammates – a sincere compliment to the coaching and environment they have come from.

As tradition seems to go, an away game in St. Andrews finishes in 3 points and a pizza, as the girls enjoyed a treat from coaches Mike Ross and Tom Connor before heading home victorious.

Player of the match: Sophie Boeckh

See the fantastic photos from the game taken by Craig Doyle (Craig Doyle Media) and like his Facebook page! ---> https://www.facebook.com/pg/craigdoylemedia/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1454819934609361