Saturday 26th April – Bedfont
It was the last game of the league season and the team
well and truly saved the best till last! With the possible prize of runner up spot in the
league if we won, the girls had all the incentive they needed and they delivered by
putting in their best performance of the season. It is always close against Bedfont who
for much of the season have led the table, but it is also a pleasure to play against a
team who share our philosophy of fair play and enjoying the game. Today lived up to
the expectations and a strong start from us produced some good early chances before
we took the lead when Hannah finished superbly from a tight angle. But Bedfont were
always dangerous and one of their players went on an excellent run, riding the tackles
before passing for a good finish to make it 1-1. After the break we were against the
wind but this didn’t phase the team and if anything our passing play got even
better. Hannah added her second of the game before Holly put us 3-1 up with half
saved shot which crept over the line, causing much delayed jubilation in the
crowd! Hannah got her hat-trick after some great work down the wing but Bedfont did
not give up and continued to put us under pressure. They managed to pull one back
from a corner but strong defense and dominance in the midfield helped us hold on to a
magnificent 4-2 victory. All the team deserved a prize for this great performance but
Players of the Game were Andie for a tireless display in midfield and Kirsty for an
excellent game at the heart of the defense.
Saturday 12th April – Thatcham
Our games against Thatcham are always very tight and tense matches
and today’s match was no exception. Despite having only 10 players Thatcham played
their normal game of robust defence and fast counter attacking. The game was fairly
even in the first half but just as we were starting to get the upper hand, going close on
several occasions, Thatcham scored when a great pass found a free winger who
squeezed it in off the post. Having come back from 1-0 down in our previous contest
against Thatcham, we were not put off and continued to play our passing game. We
had several more chances in the second half before once again Thatcham made a break
and finished expertly. However, our commitment never wavered and we were
dominating the match at the end and deservedly got a goal when Holly finished cleanly
after some excellent work by Amy. We just ran out of time in the end, so a 2-1 defeat,
but this did not take away from another very good performance – which was best
summarised by Paul when he called it the ‘the best game we lost’! There was no Player
of the Game today so instead we’ve got a Person of the Day photo for Brian for the
great passion and desire he showed today and in every game.
Saturday 22nd March – Reading Girls
We went into the game as League leaders and
knew that a good performance would put us right in the mix for winning the
league. But we were well aware that Reading would be tough opposition having beaten
us 3-0 earlier in the season. From kick-off Reading showed what a strong side they are
and we spent a fair time camped in our own half though we prevented Reading having
any clear cut chances. We’d really learnt from last time and managed to neutralise the
threat of their fast wingers. 0-0 at half time was a fair reflection of our great effort so
we were disappointed to go a goal behind not long into the second half. However, once
again our fantastic team spirit came to the fore and we fought back strongly. We were
justly rewarded with an equaliser expertly taken by Amy when she dinked the ball over
the keeper. The 1-1 result was an excellent one against a very strong team. It was
certainly the game of the season and the team gave a truly outstanding
performance. Brian found it difficult to pick a Player of the Game as everyone had given
outstanding commitment and effort but Alice P was exceptional at the back, and
deservedly got the award. The second award Brian gave to the whole team as it was
such a brilliant all round team effort.
Saturday 15th March – Wargrave
It was inevitable that playing Wargrave we’d have the
pain of the penalty shootout and unexpected cup exit against them in October at the
back of our minds. Brian was certainly worried early on when for the best part of half
an hour we dominated but couldn’t grab the lead – not dissimilar to the cup game. But
after going close several times eventually Holly got the goal which gave us the lead and
from there we didn’t look back. Holly soon added a second before Alice W made sure
we went into the break with a 3-0 lead. The score could have been so much greater
were it not for some excellent work by their keeper. After the break it was a different
story. With no substitutes, Wargrave were tiring and we took advantage with a hat-trick
first for Charlotte and then for Hannah. Leanne added to the tally with two poachers
goals giving us an excellent 11-0 victory. Wargrave didn’t give up and had a couple of
spirited attacks but in the end we were well and truly avenged for the cup
defeat. Players of the Game were Louise for her great composure in defence and
Charlotte for an excellent hat-trick.
