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Halas Hawks Ladies Match Reports 2010 / 2011 Season Sunday 6th February 2011 Halas Hawks Ladies 1 Leamington Hibernian 2 Today's visitors to Windsor Park were Leamington from Division 1 of the County League in round two of the Open Cup. Halas Ladies with only 9 players available were in for a tough game. The windy conditions could be a key factor in the game. Having discussed a game plan, Kirsty kindly volenteered to play in goal, or was she pushed! bless her. The defence lined up, Zoe, Hannah, Steph and Gaby. Lydia , Kat and Katie in midfield. Jodie the lone striker dropping back to support the midfield. Leamington kicking toward the Tesco end with the wind behind them came at us from the start with long balls through the Halas defence but Hannah was quick to the danger. Gaby was solid at left back clearing to Katie on the left side. For the first 15 minutes Halas were under pressure but defended resolutely. A moment when Leamington were in on goal a combination of Zoe and Kirsty cleared away from goal. Steph was in there with some solid defensive headers then linking well with Kat who battled with three players around her. Halas worked extremely hard for each other and after 25 minutes the Leamington player hit a shot from 30 yards out which Kirsty pushed round the post. Having soaked up Leamington pressure a rare break with some neat interplay between Kat, Katie and Steph with a ball into Jodie's feet, held up brilliantly to send Lydia in on goal. With three defenders on her tail she unfortunately dragged her shot wide in frustration. At the break Halas deserving a well earned break, had done well to keep the score at 0-0. No one could have envisaged that from a long kick by Kirsty with the wind behind her the Leamington defender misjudged the bounce of the ball. Jodie was in and from the right of the goal steered the ball past the oncoming keeper. The ball taking an age to roll over the line, 1-0 after 46 minutes. Halas were in front against all the odds but deserved so. Halas defended most of the second half with occassional breakaways. Zoe heading clear a couple of times, Kirsty sweeping/ goalkeeping at times. Unfortunately the "law of averages" says that Leamington would get a chance which broke kindly for the equaliser, 1-1. after 75 minutes. By this time Halas were running on empty and extra time looked a daunting prospect. With 5 minutes to go Leamington were awarded a penalty for handball on the line. Kirsty almost stopped it but was too powerful to hold, 1-2. However Halas never gave up and continued to play football to snatch an equaliser. We were awarded a freekick which the keeper held right at the end. This was a monumental effort and performance which the Ladies deserved to win. Couldn't of asked for any more. How it could have been a different result! Sunday 16th January 2011 Halas Hawks Ladies 4 Kewford Eagles Ladies 1 On a wet and windy afternoon Halas lined up, Gemma in goal. Zoe Steph Hannah and Gaby in defence. Gemma Becky Cat (capt) and Katie in midfield. Jodie and Tash up front. Kewford started well with a shot right from the off which Gemma was alert to. Minutes later Gemma was called into action to tip a shot over the bar. The resulting corner Halas failed to clear and Kewford scored after 10 minutes, 0-1. Kewford continued to have other chances with the wind behind them forcing several corners. The long balls over the Halas defence were causing problems and Steph and Hannah clearing the danger with help from Gaby and Zoe. Hannah with a last ditch timely tackle. Halas finally got their goal from a delightful corner from Katie, Gemma ghosted into the 6 yard area to steer the ball goal bound, 1-1. With the rain and wind getting worse and the skies darker Halas kicking toward their favourite Tesco's end in the second half started to take control of the game. Cat and Becky industrious in centre midfield linking well to the flanks with Katie and Gaby moving down the left and Gemma and Zoe on the right. Jodie and Tash working hard with very little change from the Kewford defence. The breakthrough came Gemma whipped in a teasing cross along the 6 yard area, Tash at the near post, the ball ran through Katie got enough on the ball to poke over the line, 2-1. With words of wisdom from the Manager on the touchline, Gemma picked up the ball, cut inside from the wing 25 yards out and unleashed a left foot rocket of a shot which hit the back of the net, super strike, 3-1. With Kewford looking somewhat forlorn , Gaby set up Katie who cut inside and rifled a shot into the right hand corner giving the keeper no chance, 4-1. Hannah having a good game in defence came forward to take a freekick which whistled past the post. A hard fought win under difficult conditions. Credit to Kewford for making it a good game. Apologies for a brief report as paper got wet and pen waterlogged. Someone get me a dictaphone! Sunday 9th January 