RAF Football Association
Match Report
Royal Air Force Ladies 1 – TNS 2
On a perfect October evening the
RAF LRT took on The New Saints in
their 3rd friendly fixture of the
season.
A 3-0 defeat to Wolves Ladies FC in
September left the team hungry to get
back to winning ways.
Immediate RAF pressure caused
problems for the TNS defence with a
succession of throws and eventually a
corner being won. The creative set
piece was well cleared by the TNS
centre half.
Skipper McIntosh had the beating of
her full back all night and received the ball out wide after good quick passing through the thirds.
Driving infield on her favoured right foot she created a yard of space for the shot only for TNS to
smother it and clear the danger. The RAF pressed high and the only way out for TNS way the
long ball over the top for their pacey centre forward who got in behind a few times during the
match without really causing keeper Clark much work.
The RAF looked dangerous every time the ball was played into player of the match Haywood in
the lone striker role. She linked play superbly and TNS struggled to cope with the pressure,
however the RAF couldn't take their chances throughout the first half. 0-0 at half time.
The second half saw TNS make 7 changes and bring on fresh legs, but the RAF were still the
dominant team with Davies and McKenzie running midfield, and McIntosh and Martin thriving off
balls out wide. On 55 mins the RAF had the ball in the back of the net after a sweeping move
from back to front - McIntosh beat her full back on the outside and crossed a low hard ball in
which Martin put in at the back post, only to see the goal ruled out for off side. Moments later
after winning the ball back high up the pitch the RAF won a corner and a superb delivery was
headed inches over by Howes. The next phase of play saw Wylie and McIntosh link up on the
right with a driven ball delivered across the face of goal, Martin could only slide in and toe poke
it inches wide.
RAF FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MATCH REPORT – LRT VS TNS – Oct 15
With the RAF looking like the only team likely to score TNS took a quick throw on their right and
find their No9 whose touch invites Clark to come and take, but a slip by the keeper left her
stranded and TNS slotted home to take the lead against the run of play (68min). 0-1
RAF sub, Scotty on for debutant McKenzie. The RAF continued to look dangerous every time
they went forward but simply could not convert. With the legs tiring and TNS still fresh after their
changes, the RAF are caught short from another TNS throw and somehow end up 3 on 3 at the
back and TNS made it count with a cool finish. 0-2 (78min).
RAF sub, debutant Mester replaced Martin on 80mins, and the RAF continued to create chance
after chance. Haywood and Cassin linked well and find McIntosh who beats her player and
drives infield into the area 1 on 1 with the keeper, goal! 1-2 game on (84min).
TNS dropped deeper trying to hold on to the lead, and a great delivery from Mester saw
Haywood's goal bound header superbly saved by the TNS keeper for a corner. Again Mester
found Haywood for the shot which the keeper took and held. The final few seconds saw TNS
professionally keep the ball to count down the clock. Full time, 1-2, superb performance by the
RAF LRT who just couldn't take their chances.
Report by Fg Off Siobhan Davies
RAF Squad:
Flt Lt Belinda Martin
Cpl Zara McIntosh (Captain)
Sgt Nicky Davies
Cpl Ash McKenzie
SAC Lauren Cassin
SAC Roxy Clark
SAC Keri Haywood
SAC Rachel Howes
SAC Chantelle Lovell
SAC Rachael Rutherford
SAC Sam Wylie
Subs
AC Ashlyn Mester
Cpl Tara Scott
Unused Subs
SAC Connington
SAC Shurmer
SAC Laverty
Scorers:
SAC Dixon (pen)
RAF FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MATCH REPORT – LRT VS TNS – Oct 15
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