Saturday 8th March – Swindon (Trophy)
With Swindon sitting exactly one league above us we
knew this would be a tough game and so it proved. We had a bright start but soon fell
behind to the first break by Swindon. Their driving power down the wing caught us out
and a great cross and finish gave them an early lead. Although we were matching
Swindon in the middle of the field their attacking play was impressive and despite
having a few chances of our own we went into the half time break 3-0 down. The
second half brought greater commitment from our girls but the movement up front was
continually catching us out. Swindon added to their tally with some good goals and one
great finish chipping it over Ellie. However, the Comets spirit never let up and the last
10 minutes in particular we created several chances and went close, Holly in particular
leading the way but unfortunately the goal we deserved never came. The 7-0 scoreline
did not reflect the overall balance of the game, but there was no doubt that Swindon’s
clinical attack was the difference on the day. There were two Players of the Game,
Georgia for showing outstanding commitment in defence and Holly for her leadership
and spirit.
Saturday 22nd February – Caversham (friendly)
Whilst today’s match was a friendly, it was clear from the outset that
Caversham wanted a win. The Comets made a slow start and Caversham capitalised on
this putting away 2 goals very early on in the first half. This was the wake up call that
the Comets needed and Holly was able to reduce the deficit when she disposed of a
Caversham defender before shooting to the top corner from the edge of the
area. Twyford now showed a more competitive spirit but there was however a further
set back when for the third time Caversham broke quickly and although Ellie was able to
parry the strong shot she was unable to stop the follow up. Twyford were able to
reduce the lead to one again when just before half time Holly’s deep corner was only
partially cleared to Alice whose firm shot beat the keeper. The half-time talk focussed
strongly on winning individual battles but also on the good team work within the
squad. It clearly paid off – after the break the Comets were first to every ball and able
then to play their signature passing game. Chances came but it was not until mid way
through the second half that parity was restored. Some neat interplay on the left lead
to a cross which picked out Hattie who was unmarked in the area and the keeper had no
chance with her composed finish. Comets now had all the momentum and were able to
take the lead for the first time when Hannah showed her trade mark speed to run on to
a through ball and slide the ball past the keeper. Caversham weren’t prepared to
concede victory easily and had a number of chances in the final 10 minutes but the
defence held to record a well deserved 4-3 win. Player of the match went to Holly,
although the victory was a true team effort. This win will set the Comets up very nicely
for next week’s match against Swindon – UP THE COMETS!!!
Saturday 8th February – Warfield
It was a miracle that this game took place at all given the extreme
weather conditions that had turned our normal home ground, Stanlake into more ‘lake’
than ‘Stan’! But despite the rain, hail and wind we started our first league game for two
months but we needn’t have worried as the girls picked up where they left off. Our
fluid passing game was causing Warfield problems and we dominated
possession. Hannah in particular was putting her new boots to good use, chasing
everything down and putting us two ahead. The team was playing with confidence,
exemplified by one great defensive passing move which saw the ball moved across the
back four and off down the left wing in a strong counter attack. Amy put us 3-0 ahead
at half time and the big question for the second half was whether having the wind
against us would change the game. However, whilst Warfield had a few threatening
attacks, we continued to dominate and Holly added a fourth to wrap up an excellent
performance. Player of the game was Hannah for her outstanding commitment and two
goals.
Saturday 7th December – Caversham
After an outstanding performance last week we were looking forward
to playing Caversham who have always proved tough opposition. However in the first
half we couldn’t find the fluent passing that typified the Thatcham game and although
we played a lot of the game in their half, chances on goal were few and far
between. Caversham relied on their strength down the wings and had some good
surging runs but nothing our defence couldn’t handle. Brian and Paul called for some
extra commitment in the second half and the team responded well. The midfield in
particular were stronger and we were rewarded by going ahead through an excellent
goal. Alice W received the ball and played a great through ball into Amy’s path, which
Amy finished in great style. This turned out to be the only goal of the game, giving
Comets a very satisfying win against a tough team and even tougher playing surface!