2011 Sandwell Ladies 0 Halas Hawks Ladies 10 Halas Hawks Ladies started off the new year away to Sandwell having not played a match since November. They lined up , Gemma in goal in her bright orange top. Steph, Hannah, Kirsty, Gaby in defence. Becky, Gemma, Kat and Lydia in midfield. Jodie and Tash in attack. The Halas Ladies started slowly with Sandwell forcing several throw-ins down the Halas left, but Gaby was well focused at left back keeping Sandwell away from goal. When Halas broke space down the right was exploited by Lydia beating the defender with skill putting in three or four crosses which were cleared or saved. A Lydia corner brought a Jodie shot which was saved. Good work from a run by Tash created another Jodie shot, the resulting clearance fell to Gemma on the edge of the box who fired goal bound after 18 minutes, 1-0. Further shots from Kat, Steph, Becky and Gemma were saved by the keeper who was having a good game. Against the run of play Sandwell hit the post and crossbar from two shots at the Halas goal. Finally the second goal came after 41 minutes. Kat's clever backheel in to the path of Gemma's run who rolled the ball forward in front of Jodie who raced into the area under pressure but finished well, 2-0. The second half started well for Halas, Kirsty thrusting forward set up Tash on a diagonal run toward goal, she finished well after 50 minutes, 3-0. A good interchange of passes between Becky and Kat played in Jodie for her second goal of the game, 4-0. Lydia came off following her hard work on the right wing with Katie on in her familiar left wing position, Gemma out to right wing and Becky central midfield. Straight away Katie was involved but fired wide and from a Gemma cross Katie fired over the bar. Tash intercepted a Sandwell pass and raced through toward goal but the keeper saved her shot. Minutes later Gemma crossed, the keeper spilled the ball and Tash went round her and scored, 5-0. Gaby sent Katie away down the wing and from an impossible angle close to the bye line she hit a LEFT FOOT shot into the roof of the net, 6-0. In a rare Sandwell attack the striker's speed got away from the Halas defence in on goal. A timely tackle in the penalty area by Hannah prevented a goal scoring opportunity. Not long after Kirsty did the same. Gaby and Becky combined well to put Katie in who shot from 20 yards out for her second goal, 7-0. Gemma Scriven with a big kick out provided the assist for Jodie's hat-trick, 8-0. Just had Gemma had opened the scoring she finished the match with two more quality goals for her hat-trick, 9-0, 10-0. Struggling to get into gear in the first half but hit top gear in the second with some excellent team football. Well Done Ladies. Sunday 21st November 2010 County Cup Dudley United Ladies 8 Halas Hawks Ladies 1 We knew we were in for a tough game against Dudley from the West Midlands Regional Womens League. From the kick off Halas were on the backfoot defending. Steph with a timely sliding tackle to prevent a goal scoring opportunity. Dudley with a right wing corner which ran loose in the box gave them the lead after 4 minutes, 1-0. Once again the same move Steph with another crucial tackle and another corner resulting in Dudley's second goal, 2-0. The Halas Ladies tried to stay with Dudley in the game who passed and moved effectively. Dudley on the attack again, Gemma saving at the near post. Dudley increased their lead after 14 minutes, 3-0. Halas did have some half chances but Dudley controlled the game and added three further goals up to half time. Halas started the second half competing better in all areas. Neat passing between Kat and Gemma down the right flank sent Gemma on a run beating two players and into the box, her delightful chip shot over the advancing keeper into the back of the net, 6-1. Once again Halas were undone by another set piece corner which wasn't cleared to make the score 7-1. A mistimed tackle gave Dudley a penalty. Gemma dived brilliantly to her left to produce an excellent save. Dudley added their eighth goal to progress to the next round of the cup. Halas Ladies learnt a valued lesson of a very good Dudley team, something to aspire to in future games. Despite the result the Ladies were upbeat and looking forward to the next game. Sunday 14th November 2010 Halas Hawks Ladies 1 Stourbridge Ladies 1 The visitors to Windsor Park were Stourbridge Ladies. The Halas line up was Gemma in goal, Zoe, Hannah, Steph and Gaby in defence. Central midfield trio , Kirsty, Gemma and Becky. Lydia and Katie occupying the wings with Jodie up front. The Halas Ladies wishing to avenge the defeat at Stoke Prior in the corresponding fixture were focused and raring to go. Stour won the early possession with several corners but the Halas defence remained resolute. Halas countered and won a freekick on the left of midfield, the resulting kick by Katie saved by the keeper. At the other end Gemma saved a Stour freekick. The game