EH CUP - ROUND 1
Final Score: North 1 - 5 Stokesley

A lovely fresh October morning where North welcomed Stokesley in the first round of the England Cup. As expected there was much buzz and excitement about the competition and playing an opposition we haven't played before.

From the whistle credit to Stokesley, their press was constant putting North defence and midfield under pressure and they made several attempts at attacking our D putting big hits across into the D and onto goal requiring Millie to make multiple saves and the defence coming in to clear the lines....and for the majority of the 1st half North coped incredibly well until Stokesley eventually broke clear and opened up the scoring. The teams entered into half time only 0 - 1 down.

We regrouped at half time, trying to keep morale high and stressing we were not out of the game at all we could still go out there and match Stokesley. The second half showed signs of promise with the midfield linking up well and the occasional ball making the top 23 however, again credit to Stokesley, their work rate and tracking back was to be admired as they cut out our game plan and were on the attack again! But they put the ball wide.
I'm isolating this passage of play because this for me was the critical turning point - and not the fault of any of our players.
*** At the North hit out at the 16, Stokesley made 3 substitutions at their attacking 23 before the ball was played. You can't do that - it should be at the half way line. As the subs were coming on the ball was played and they ran onto the ball and took the ball into the D. The Stokesley coach immediately apologised to me as I was obviously bewildered at what just took place as a short corner was awarded - Stokesley's way!!. Stokesley then scored with a set piece short corner. 0- 2 down.

Fair to say North became deflated.

Stokesley came back hard and constantly pressed and came back with another 2 quick fire goals.

Albeit, 0 - 4 down the girls did try, and try they did and with a looping ball struck to the top of the D, was a perfectly positioned Emily Green to hit the most superb goal into the bottom left corner!
Stokesley hit back again and passed and moved like they had from the start of the game and again scored the last of the match to finish 1 - 5.

The game was relentless and the girls kept going and kept trying! Of which I am so proud ? ? and to celebrate some individual recognition the following players who received votes for players players are as follows:

1 Vote: Sophie ? for some fab positional play
1 Vote: Viv ? for working so hard for every ball in midfield

Narrowly missing out on the award with a sensational 5 votes, the goal scorer

Emily

Although the concession of 5 goals....it could have been 25....and receiving 6 votes, congrats to

Millie

I understand that this is the girls first defeat of the season, their first since playing York B in a friendly way back in February....however, looking positively....

We learn more in defeat than in victory

We are currently joint top of our league

Undefeated in our league

Not conceded a goal

Rachel and I have spent 40 minutes discussing how we are going to train with the girls this evening and it is going to be a high intensity hour of game related drills and we will be training using coaches feedback from games. We will also be stressing 'PLAY TO THE WHISTLE'.

I am also going to be getting the girls together tonight to be talking them through their positions, what is required playing that position and the positive attitude I would like them to portray on the field and on the side lines. I would appreciate it if all of you could have a word with the girls that any feedback I'm giving them, even if it is advice to improve, is not personal and not negative and I have been trying to practice how to deliver it really positively ☺️ if anyone has any queries or concerns or would prefer me to deliver feedback via you the parent. I'm more than happy to do that!

Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight at training and getting ready for the weekend ❤️