Today we played South Moor Women away from home in our first league game of the 2023/2024 season.

The pitch was heavy due to the constant rain and it was a cold, wet miserbale day. Given the amount of players out to injury and South Moor recently being promoted we knew today was to be a tough test.

The first half wasn't a great game at all for us seeing us barely be able to string a pass together and not working as a team at all. South Moor took full advantage of our poor performance and took the lead not long before the half time whistle.

Half time came seeing the players and management have a good discussion about the issues throughout the first half. The girls took it all on board and seemed up for the second half. The second half performance from the side was far superior to that in the first, they began working as a team and more than competing for the ball seeing them get on top of the game. The equaliser came on the 60th minute of play with a great played forward from Mel. Ellen raised in to get the shot off but with pressure from a South Moor defender she turned out playing the ball back to Ellie who struck it with force sending it crashing into the top of the goal, what a finish.

This give the team the extra push they needed for the 3 points seeing them constantly attacking at goal. Credit to South Moors keeper who pulled off some superb saves to keep us out. On the 68th minute Mel was fouled as she headed towards goal with the ball. A free kick was awarded from around 25 yards out, Mel placed this perfectly sending it crashing into the top left hand corner of the goal to take the lead for the first time in the game.

The girls continued to attack but without any reward seeing the game end 2-1. A great pull back for the team after such a poor first half performance. Well done to the team for the change of attitude which rewarded them with the 3 points.

Player of the match today was awarded to captain Steph for her solid performance at the back, her effort and pace was a godsent when our opponents pressured and attacked. She drove her team constantly and was key in todays win. Well done Steph.

Rutherford AFC

South Moor Ladies

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