continued in the same vain, a battle in the midfield but the Halas Ladies stayed strong.. After 38 minutes the deadlock was broken by the visiting team. A speculative shot come cross eluded all and slipped into the net, 0-1. The Halas Ladies rallied in the second half winning 1st and 2nd balls attacking the Tesco's end. Good quick passing and movement turning the game. The pressure on Stourbridge, Halas were awarded a freekick 30 yards out just left of centre. Katie stepped up her resulting drive hit the post- unlucky!. Halas's determination and sharpness paid off. A Kirsty long throw into the box from the left ran loose in the six yard area and there was Becky to pounce firing home at the near post, 1-1. With the game finely balanced chances appeared at both ends. Gemma in a one on one clearing the danger from the striker. Good individual skill along the bye line by Jodie set up Becky but she fired over the bar. Players were getting nervy and once again Gemma rescuing the Halas defence with a triple save. At the other end a good move down the right involving the midfield trio set Lydia in space to cross deep into the box, with only minutes to go Katie pick the ball up at the backpost and she shot agonisingly wide of the post. On reflection Halas would have taken a draw at the start but a tale of what might have been at the end. Either team could have snatched a winner. Well played to the Halas Ladies. Looking forward to cup action next week!
Sunday 7th November 2010 Higham Ladies 0 Halas Hawks Ladies 4 Halas Hawks put in a hard working performance away to Higham against the odds. With only 10 players available, there were a few changes to make. Gemma in goal, Kirsty slotting into the back four alongside Hannah. Gaby in her favoured left back position and Steph at right back. Lydia and Katie occupying the wings with Kat and Becky central midfield. Jodie up front. Despite the player deficit Halas started well and had the early chances. Jodie and Lydia linking well down the right. Steph sent a freekick into the box but it ran wide. Lydia put Jodie through but she fired over. At the other end Gemma was off her line to prevent a certain goal saving with her feet colliding with the Higham striker. She lay out for a few minutes but pleased to see her get to her feet. Katie crossed into the box and Lydia at the back post somehow could not force the ball over the line going agonisingly wide of the post from close range. Becky set up Katie and with her left foot fired over the bar. Finally the breakthrough came, an angled through ball from Steph into the box set Becky away to finish well, 1-0. Minutes later Jodie on the end of a through ball was denied a goal by the keeper who was having a good game. Into first half stoppage time Kat was left on the ground after a crunching tackle. Unfortunately she couldn't continue and Halas would have to play the rest of the game with 9 players. This unfortunate scenario seem to inspire Halas on, for Kat and the Team. Lydia and Katie switched wings. Good work from the trio, Gaby, Lydia and Becky who took the ball to the bye line, cut back from the left for Jodie to smash goalbound, 2-0. Lydia played a ball over the Higham defence, Becky raced through to score her second of the game, 3-0. Higham began to wonder how this game had got away from them resorting to long range shots. Hannah and Kirsty doing a sterling job in defence. Once again good movement from Halas, Becky provider for Jodie's second goal, 4-0. With 5 minutes remaining Higham had a freekick 25 yards out central to Halas's goal. The resulting kick rattled the crossbar and Gemma was able to collect the loose ball. A Higham right wing corner ran loose in the 6 yard area but cool as you like Hannah back heeled and dribbled her way out of danger. Higham to their credit played some good football but unable to penetrate the Halas team. A fantastic effort and determination today for a well deserved win. Sunday 24th October 2010 Halas Hawks Ladies 8 Sandwell Ladies 1 Sandwell Ladies were the visitors to Windsor. Halas with only 11 players to start, Becky having competed in the "Birmingham marathon" in the morning raced into the starting line up. The formation was Gaby, Hannah, Steph in defence, Lydia, Gemma, Kirsty, Kat, Katie in midfield with Jodie in attack supported by Becky. Sandwell had the early attacks down the Halas right. Gemma forced into an early save around the post. Halas responded with some good build up play and numerous chances to score but could not hit the target or the keeper saved. A Kirsty throw, flicked on by Gemma, Becky's shot saved. Katie's shot over the bar. Lydia's shot hit the woodwork. A Kirsty shot and Becky shot saved then Katie hit the post. After 25 minutes the breakthrough came Kirsty fired in at the near post, 1-0. Halas continued to press but could not add to the score. Jodie's shot saved, Becky over the bar. On a rare counter from Sandwell, another save from Gemma round