Ladies' First Team - 'Liphook United Ladies'

Reports

Liphook United v Widbrook United Reserves - 29^th January 2012

This weekend, Liphook went in search of back-to-back victories in the league. They were playing Widbrook United Reserves, a team that the Blues had beaten 5-3 away from home earlier in the season. The starting line-up was unchanged from the side that were victorious against Basingstoke last Sunday.

The Blues got off to a cracking start, with a corner routine straight from the training ground. Shaw and Weeks played a one-two, the ball into the box found Cox who thumped it in. Liphook enjoyed the majority of the possession early on, and any threat posed by Widbrook was dealt with by the back four, and Chelsea Saint in goal. Shaw added a second for the Blues, another long range effort from the number ten. That was Shaw’s last meaningful contribution to the game though; a reckless tackle left Adam Pierson carrying the striker off the pitch. Shaw did actually ask Willow if she could return to the game, but the referee had already sent on Tilly Howson-Ray in her place. Consequently, the remainder of this report may be a little vague; all further information provided by Caoimhe Weeks. Liphook went three up before the break, Jess Cox on target again. Willow’s half time team talk was a mystery, but this was nothing compared to the tea making antics of Rick Williams and Ryan Long.

Liphook continued to play well in the second half, despite Widbrook breaking through the defence, just once. Jess Cox completed a well-deserved hatrick, and Weeks scored a wonder goal, apparently!  A 5-1 victory for the Blues.  Liphook turn their attention to the cup next Sunday, as they face a tricky away fixture against Southampton Women’s. Many thanks to all those who came along to support the team today; it is always much appreciated.

Liphook United v Team Solent - 13th November 2011

It had been a month since Liphook last played a league game. Their fixture away against AFC Boscombe Albion now seemed all the more distant. Remarkably though, The Blues’ opposition for this Sunday’s game had played even fewer games this season. Team Solent turned up with a full complement of players though and fielded a strong looking side. Despite Liphook’s lack of games in recent weeks, the home team went on to dominate the first half. Weeks and Howson-Ray controlled the midfield, and Jess Cox seemed to win everything going up front. Liphook took the lead after twenty minutes when Palmer fed Shaw, who then managed to squeeze the ball past the Solent keeper. It was Weeks though who celebrated as if Ireland had won the European Championships. The first time Liphook had opened the scoring all season, and Weeks had drawn number 10 in the sweep stake. Luck of the Irish! Shaw went on to complete a first half hat-trick, largely thanks to some exquisite football from Howson-Ray, a new pair of boots, and a large slice of penalty box pinball fortune! The Blues were not quite so fortunate when an excellently taken goal by Laura Dadswell was disallowed for offside. Team Solent managed to pull a goal back before the break. Some good attacking play resulted in a corner, which for once, the Liphook defence were unable to deal with. This moment apart, the back line of McCord, Gitsham, Oliver and Miron, had been outstanding in the first forty five minutes, and Steph O’Conner looked unflappable in goal.

The Liphook manager, Mark Morton, made only one change at the break, with Georgina Miron replacing Laura Dadswell on the left hand side of midfield. Team Solent started the second half strongly, but the Liphook defence held. The Blues extended their lead midway into the second half, when a clearance from the Solent defence fell to Shaw; who took a first time shot, looping the ball over the Solent keeper who was off her line. A little later, Shaw turned provider, picking out Chloe Palmer at the back post, who smashed the ball into the back of the net. With the score now at 5-1 Team Solent threw all caution into the wind, and rained pressure down on the Liphook goal. Rosie Miron showed that even in her unintentional actions she is every inch a top class defender. Despite falling over, Miron would not let the attacker get past her. However, the downside of this particular event saw the referee award Team Solent a penalty. Steph O’Conner in the Liphook goal did excellently to even get fingertips to the spot kick, but was unable to stop the ball hitting the back of the net. The game finished with a 5-2 home victory for the Blues. It was a fantastic team performance from Liphook, and one that even Spain (oh, wait!) would have been proud of. Liphook will now look to carry this form into next Sunday’s home game against AFC Boscombe Albion. Kick-off is 2pm at the Liphook Recreation Ground. Please come along to support the team.

