Our Women’s Second Division team, the Hammerheads, narrowly lost 1 – 0 to West’s on Friday night.

Although playing with only 10 players, the girls put in a superb effort and were very competitive. West’s scored early, with the goal coming in the third minute of the game before the girls had time to settle and sort out the defence. Keeper Fiona Gordon was left stranded slightly off her line as a shot from inside the Penalty Area went just beneath the bar.

As the game went on, the girls found their feet. The longer the game went on, the better the passing became. Although the West’s keeper was not really tested in the first half there were some promising movements down the right side, although this was mainly due to what looked like a crocodile infested swamp lying on the other side of the field after a torrential downpour before kick off.

The second half was more like what we know the girls are capable of, with some good passing moves, and as the confidence grew, even some high fiving from Shival, although the coach would prefer that they waited until the defensive work was done, and not while the opposition were on a counter attack.

The coach was understandably proud of the girls effort. Fiona Gordon made some great saves, and commented after the game that the new contact lenses made a difference as no one looked like a 3D blob. Cassie, Robyn and Ed were solid at the back, particularly in the second half. Dory, Shival, and Trina were great in midfield, and with a little more talk, can make a great combination. The lone gunman, Amy, tried hard all night at the front in her first game back.

With Brit O’Donnell to return, the Hammerheads will improve and soon grab that first elusive win.

Paul Gordon