the post. The second goal came as Jodie turned the defender and hit early her shot which went in, 2-0. Gemma broke from deep, put Jodie through but her shot saved. Halas were awarded a penalty for handball but the keeper saved at the second attempt. A first half as what might have been! The Halas Ladies more determined in the second half came up with some good pass and move play. Kat into Becky who flicked on for Jodie to beat the advancing keeper, 3-0. Two minutes later Kirsty's long throw headed on by Becky for Gemma to rise high in the area to head goalbound,4-0. Becky having raced and played was rested. Zoe came on, Steph moved to midfield and Kirsty supported Jodie. Halas continued to move the ball sweetly around Sandwell. Lydia found herself in on goal but was unlucky to hit the post and the rebound back at the keeper. Lydia involved with a 1-2 move twice with Gemma who on the edge of the area scored her second of the game, 5-0. Jodie got her hat-trick from a well delivered cross from Katie, 6-0. In a rare sortee from Sandwell, the striker on an individual run, passed three Halas players to score, 6-1. Steph in an unfamiliar position for her linked well with Lydia. A move which started from Steph to Lydia down the line to Gemma, she crossed and Steph 6 yards out, her shot saved by the keeper. Jodie held the ball up well to set Katie up for a goal, 7-1. Gaby came up from the back with 5 minutes to go to take a left wing corner. A perfect corner was met with a powerful header from Gemma hitting the back of the net, 8-1 for her well deserved hat-trick. A good win and still unbeaten at home, well done ladies. Sunday 17th October 2010 County Cup Halas Hawks Ladies 1 Redditch Ladies 0 Halas were in County Cup action against Redditch from the Premier division. With only 11 players available the team picked itself with some guidance from the manager. Starting with Halas's now favourable 4-5-1 formation the early exchanges were end to end. Katie had the first shot on goal saved. At the other end on Halas's right Zoe was battling to keep Redditch out. Hannah was winning everything in the heart of the Halas defence. In goal today Becks didn't disappoint commanding her area, catching shots and pushing round the post. Halas had a Katie corner which Jodie turned and shot but the keeper saved. Lydia sent a through ball to Jodie but she was crowded out. Another Katie corner and Becky headed but saved. Redditch had a succession of corners but Becky was on hand to clear . Yet again Becky was put through by Lydia but the keeper held. The breakthrough came after 38 minutes, Jodie holding the ball up well set back for Kat, 25 yards out hit a sweet looping shot which dropped under the bar, 1-0 at the "garden end". No more than Halas deserved. Just before the break Redditch had a free kick central 30 yards out. Becks saved parrying behind for a corner. Halas started brightly in the second half, winning the first ball in all areas of the pitch. Redditch struggled to get out of their half. A 5 minute spell of pressure on the Redditch goal. A Lydia corner and Gemma's shot blocked. A Katie corner cleared only as far as the Halas central trio out wide to Lydia who beat the defender to cross for Katie whose shot is blocked. Kat shot from wide which the keeper held. Into the last 20 minutes Redditch pushed forward leaving gaps which Lydia put Gemma through but her shot was blocked. Redditch nearly came through but a recovering tackle by Steph cleared the danger. Zoe, Hannah, Steph and Gaby were at their best protecting the Halas goal. Gaby turning her player in front of her, coming away down the left for Katie to push on down the wing. Katie beat her player to create an opportunity for Jodie working hard up front. When Redditch did get a shot away Becks was their to save. Minutes later Becks was alert to thwart another Redditch chance coming to the edge of her area. Halas's gutsy all round team performance won them this cup game and well deserved too. Sunday 10th October 2010 Halas Hawks Ladies 12 Higham Ladies 2 The visitors today to " Windsor Park" were Higham Ladies from Nuneaton. The first 5 minutes Halas took time to settle with nothing creative. Katie providing the early threat down the left. After 7 minutes Katie in space saw an opportunity to hit a thunderous right foot shot into the right hand corner of the net, 1-0. Halas started to create chance after chance. A move on the edge of the penalty area involving Becky through to Becks who laid it off for Jodie to score, 2-0. A series of throws and a corner from Lydia nearly came off when Becky headed against the woodwork. At the other end with only three at the back, Hannah cleared the danger. On 25 minutes a combination of Gemma sent a through ball for Becks to cooly finish,3-0. Halas were rockin and rollin and three further goals in 10 minutes went in. Katie was quick to follow the keeper spillin the ball 4-0, Katie again put Jodie through 5-0, and a