Liphook United v AFC Boscombe Albion - 20th November 2011

Earlier in the season, Liphook were defeated by a last minute Boscombe goal. It was a very different story today, and Mark Morton later described it as one of his proudest moments in management. Boscombe played a good game, but Liphook were superb.  From start to finish, not one of the players in Blue could be faulted for their attitude and effort. Jess Cox scored an excellently headed goal in the second half, and Shaw - fresh from running the Turbo-X challenge in the morning - bagged a hat-trick. Sophie Gitsham was a safe pair of hands in goal, and although Boscombe did make it onto the score sheet, the Liphook back four of McCord, Rosie Miron, Fawcett, and Oliver (Hyndman 46) were unshakable. Chloe Palmer and Georgina Miron caused Boscombe problems all game with their pace and skill down the wings. Weeks and Dadswell worked tirelessly in the centre of midfield, while Cox and Shaw combined well up front. The final score was 4-2 to Liphook. The Blues now sit 4^th in the division but with games in hand, in what promises to be a close and exciting title race this season.

Many thanks to all those who came to support us.  Liphook United Ladies play next at home on the 4^th December - kick-off 2pm at the Liphook Recreation Ground.

Basingstoke Town Colts v Liphook United – 11^th December 2011

Liphook travelled to Basingstoke for their final game before the Christmas break.

Willow looked downcast at his failure to land the role of the star on the Liphook village Christmas tree. It seems that he got the wrong end of the stick; but what a shiner though! The weather was foul, and Liphook’s start to the game was no more complimentary. The Blues, playing in yellow, went down to an early goal. Rosie Miron was forced off injured; replaced by Kirsten Shaw. Liphook then conceded a second, and a third, although against the run of play. A goal kick from Shaw found Thomas, who found Cox, who scored. Shaw added a long range effort soon after, and the half time whistle blew inconveniently. Three two was the score at the break, as the teams hurried inside.

Basingstoke extended their lead, and then a little bit more. The scene was set for a Liphook comeback; the Blues came close, but couldn’t get a draw. Though Shaw bagged another two, Liphook fell to an agonising five four score.

On behalf of the entire team, may I wish you all a happy and healthy Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Liphook United v Basingstoke Town Colts - January 22^nd 2012

Liphook faced table-topping Basingstoke in their second game of the New Year. The Blues were keen to put the disappointing result and performance of last week far behind them. Willow brought back the tried and tested 4-4-2 formation, Rick and Adam returned with their usual banter.

If Liphook have an Achilles Heel, it would be starting games far too slowly. Such a weakness was mythological today, though. The Blues took the lead early on, when Shaw delivered a corner and Cox headed it in. Basingstoke, not being top of the table for nothing, equalised from some rapid attacking play. The game see-sawed back in Liphook’s favour when Shaw combined with Weeks and found the bottom corner. The score at two one, and Liphook were playing well, in spells. But it was Basingstoke who had one more piece of magic before the half was out. Two each after 45 minutes, and up stepped Willow for one of his speciality half time speeches. The Liphook team remained unchanged, despite Willow conspiring with Fred Powers to lock the clubhouse before all the players were out.

Ten minutes into the second half, and Liphook regained the lead for a third time. Palmer worked well with Cox, who set up Shaw for her second of the game. There was no looking back this time, and Liphook went on to play the most convincing 45 minutes of their season. Thomas and Palmer ran the wings, and not a single player in blue was run of the mill. Chelsea Saint impressed again in goal, and the back four of McCord, Gitsham, and a pair of Miron sisters, were superb. Weeks and Hyndman ran tirelessly in the centre of the park, while the front two of Shaw and Cox combined almost telepathically. It was that partnership again, that provided Liphook’s fourth goal. Palmer, with some excellent running down the right, played in Cox, who tee'd up Shaw. The Blues got their fifth when a dangerously delivered free-kick from Shaw was converted by a means of a fantastic diving header. It was without a doubt, the most serious contender for own-goal of the season, so far. Number six might have featured for the regular goal of the season competition, when Shaw beat the keeper from thirty yards. With the game surely in the bag, Willow sent on Laura Dadswell to replace the hard working Hyndman. There was still more to come from Liphook, and Cox got her second, latching onto a corner from Shaw. With five minutes remaining, Shaw rounded off the scoring making it 8-2 in favour of the Blues. It was Shaw’s fifth of the game, and the Chairman later questioned if she was Steve Harding in disguise, or was it the other way around? This was a Liphook team performance that a Thesaurus lacks superlatives to describe. The turnaround from last week, and the absolute effort and attitude from every player was sublime.

