Defeat for Batley after a long battle

This week, Batley were playing Leeds at home. Vicky managed to put together a strong team. We welcomed back Fretters after two years of absence from the pitch and also would be saying goodbye to Gemma as she moves away. Good luck Gemma, thank you for your commitment to the team, you’re always welcome back when you’re in the area! We’ll miss you.

Batley started off confident, knowing that Leeds would be young fit and, hopefully, hungover (no such luck) we knew we’d need a strong start to keep this team at bay. There was some great passing and moving, letting the ball do the work. Our forward line were working really well together and looked dangerous on the attack. Defensively we were strong, but regularly challenged, Gemma did a great job of channelling the attacks away from the D.

Unfortunately it was Leeds who made the first successful attack after fighting through our defensive line Batley found ourselves 1-0 down at half time.

Batley remained positive and went in to the second half intending to capitalise on the weaknesses spotted in the first half and come back fighting. It wasn’t long before we won a short corner that Gemma was able to successfully convert into a GOAL. Batley were back in the game!

Batley were stronger in the second half and began to push down the right hand side, Fretters making use of Sophie’s open positions upfront.

Unfortunately, in the last 10 minutes of the game, Leeds fitness began to show through as the Batley side tired. A short corner goal saw Batley go 2-1 down and caused a game stoppage as Gail went down having taken a stick to the throat. A worrying few minutes as Gail recovered and decided she could play on, all credit to you for doing so Gail, and still making your legendary runs down the pitch, remaining a dangerous player!

Leeds scored another quick two goals to finish the match 4-1. A really disappointing result for Batley and one that doesn’t reflect the game.

Man of the Match went to Fretters for her consistent performance in midfield. Next week, Driffield away in Bridlington, maybe this year we can get a full team?

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