Batley beat the weather to success in the first match of 2015
- Gemma Elsworth
- Jan 15, 2015
- 2 min read
In the freezing cold hailstones, Batley ladies met up for their first match back after Christmas. Having had most of our December matches cancelled, we were all feeling a little rusty.
Playing Halifax for the second time this season, we were hopeful of a similar result to the 3-1 win at the beginning of the season.
Once the match began I was clear that we were not as sharp as we had been in the run up to Christmas. Halifax were fast and keen on the break, Batley were struggling for defenders again – with two midfielders standing in.
Batley were struggling to get the ball up the pitch, Halifax were fielding a wall of players in the middle who were shutting us down on the break. It was only with some fantastic passing and use of space that the midfield and forwards got the ball through and allowed Kim to score the first GOAL of the match.
Halifax made up the goal difference finally breaking through Helens great keeping to bring the scores level.
The wind was making the match entertaining, with strong gusts blowing the ball off the line at sideline balls and making it difficult to run up the field.
Half time saw the score line at 1-1, some frantic defending keeping a strong Halifax at bay.
The second half saw Batley get more tired, the wind get stronger and Halifax keep pressurising the Batley goal. Fast breaks from Halifax kept a constant threat to the Batley defence and their marking drew Batley forwards deep in to the pitch, making it difficult to make an attack.
The continuous breaks from Halifax made for some tense moments in the second half for Batley, but great marking by the team and good organisation kept them at bay. The midfielders worked tirelessly to keep the ball away from the Batley end.
Then, some fabulous passing and great work from the Batley forwards and midfield saw Jodi break through and score the second GOAL for Batley with 5 minutes to go. This was quickly followed by Kim scoring a third GOAL making the final score 3-1 to Batley.
Man of the match was shared between Fretters and Kim. Next week we’re away in Doncaster, which means everyone will be busy and unavailable…
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