Many thanks to all those who came along to support the team. Liphook play at home again next Sunday, kick-off 2pm.

Widbrook United Reserves v Liphook United - 25th September 2011

Liphook travelled to Widbrook for their second game of the season. The team were without their manager, as Willow was in Turkey. They were also lacking a little direction. Katy Oliver, riding shotgun, knowledgeably informed Kirsten that Toronto is in New Zealand. Thank heavens for sat nav.

Liphook were still without Rosie Miron, and her sister Georgie joined the absentee list, along with Kayla Ford and Kirsty Rudman. But the Blues were revitalised by the return of Storme Millar to full fitness, and Laura Dadswell was available for the first time this season.

The game did not start in a particularly tidy manner, with neither team able to hold onto the ball for any period of time. After twenty minutes of broken possession, Liphook combined well up front to take the lead. Jess Cox with some excellent hold up play, and Georgia Thomas with the finish. It was not long before Widbrook drew level though. A rather speculative cross/shot made its way past Steph O’Connor in the Liphook goal, putting the home team on even terms once more. And it was only a few minutes later when Widbrook were awarded a penalty for a push just inside the box. However, Steph O’Connor produced a fantastic save to deny Widbook the lead. Liphook managed to quash further attacks from the home team, largely thanks to strong defensive play by McCord, Costello, Gitsham, and Oliver. Shortly before the break, Jess Cox fired the Blues into the lead once more. Chloe Palmer’s endeavours down the wing were rewarded when a ball into the box was coolly put away by Cox. Liphook made no changes at the break, Shaw requesting another 10 minutes to try and run off a hamstring injury.

Liphook started to assert their dominance on the game, and Jess Cox added her second soon after the interlude. It would soon be four for the visitors when Storme Millar, who was having an excellent game in the centre of midfield, fed the ball through to Shaw. Kirsten managed to get past a couple of defenders and slotted the ball low past the keeper. Widbrook were able to lessen the cushion that Liphook had built up though, pulling the score back to 4-2. Liphook were forced into making a second half substitution, when Shaw who was unable to continue due to injury, was replaced by Laura Dadswell. Widbrook were somewhat aided in their attempted comeback, when Caoimhe Weeks produced a likely contender for (own) goal of the season. With the scores now at 4-3 it promised to be an exciting last fifteen minutes. Both teams created a couple of chances, but it was Liphook who put the game beyond Widbrook with a wonderful piece of skill from Thomas to score her second of the game. The final whistle blew moments later; Liphook coming away with a 5-3 victory. It was a valuable three points for the Blues, as they look to establish a position towards the top end of the table.

Many thanks go to Ryan and Toby who assisted with the management of the team in the absence of Willow. Liphook now have a week off, which will come as a welcome rest to those players nursing injuries.

AFC Boscombe Albion v Liphook United - 9th October 2011

This weekend, Liphook made the long journey down to the south coast for their fixture against AFC Boscombe Albion. Perhaps because of the lengthy drive, or the distraction of the luxury changing facilities, Liphook were looking flat as they warmed up. With the exception of Abi Costello, naturally. It was little surprise that the home team took the lead with no more than five minutes on the clock. Twenty minutes later, car-lag overcome, Kirsten Shaw set up Georgia Thomas for the Liphook equaliser. The first half had developed into a game of end-to-end football, with both sides threatening to score with every attack. And it was Albion who took the lead again after some classic counter-attacking play. However, the Blues were able to level things up once more before the break. Costello played the ball into Shaw, who turned and found the bottom corner.
 
