Pickering Away

After 6 full weeks off, we were back on it today in Pickering, with a bare 11. Pickering are top of the league and beat us at home, so we were expecting a hard game.

The game started and we were quickly on the back foot. It took us a while to sort out our marking and formation, but once we got it we started to make some breaks of our own.

Pickering were strong and fast, getting on loose balls and always making dangerous play. We were breaking too, getting the ball through to the forwards.

The defence were breaking down the Pickering play and Helen made save after save. Soon Pickering broke through our defence and got their first goal 1-0.

Not disheartened, we played on, passing and moving and keeping the ball. We had our chances, but Pickering were always there for the break. Soon they were 2-0 in the lead.

A glimmer of hope at this point as Ashleigh got on the end of a cross into the D and scored a GOAL for Batley. 2-1, was this the start of a come back?

Half time came and we felt confident that we were playing well, we were just letting Pickering get the better of us sometimes. We needed to double check our marking and carry on.

However, a shuffle round in the Pickering side meant our marking plans were scuppered.

They continued to be strong, breaking quickly and catching us on the back foot several times. Soon it was 3-1, then 4-1 all through the strength and speed of the Pickering midfield, making goal scoring opportunities all over the place. Helen and the defence did a sterling job keeping the goals down.

The game ended 4-1, battered and bruised we took ourselves home. Pickering named Linda our MOM for her awesome defending.

Next week - City of York at home.

#batleyladieshc