On a cold & blustery damp morning the Rangers took to the field, once again led by Captain Hudson. The Rangers had been asked to play in an unfamiliar 2 -2 formation instead of the 1 - 2 -1 formation of the previous week. Playing against a strong Macclesfield Ladies team the change in formation proved a hindrance more than a tactical change. Within 5 minutes Macclesfield surged in to an early 3 - 0 lead.
Rangers can be proud at the way they battled through the early disappointment's, none more so than the ever smiling ever running Williams, her determined direct approach will surely soon bring her the first of many goals for the Rangers, on two occasions her surging runs produced half chances which sadly the Macclesfield keeper matched with good saves.
Locke, (as the home crowd have come to expect), played her normal determined no nonsense performance, never afraid to make a challenge for the good of the team, hower sadly on this occasion the Macclesfield Ladies were a little to strong even for Locke and her opponents were 5 up at the end of the first half.
The second half saw a number of changes, firstly the formation, the girls were asked to play the more recognised 1 - 2 - 1 set up, instead of the 2 - 2 formation that they started the match, with respect to personnel Standish replaced the hard working Locke, and Preston, (disappointed not having made the starting line up) came on for Williams, who clearly felt she a point to prove, duly battling hard for her team.
The second started positively for the Rangers, until disaster! A strong shot low from outside of the area struck by a Maccklesfield Town player was heading for the bottom right hand corner of Barrow's goal, watching it all the way, Barrow dived full length down to her right making the most fantastic save, supporters from both sets of fans applauded loadly for what appeared to be a wonderful save, amazingly the referee deemed that the ball had in fact crossed the line a decision which was protested against but sadly not over turned!
Such bad luck would have knocked the confidence of many a goal keeper but not Barrow!
Sadly the introduction of Bibby for the tricky McLaughlin and Reid for the ever dependable Captain Hudson, offering fresh legs did not prevent the end out-come of an 8-0 defeat.
Davenham Rangers U10 Girls (0:5) Crewe & Nantwich
The Rangers took to the field with the same starting line up as the Macclesfield game, but this time with the more familiar 1 - 2 - 1 forrnation. Barrow in goal, Locke playing in the centre at the back, McLaughlin on the right side of midfield, Hudson on the left, and Williams playing the lonely role as striker. Crewe and Nantwich, as their league position suggests, are a good side, but Rangers matched them. Hudson looking far more comfortable in midfield, once again led by example, driving on her team to play football in the opponents half and not in her own.
The Rangers were a complete joy to watch, attacking their opponents goal in the first half from right to left. McLaughlin was clearly having her best game of the season, her confidence high after her strong performance in the Macclesfield game. Hudson was shouting for everything, every pass, every throw in, leading as a captain should.
What was clear to see is that the girls are becoming a team, working hard for each other, talking to each other, growing in confidence, not only in their own ability but also their colleagues abilities.
Against the run of play Crewe and Nantwich took the lead, although it has to be said with an excellent individual goal, a long drive from outside the area giving Barrow no chance.
Rangers continued to press, with the ever impressive Williams making life hard for the oppoenents defence, however Crewe and Nantwich showed that they were a more than reasonable team twice bringing the best out of Barrow late on in the first half, one notable effort with Barrow turning a point blank shot to safety, diving low to her left.
The first half ended 1-0 to Crewe and Nantwich.
Rangers started the second half with no personnel changes, the opponentsstarted strong and sadly for the Rangers scored 3 quick goals without a Rangers reply, did the Rangers head's drop? Not at all! McLaughlin, building a strong understanding with her captain continued to work hard.
on 12 minutes it was time for a change Standish replaced Locke, Preston replaced McLaughlin and Reid replaced Hudson with Bibby replacing Williams.
All four substitutes played their part, Standish was more than a suitable replacement for Locke, a determined terrior like defender not afraid to make a challenge or timely interception,
The fresh legs almost immediately made a positive impact Reid winning a ball in the middle, found Preston on the right & her cross shot was narrowly missed at the far post by Bibby's outstretched left leg. so nearly!!
Crewe and Nantwich finally ran out 5 - 0 winners, but on this occasion the score was in no way a representation of the performance.
Congratulations to Williams for her deserved Player Of The Week Award.
What a fantastic match report Mike. A huge well done to the Rangers side......... You've come such a long way in such a short time. Keep up the great work girls as the Davenham club are so proud of you. Well done Ella, it sounds like you had an awesome game.