Half time saw an enforced change in goal for Liphook. The injured Steph O’Connor being replaced by centre back Sophie Gitsham. This prompted a large scale re-shuffle. Rachel Hyndman came on at left midfield to make her Liphook debut, and Weeks dropped back into the centre of defence alongside Katy Oliver. These changes meant that Liphook now held the Guinness World Record* for the shortest centre back pairing in history. Caoimhe Weeks, as part of an official statement made after the game said, “I might be small, but I’m built like a wall.” Oliver was unavailable for comment.
*record awaiting official verification as Oliver was alleged to be standing on tiptoes at the measure-in.
 
Into the second half, and Liphook took the lead for the first time in the game. Shaw was awarded a slightly bizarre free-kick just outside the opposition’s box. Liphook’s manager later asked the midfielder if ‘sitting on the ball’ had been introduced as a tactic to win free-kicks while he was away in Turkey. Shaw delivered the ball to the back post, where it was headed (?!) in by Thomas for her second of the game. The visitors, now 3-2 up, were not to hold their lead for long. Albion were awarded a penalty when their striker went down (Per Mertesacker potatoes) under the negligible challenge from Oliver. Albion appealed for a corner. The home team converted the resulting spot-kick, putting the scores back level at 3-3. Both teams threatened in the final quarter of the game, but it was Albion who snatched a last minute winner leaving an extremely unfortunate Liphook to go home empty handed.
 
Liphook’s next game is in the Hampshire Cup against AFC Portsmouth. The game will be played at the Liphook Recreation Ground, kick-off 2pm. Please come along to support the team.

Liphook United v AFC Portsmouth - 16th October 2011

Liphook faced a young and talented AFC Portsmouth side in the first round of the Hampshire Intermediate cup. Liphook produced their best performance of the season. They lost the game 3-0. The home team were by no means out-classed though, and as is usual with football, small margins of change would have resulted in a different score line. The coaching team of Willow, Rick and Adam were pleased with the team’s overall performance, and hope to build on this as they turn their full attention to the league.

The Blues were delighted to welcome Rosie Miron back to the starting line-up after a prolonged period of injury. Speaking to Rosie before the game, the defender voiced concerns about not being able to remember how to kick the ball. However, as the first half progressed Rosie showed that she had not lost it, when she conceded a free-kick and promptly kicked the ball away, straight at the referee. A most unfortunate accident. The other main points of discussion were raised before the game had even kicked off. Chloe Palmer refuted suggestions (suggestion) that she stars as Janet Devlin in ITV’s popular show, The X Files. Jessica Cox stated that old common regret, “I wish I hadn’t put Vaseline on my eyebrows.” And Abi Costello announced to the Recreation Ground that Kirsten is pregnant. But it was only the wine talking.

Liphook are now awaiting the updated fixture schedule, but as it currently stands they do not have a game for the next two weeks. Many thanks for your continued support of the team.

Liphook United v Waterside - 18th September 2011

The wait was finally over. Liphook kicked-off their 2011-12 campaign with a home game against Waterside. It was a little soon for anyone’s liking to be a squad nursing injuries though. Liphook were without their superstar defender Rosie Miron, and Storme Millar was struggling with a knock picked up in training. Waterside had their own casualty list, with several key players out. Problems with weak knees are not limited to romance, or so it would seem.

Willow set the team up in a slight variation of the standard 4-4-2 formation, but any confusion was explained away with the use of cunningly positioned arrows on the whiteboard. Kayla Ford donned the number one shirt; a knee injury keeping her out of the usual centre back role. Steph O’Conner, Sophie Gitsham, Abi Costello, and skipper Fiona McCord made up the back line. Oliver and Weeks formed a familiar central midfield partnership, and new signing Chloe Palmer played down the right. Shaw was given something of a free role between the midfield and the two strikers, Georgia Thomas and Jess Cox.

Liphook were still trying to settle into the pace of the game when Waterside took the lead. While it was not a particularly memorable goal, it was well deserved after a period of good play from the visitors. The Blues rallied, and their pressure on the Waterside goal earned them a succession of corners. It seemed only a matter of time before one of them would be converted, and sure enough the equaliser came. Shaw delivered the ball into the box and Georgia Thomas scored her first goal for Liphook. The Blues had chances to take the lead before the break, but were unable to capitalise. The heavens opened as the two teams went in for half-time, and the supporters took to the shelter of the clubhouse. Manager Willow was the last into the changing rooms. He was hopping. Not as a reflection of the first half performance though, but because of a completely unrelated footballing incident that occurred yesterday.

