Coming off of the back of back to back defeats. United came into the game on Sunday needing to find momentum after those losses. In a game United controlled from the off, The Blades secured a first win of the season in commanding fashion. United made two changes from last weeks defeat, with Alanta Brown coming into the starting line up alongside Ash Hodson. On the Lewes side of the pitch, former Blade Grace Riglar started in defence.
United started with intent. Asserting themselves onto our opponents early on with some slick passing play. Despite the quick passing, we couldn't quite get a clear effort on Whitehouse in the Lewes goal. The first clear cut chance would come via a set piece. A Jodie Hutton corner, delivered with pin point accuracy, found the head of a United attacker that went wide of the post! The game came alive during the half way point of the first period. Lewes went close with a superb opportunity from point blank range that found the hands of Stenson with the goal gaping wide. United heeded the warning and began to press for the opener again. Goodwin went close with a low drive after being played in behind by Rayner. And she should have had a penalty after looking to have been tripped in the box. Despite the pressure and a couple more good chances, we would enter the half time break still level. The second half began with a flash back to an incident last season (even against Lewes?) When a back pass to Whitehouse in the Lewes goal went unpunished. If I had a nickel for every time I've seen a back pass at United women's games, I'd have two nickels. It isn't a lot, but it's bizarre that it's happened twice. The pressure from United continued and after another corner. Whitehouse spilled the ball straight into the path of Goodwin inside the six yard box. Yet, our no.10 was unprepared to slam home and Whitehouse gathered at the second time of asking. A quick break from United saw Hodson test Whitehouse with another low drive after being played in by Bex. As it looked like it would be one of 'those' days for United. We found the breakthrough that our pressure warranted! Bursting down the wing after collecting a poor clearance. Rachel Brown carried the ball to the by-line and pulled back a low cross for Isobel Goodwin to poke home to score her second goal of the season! The summer signing from Rugby Borough has been impressive since her move back to The Championship. She'll be a big player for us, and looks like a good upgrade on Courtney Sweetman-Kirk. With the clock winding down, Goodwin should have clinched the game for us before the ninety minute mark with a darting run into the box. Her attempt on the angle squirmed it's way through Whitehouse but the Lewes keeper managed to kill the ball before it crossed the goal line. Despite ten minutes of added time. United saw the game out and got themselves up and running with a 1-0 win! A pleasing day on Sunday for United. I thought that we looked a lot more gelled as a team than we did against Sunderland with our game management coming on leaps and bounds. We controlled the contest from the opening exchanges of the game, and looked more assured in how we wanted to play the game. rather than letting our opposition assert themselves onto us. All in all, Sunday was very good indeed! There is something to build upon there ahead of our next game after the international break against Palace! Until next time, as ever, UTB.
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AuthorHi my name is John and i will be giving my thoughts on the blades matches and all blades related news in this section Archives
November 2022
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