Player of the game went to Andie for her fantastic commitment in midfield, and Andie
summed up the team spirit after the game in a phrase which could be the team slogan
“Win together, Lose together, Team-mates!”
Saturday 30th November – Thatcham
It was great to play Thatcham with a full team at our disposal as so
often in the past we have been missing players. With our full complement we knew we
would give Thatcham a good game and so it turned out. It was once again a case of
contrasting styles of play. We used our passing strength to string together some
excellent moves whilst Thatcham relied on the quick break with strong front
players. From the off we were playing some outstanding football and managed to
create some excellent scoring chances which we couldn’t quite convert. It was against
the run of play therefore when Thatcham went ahead with a through ball catching our
defence square and good finish. The message at half time was keep playing the same
way and the goals will come. And so it proved. We equalised through a great run by
Amy with a poked finish into the corner. Our domination deserved a winner and it came
through a brilliant free kick move. Holly chipped into the penalty area for Hannah to
control and beat the keeper. It was definitely the performance of the season for our
girls and an excellent and well deserved win. Player of the game was Sophie for great
defensive work including three pull backs of great quality.
Saturday 16th November – Woodley
Woodley had been promoted after last season but have
dropped back down again to our league, so officially this was a ‘friendly’. We know
though from our past encounters that Woodley are a robust team and there was little
that could be described as friendly about some of their tackling. Our response to this
kind of play was to do what we do best and play good passing football and right from
the off we dominated the game. It was very much against the run of play therefore
when Woodley went ahead through a quick break. The girls didn’t let this disrupt them
and they deservedly equalised shortly before half time. A great shot from Amy came
back off the post and it was left to Alice W to put it away. In the second half Woodley
rarely troubled our goal and our dominance clearly frustrated them. We had to make
several substitutions as players got hurt in heavy tackles but as always the spirit was
magnificent. Despite several chances we couldn’t snatch the win the performance
deserved but nevertheless is was a fine performance in very tough circumstances. Brian
probably summed it up best at the end when he said ‘Even though we lost individual
spokes in the wheel, the chain didn’t come off…!’ Everyone had a great game and this
was recognised by Brian and Paul by awarding everyone the Player of the Game.
Saturday 9th November – Warfield
The half term break and some intensive training sessions focused on
passing helped the girls get back into the great early season form and return to winning
ways. We began very strongly and dominated play with some slick passing and keeping
possession. However, Warfield play a defensive game, packing the midfield and despite
our dominance we couldn’t create too many clear cut chances. A change was needed
and a brilliant substitution from Brian and Paul brought Alice W onto the pitch and she
scored with almost her first touch. We went into the half time break having played well
but always concerned that Warfield could be dangerous on the break. In the second
half Warfield were stronger but we responded well and were able to add a second
through a great left footed strike from Amy. We were comfortable with a two goal
cushion but Leanne added a third right at the end with a real poachers goal, retrieving a
ball that many thought had gone out and squeezing it in at a tight angle. So a very
good performance and a satisfying 3-0 win. Player of the game was Hattie for her
outstanding contribution in both midfield and defence.
Saturday 19th October – Reading Girls
Following last week’s disappointing result we were looking to get back
on track but we faced tough opposition from Reading Girls who were in the higher
division last season. We found it hard in the first half to get into our normal fluent
passing game and the ball was being lost through hopeful clearances. Reading went
ahead through a powerful run down the wing and good finish high into the net. After
another spirited half time talk from the managers the team raised the commitment level
and were putting in massive effort. Unfortunately Reading managed to exploit their
speed down the wing and scored two similar goals to go 3-0 ahead. Despite having
several attacks the Reading defence was extremely organised and solid and we couldn’t
break them down. So despite another great effort it ended 3-0. Player of the Game
went to Holly who once again put in a captain’s performance in leading the team.