Liphook remained unchanged after the break and set about the task of getting a second goal. However, it was Waterside who once again took the lead. A dangerous ball was delivered into the box and though Liphook managed to get a head on it, the ball was deflected into the net.  As the game progressed it was looking like Liphook might come away empty handed despite the amount of possession and chances created. However, after some good play by Chloe Palmer, Kirsten Shaw managed to squeeze a ball across to Thomas who finished superbly. The game played out with no further goals; 2-2 was the final score. It was a point that Liphook certainly deserved, and on reflection it was probably a fair result for both teams.    It was really encouraging to see so many people turning out to support the team; and amongst them was none other than Fred ‘Mr Liphook’ Powers. Thank you to all those who came down to watch, it is always much appreciated.

Liphook have an away fixture against Widbrook reserves next Sunday. This is expected to be a challenging game, especially in the absence of Willow, Rick and Adam. The coaching team will be sunning themselves in Turkey, whilst enjoying one of Scotland’s greatest inventions; Golf.

Team: Ford, McCord, O’Conner, Costello (Miron, G), Gitsham, Palmer, Oliver, Weeks, Shaw, Cox (Millar), Thomas.  Unused substitutes: Fawcett.

Goal scorers: Thomas (2)

Team Solent v Liphook United - 11th September 2011 - Postponed

Liphook United Ladies were due to play their first game of the 2001-12 season this weekend. However, Team Solent (temporary name change required?) contacted the league in order to postpone the match.

Liphook will now play their season’s opener in a home fixture against Waterside next Sunday. Kick-off time is 2pm at the Liphook Recreation Ground. Please come along to support the team.

Pre-season report

The management team of Liphook United Ladies underwent a wholesale change over the summer. Out with the old, and in with the new. Well, not exactly. Mark Morton (Willow) took over the role of manager, and somewhat aptly, Kirsten Shaw filled the vacant secretary’s position.

The squad welcomed the arrival of Steph O’Connor, Chloe Palmer, Georgia Thomas, and Laura Dadswell who have all fitted in really well, adding to the fantastic atmosphere at the club. The attitude and energy at training has been second to none. Willow has been ably assisted by the Men’s reserve team scoring sensation Rick Williams, and the ultra-non-competitive Adam Pierson.

Perhaps one of the most defining features of Willow’s management so far has been the implementation of a clearly structured warm up and pre-match routine. In theory, the idea behind this is that every player will know exactly what to do and when. However, the creative (forgetful) nature of the team has resulted in every possible variation of the original model. Not to mention the arduous negotiation of the schedule to allow time for an extra ‘nervous wee’ before kick-off.

Liphook played in two friendlies in the pre-season period. The first was against Fleet Town Ladies, and the second against Petersfield U18s.

The game against Fleet was played on a rare day of summer. The referee had agreed that a water-break would be taken 20 minutes into each half. However, when the team went into the changing room at half time, Willow looked at his watch and announced that we had been playing for an hour, without pause. Liphook lost the game 4-1 but it was a very commendable performance with a very different looking team and only 10 players.

The match report for the Petersfield game has been provided by Willow:

‘A new look Liphook side started brightly against the youthful Petersfield U18 team. Early pressure told, as Chloe Palmer forced the Petersfield defence into error, and the ball was turned into their own net. Liphook were set up in the familier 4-4-2 formation, the defensive line of captain Fiona McCord, Rosie Miron, Abi Costello, and Mollie Fawcett looked in control, although the pace of the Petersfield strikers did cause problems. Katy Oliver and Storme Millar were showing their experience and controlled the centre of the park. Chloe Palmer and Georgie Miron offered good outlets down the flanks, and the new strike partnership of Jess Cox and Georgia Thomas combined well and worked hard. Mark Morton made a double substitution at half time brining on Sophie Gitsham in defence, and Laura Dadswell in the place of left winger Georgie Miron. In a closely fought game both teams created good chances, and Steph O’Connor impressed in the Liphook goal. The final score was 1-0 in Liphook’s favour.’

