The reds itching for game time and more football after the break. With Pete away in Spain, a big thanks to Dave who helped with the team warmup and prep as I coached the blues game earlier. With only 9 players for the game, so no subs, the reds set about their task.

Kick off saw the reds dominate the initial stages of the game, at the back they looked composed and the midfield were creative and support was good. Up front Gracie led the line and brought down balls well awaiting midfield support and slipping passes out wide or laying them off behind. A few chances dropping her way but not managing to break the deadlock. A serious driving shot from Ellie on the left came close. Ellie working initially on the left then back in the middle in an attempt to rain more shots on the Atlanta goal.

After 10 minutes Colts took the lead, Brianna feeding Laura D and her desire to win the ball and attack saw Laura unleash a looping shot to the far corner of the goal over the outstretched hand of the keeper. A great goal and smiles all round. At the back Erin C and Anna were solid and reliable. Always looking to play football and find the pass out form defence. In goal Jasmine worked hard to organise the defence and keep Atlanta at bay to keep the lead. Fearless in her saves and powerful in the air. Brianna held the central midfield well and put in a solid performance all game, battling to win back the ball as soon as we lost possession.

But as the half went on Atlanta started to get a foothold back in the game. 16 minutes in they equalised at the back post as the left winger lost her marker and slipped the ball into the bottom corner. So the Colts came in at 1-1 at half time. The team talk reminded the girls of the fight they had shown in previous games with only 8 players, the standards and intensity they had set themselves.

So kicking off in the second half the red pushed forwards again in attempt to taketh lead back. On the right Laura D was industrious in her approach, closing down well and sprinting down the wing in attack. On the left Destiny held the ball well and found passes inside to her teammates, always looking to find a route to attack.

However with 14 minutes to go Atlanta took a shock lead 2-1, from a long throw and a free header flick on that ended up finding the back of the Colts goal. The girls had been warned of this danger and allowed Atlanta far too many headers without challenges, finally getting punished. This goal suddenly seemed to flick a switch in the Colts team and suddenly we saw the power and drive of the red team. Driven forward by girl of the game Erin Day who’s determination to not lose this game seemed to spark the whole team. Combining well with Laura D they dominated the right hand side. Eventually Anna sliding the ball to Erin D who jinked through a few players and drove the ball into the Atlanta goal to make it 2-2!

Talking with the girls afterwards it was those last 14 minutes that made the difference between a loss and draw, the girls were disappointed with the result and talked about it afterwards. But they did show the character to drag the game from a loss at 2-1 to a draw. Ellie having a chance right at the end that she could quite reach to clinch a 3-2 win. A slow start to the new year but glimpses of the real reds in spells. Every player in this team wants to be there, wants to play well, develop and win as many games as they can. Push on next game girls and think about the standard you set in the Formby game and the last 14 minutes of this game. Maintain those standards and you can take on anyone.

Hesketh Colts FC

Hightown JFL

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