Saturday 12th October – Wargrave
After a 6-0 victory against Wargrave only 3 weeks
previously, we were not expecting too much difficulty in progressing to the next round
of the Cup. However a mixture of an excellent performance from Wargrave and our
team having a rare off day meant that it wasn’t to be. We made a slow start but
whereas we are normally able to pick our game up Wargrave made it difficult for us to
pick up the pace and dominate the game. Despite this we went ahead with Alice Watts
putting away the rebound from her own saved shot. Wargrave were dangerous down
the wings and found an equaliser through a powerful run down the wing and excellent
finish. Brian and Paul gave a rousing half time talk and there was certainly more
commitment in the second half but we were still not able to find our normal fluid
passing game and could not convert any of the chances we had. Extra time did not
produce any more goals so it finished 1-1 and went to the dreaded penalty
shootout. The girls who volunteered to take them showed great courage, especially
given our woeful record in penalty shootouts. And sadly it was to be disappointment
again as Wargrave just had the edge. Still, we’ve got our ‘blip’ out of the way and it will
be onwards and upwards next week. Players of the Game were Alice P for her excellent
defensive work and Ellie for her goalkeeping.
Saturday 28th September – Caversham
We know from when we have played Caversham in the past that it is
always a very close game with two evenly matched teams and this game was no
exception. Caversham made a strong start, relying on their ability to move forward
quickly on the break, running at the defence. But despite some early scares Comets
held firm and by the end of the first half the we were the stronger team. Our passing
game gave them problems and their keeper had to pull off some good saves and the
crossbar denied Holly a great goal. It was a first half also of injuries, Ellie’s nosebleed
held up play for several minutes but not as serious as Louis’s injury meaning he had to
be replaced as Referee’s Assistant! Howard stepped up and ran the line for the second
half making some crucial decisions! Again the second half was very even but neither
side could break the deadlock and a 0-0 draw was probably a fair result from a highly
competitive and entertaining game. Full credit to our girls for putting in a massive
effort and getting a good result. Player of the game was Lauren for an outstanding
performance at left back, excellent positioning and some critical tackles and clearances.
Saturday 21st September – Wargrave
With no game last week clearly the girls were raring to go and made an
unusually energetic start, dominating the play from the whistle. This resulted in a goal
from our very first attack when some good work by Amy was finished off by Holly
looping the ball over the keeper. Amy was instrumental in the second, with Leanne
making a clinical finish before yet another Amy cross was diverted into the net by a
Wargrave defender to make it 3. Hannah scored another from an impossibly tight angle
before the break. In the second half Wargrave on occasions looked threatening
particularly when running down the wings but the defence was solid, the centre backs
covering well. A handball just outside the area set up a free kick which Leanne struck
fiercely, beating the keeper despite her getting her hands to it. Hannah added a her
second before the end and Comets maintaining a clean sheet for a well deserved 6-0
win. There was some excellent passing and several players performed well in positions
where they don’t normally play. Player of the game was Caitlin for an excellent
performance in the centre of midfield.
Saturday 7th September – Bedfont
An excellent game to get the new season underway. Though new to the
League the Bedfont team are well known to us and we knew that it would be a testing
first match. Unusually for us we got going right from the start and were dominating
play. We quickly got our passing game working well and it was some excellent passing
moves that produced the opening goal for us. Hannah opened her account for the
season with a great finish giving little chance to the Bedfont keeper, who was otherwise
excellent. Bedfont were looking dangerous on the break and went clear on more than
one occasion but Ellie was able to win the one on ones. After the half time break
Bedfont kept up the pressure and whilst Comets probably had the better of the first
half, it was Bedfont who edged the second. Eventually our defence could hold out no
longer and Bedfont got the equaliser. It was a nail-biting finish as Bedfont piled on the
pressure but we held out for a very fair 1-1 draw. Special mention to Alice who made
her competitive debut for Comets and put in an excellent performance. Player of the
Game was Ellie for some excellent saves.