Liphook now have one final training session before their first game of the season on Sunday 11th September, when they will travel to Southampton to face Team Solent. The team’s first home game is on the 18th of September against Waterside - kick-off 2pm at the Liphook Recreation Ground.

Liphook v Lindford - 27th March 2011

Liphook faced local rivals Lindford, in what was their final game of the 2010-11 season. It was a gorgeous day down at the Recreation Ground, although the weather was looked on more favourably by the spectators than the players. Liphook were able to field a strong side for this match, albeit without any substitutes on the bench. An injury to Kirsty Rudman saw Kayla Ford replace her in goal, but the ever-present Jess Cox was unavailable due to holidaying. Liphook were pleased to welcome back Caro to the side though. The German superstar, who had been struggling with injuries, was fit to play one final game in England.

Despite not having played for three weeks, Liphook started the game strongly. Georgie Miron was using her pace to great effect down the left, and the midfield pairing of Weeks and Oliver were controlling much of the play. The breakthrough came some ten minutes into the match. Lynette Dunlop battled hard to win possession, and the ball made its way out to Shaw on the right. Shaw drove past the Lindford left back, and slid the ball into the back of the goal past the outrushing keeper. Incidentally, this was Shaw’s 50th goal of the season; a tally that looks sure to earn the Liphook midfielder the golden boot. Liphook continued to apply pressure to the Lindford goal. Storm delivered a string of fine corners, one of which fell to Weeks at the edge of the area. The skipper executed a perfectly timed volley which went in off the underside of the crossbar. This strike put Liphook into a 2-0 lead with a little over twenty minutes played. Lindford started to raise their game after this, and it was not long before they were finding gaps in the Liphook defence. The visitors halved the deficit shortly before half time; heading in well from a precisely delivered corner. As such, it was a narrow lead that Liphook took into the break; The Blues grateful of the interlude and a chance to re-group and re-hydrate. Alan Hall was his usual animated and enthusiastic self as he delivered his final team talk of the season.

The second half brought a fresh spell of Lindford pressure, and the Liphook back four of Rosie Miron, Caro, Molly, and McCord, were being tested to the limit. For a while, the defences held. Thanks mainly to some good saves from Kayla Ford and the kind of tackles from Rosie Miron that have come to be expected. One of Lindford’s second half tactics seemed to involve trying to take Shaw out of the game; literally. There was one particular incident where a Lindford player saw red, but was only awarded a yellow. Back to the football and Lindford’s attacking play began to pay dividends. The visitors scored two goals in quick succession, moving into the lead for the first time in the game. And in many respects, they were good for it. But even when Lindford went 4-2 up, Liphook continued to work hard to create opportunities to drag the game back. Caro came close to converting an out swinging corner delivered by Shaw; the centre back heading narrowly over the bar. The nearest Liphook came to scoring again though, was when Shaw shot direct from a corner on the left hand side, but only succeeded in rattling the crossbar. Sometimes, it’s less than inches that makes the difference. Liphook ended their season with a 4-2 defeat, but despite their disappointment at this result, there was a feeling of pride at what had been achieved over the course of the season. Each and every one of the players must be congratulated for their efforts this season, not to mention the coaching team and management. It has been a remarkable season, based not only on where this team has come from, but also from the standalone merits of this year. Personally, and on behalf of the team, I would like to thank all those who have supported the team this season in a variety of different ways. I hope you have enjoyed reading the match reports….See you in September!

Liphook v Fleet – Sunday 27th February 2011

The semi-final of the Hampshire cup was originally scheduled to be played at the home of Fleet Town FC, but due to unsatisfactory pitch conditions a last minute re-arrangement saw the game moved to Liphook. The kick-off was moved back slightly to allow sufficient time for the teams to warm up. However, Liphook’s pre-match preparations showed an uncanny resemblance to a circus act, ably led by Alan Hall and Willow. Despite a disappointing result last week and Fleet’s position at the top of the league above, Liphook were in a confident mood before the game. Caiohme had even dreamt of a victory over Fleet; the fact that it involved spaghetti rather than football seemed to matter very little. The pre-match team talk also had a touch of the bizarre about it; sports bras being the topic of conversation, rather than set plays.

Fleet dominated the first fifteen minutes of the game, showing a control of possession that testified to their unbeaten season. They scored two goals in quick succession, and for a spell it looked as if they might run away with the game. Liphook dug deep though and slowly started to have more of an impact on the game. The Blues pulled a goal back through Shaw. Liphook’s number 10 evaded a couple of challenges and managed to locate the top corner from the edge of the area. Suddenly, there was everything to play for. Storm was making significant headway down the left of midfield, and Jess Cox looked as threatening as ever up front. And it was Cox who brought Liphook level, with a superb piece of control from Shaw’s cross, coupled with a calm finish. Liphook thought that they had taken the lead minutes later when Shaw latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Weeks, skipped past the last defender, and fired the ball into the bottom corner. But the linesman’s flag had been held aloft; offside, the decision given. The scores remained level at the interlude.

Liphook continued brightly in the second half, McCord and Miron were linking up well down the right, and it was that combination that led to a third Liphook goal. Georgie Miron tirelessly chased down what appeared to be a lost cause, but the winger's pace forced a chance out of nothing and she finished superbly from a tight angle. You will have to speak to Georgie directly, should you want an explanation of the goal celebration that followed. For the first time in the match Liphook had the lead, and they were well deserving of it. Fleet were far from sunk though, and they heaped pressure on the Liphook back line. McCord, Rosie, Ford, and Molly, showed great commitment in their defending, and Rudman pulled off a number of fine saves. Katy Oliver was doing her best to offer the defence some protection by breaking up Fleet’s attacking build up. With twenty minutes to go though, the referee awarded Fleet a penalty. It was a typical situation where you might expect Sir Alex Ferguson to state that he never saw the incident. He would have had good reason for not doing so on this occasion though.  Fleet converted the spot kick bringing the score back to 3-3. The game was set up for a tense finale. The next goal would of course be crucial, and unfortunately for Liphook it was scored by Fleet. Despite their commitment and work rate which had been evident all game, the Blues were unable to find another goal and take the game into extra time. The final score was 4-3 to Fleet, seeing the division three side through to the cup final. The disappointment was etched on every Liphook player’s face. Not to mention all the family and friends who had braved the unfavourable weather to support the team so admirably. It came as little consolation to hear from the opposition’s manager, and the match officials, that Liphook had arguably been the better side, and that they were unfortunate to walk off the pitch defeated. It was probably the team’s best performance of the season, but with the most heart-breaking of results. Alan Hall and Lynette Dunlop had nothing but pride for the way the team had played, a sentiment that I’m sure would be echoed by those who had watched the game. The team cannot thank the supporters enough, and hopefully next season they will be able to watch Liphook Ladies play in a cup final.

Liphook United v AFC Dynamo – 6th February 2011

Liphook played host to league leaders AFC Dynamo, a team with an impressive 100% record in the league so far. The Liphook side was still struggling with injuries, but Katy Oliver returned to the starting line-up despite having sustained cracked bones in the ankle two weeks previous. New signing Storm started the game at left midfield, with Shaw rested to the bench. There was nothing between the two teams in the first twenty minutes of the match. Liphook were playing well and holding their own against the champions elect. A moment of indecision though was to cost them the lead. Dynamo capitalised and went one nil up. The Blues were forced into making a first half substitution, Oliver who was no longer able to continue with her injured ankle, was replaced by Shaw. Willow though, was a little slow to react to the announced change, and he voiced his disappointment at not being able to display his favourite linesman signal. There was no happy flagging today. Liphook conceded a second not long before half time, it was a well taken finish from Dynamo, but possibly avoidable from the Blues with a little bit more communication.

The second half got off to an ill-tempered start. A negligible foul from one of the Liphook players drew an angry reaction from the felled, but the landed blow from the Dynamo player somehow went un-punished. The temperature increased and Liphook upped the tempo.  Jess Cox came close to narrowing the deficit, but was denied by some last ditch Dynamo defending. The Blues were looking the dominant side all over the pitch, Storm was having an impressive debut and Rosie Miron was putting in another fine performance in defence. Liphook made a second substitution with Molly coming on for Lynette who had worked tirelessly upfront all game. Despite all their efforts though, a Liphook goal was not forthcoming. And in their drive to push forward, the Blues were caught on the counter-attack, and conceded a third late on. AFC Dynamo won the game 3-0, but it was a score-line that somewhat flattered them. Liphook played well, especially in the second half, and were perhaps slightly unlucky to come away empty handed.

The support for the team was fantastic as ever; with Lynette’s dad unable to attend due to a bug (wishing you a speedy recovery!); her mum doubled the vocal encouragement and even kindly offered the opposition’s linesman the use of her glasses. No such measures were necessary for the ever-excellent Willow though. Shaw acquired something of a fan club during the game, the members of which decided to give her the nickname ‘Kirstiano Ronaldo’. The reason for which is not clear, but Kirsten was overheard saying after the game “It’s certainly not because of my looks; I’m not that pretty”. Liphook enjoy a valuable rest next weekend, and Alan Hall will be hoping that this will provide sufficient time for injuries to heal, especially with the Hampshire cup semi-final fast approaching.

Liphook v Hamble - Sunday 6th March 2011

In the penultimate game of their season, Liphook faced an away fixture against Hamble. They travelled only with the bare eleven that started the game. The squad had been hit severely with injuries and other absentees. The majority of the team reached the ground a mere half hour before kick-off; the closure of the A3 being the main culprit. Furthermore, the Blues arrived to find that Hamble were also the Blues. Due to the unavailability of a Liphook away kit, Hamble offered them the use of their red change strip. Both teams took to the field bearing the badge of Hamble.

Liphook took the lead five minutes into the game. A dangerously delivered corner from Shaw was converted by Abi Costello, who had thankfully been talked out of semi-retirement for the day’s game.  The score line, though, was not indicative of Liphook’s performance. The visitors were looking disjointed, and it was Hamble that were looking the more convincing. But despite the scrappiness of their play, Liphook were able to double their lead before the half time break. Shaw managed to evade a couple of challenges, before setting up Lynette Dunlop, whose first time shot snuck across the line.

Liphook made one change at half time; Alan Hall handing the flag to Hamish Shaw. It was a win-win situation, allowing Al to be a vocal presence on the side line, and Hamish to practice his semaphore. The football in the second half was negligibly more entertaining than that played in the first. Hamble pulled a goal back; an individual run from their pacey left winger dissolved the Liphook back line and put the home team back into contention. However, they rarely troubled the visitor’s goal after that. Liphook went on to score a third before the end of the match. The hard working Jess Cox setting up Shaw; who skilfully scuffed the ball into the back of the net. The referee blew the final whistle, bringing to an end a truly forgettable game. Liphook took home the three points; 3-1 the final score.

The Blues now have a few weekends off before their last league game of the season. They play local rivals Lindford on the 27th March; kick-off is 2pm at the Recreation ground. The team would really appreciate your support for this match, so if you are able; please come down to watch. Thank you for reading.

Basingstoke Colts v Liphook United – 20th February 2011*

On the 9th October 1996, Estonia were scheduled to play Scotland in a World Cup Qualifier in Tallinn. However, only one team turned up. The travelling tartan army provided the atmosphere, although their chants of ‘There’s only one team in Tallinn’ were short lived; the game was abandoned after three seconds. 

Similar scenes were witnessed in Basingstoke this Sunday, except the game ran for 90 minutes and there was not a single Kilt to be seen.  More than this though; Liphook actually had a team on the pitch. The Blues will be hoping that ‘You’re just a surprisingly bad Estonia’ doesn’t become their anthem.  The game finished 6-3 to Basingstoke; goals from Miron, Shaw, and Kondziella, did little to lift the Blues. However, these games do happen in football; if only Crawley Town hadn’t had an off day against Manchester United in the FA Cup.

Liphook must now put this performance behind them, as next week they face Fleet in the semi-final of the Hampshire cup.

*This match report was brought to you from somewhere in the north of the country, so apologies for the delay.

Return to Ladies' First Team teampage.