goal created and scored by Kirsty from a long throw which the keeper dropped into the net 6-0. However with 10 minutes to half-time Higham scored direct from a corner 6-1 and minutes later a speculative shot from 30 yards out dropped into the back of the Halas net 6-2. Becky got on the scoresheet to make it 7-2 at the break. In the second half players were rested as it was unseasonly quite warm. Zoe came on for Vicky, Kat on for Lydia and Michelle on for Kirsty. Halas playing a 3-4-3 formation. Gemma switched to right midfield and straight away provided two early opportunities for Jodie in the box. Michelle was in the thick of things creating for others but had her own shot just go wide. Kat, Becky and Michelle moving the ball better in this half out to the wings owned by Katie and Gemma. Becks scored her second from a through ball by Michelle on 60 minutes, 8-2. Three minutes Kat delivered an inviting ball into the area and at the back post Becks "ninja kicked goalbound", 9-2. Michelle again set up Becks for her fourth goal, 10-2. Jodie was trying hard to get her third goal, one chance at the keeper, another over the bar. Higham stood back from Kirsty, coming on to replace Gemma who picked up an injury, she shot from the edge of the box hard and low to make it 11-2. Lydia back on for Becks also injured, had two opportunities, one went wide and the other hit the bar from the right. The final goal came from a Kirsty cross which Jodie controlled. The keeper expecting her to shoot, coolly taps with her left foot past the keeper which rolls slowly over the line, 12-2. Jodie delighted with her hat-trick. The moral of the game is never under estimate the opposition. You still have to compete and play as lessons were learnt from previous games being complacent. Well done to All today.
Sunday 26th September 2010 Halas Hawks Ladies 3 Halesowen Town Ladies 2 Todays game promised to be an interesting encounter for the Halas Ladies. Halesowen with players on loan from West Bromwich Albion. The game started with end to end high balls from both goalkeepers looking to get behind the defence. Halas took the game to Halesowen. Kirsty on the left hand side by the corner flag took a long throw into the box Becky jumped and headed into the back of the net after 5 minutes, 1-0. Halas Ladies playing with five across the midfield, Katie, Kirsty, Becky, Becks and Lydia. Jodie on her own up front were looking for the second goal. On 11 minutes it came with a through ball from Becky, Jodie between the centre halves raced forward into the box and fired a low shot into the left hand corner, 2-0. Halesowen started to play and Halas held firm in defence. They had a freekick which went wide and a goal ruled offside from close range. The warning signs were there for Halas. However Halesowen had a speculative looping shot from 30 yards out which dropped in, 2-1. Halas continued to play well but were unable to add to their score with Hannah in good form in the Halesowen goal. Katie had a shot and Becky a couple of attempts which were saved. Kirsty's throws were causing problems for Halesowen. The second half started with Halesowen playing long balls behind our defence but Gaby, Steph, Hannah and Zoe coped admirably. However on one occasion Gemma was alert to the danger and raced off her line to block a shot on the edge of her area. The ball ran loose and Hannah cleared. With Halesowen pushing for an equaliser Halas had more opportunities to counter. Kirsty ran clear but was crowded out before she could finish. Katie had a shot from the left which was well saved. 20 minutes gone in the second half and Halesowen were right back in it from a freekick, 2-2. With both teams even the next goal was certainly going to be key. Becky and Jodie had shots saved. Jodie ran and shot forcing a corner. Katie delivered an excellent corner, Becky rose and the ball crashed against the crossbar at the Tesco end. Seconds later Becky played Jodie in for her second goal despite attempts to stop her scoring, 3-2. With 10 minutes to go Halesowen pushed forward resorting to long range shots which "safe hands" Gemma held. Lydia industrious on the right had a shot saved late on and a freekick which Becky headed over. A hard fought local derby with both teams going for it. But well done Halas Hawks through hard work were victorious. Sunday 12th September 2010 Erdington Ladies 2 - 1 Halas Hawks Ladies Halas Hawks Ladies got off to the worst possible start against Erdington. A through ball between the Halas defence and Erdington were 1-0 up after 2 minutes. Halas responded well with a number of corners but were unable to capitalise. Katie came close with a shot over the bar and Hannah shot wide from a right wing corner. Erdington countered with two free kicks outside the Halas penalty area which were dealt with by Gemma in the Halas goal. After 30 minutes Kirsty had to withdraw, Gemma C coming on in her position. Halas's efforts were rewarded with the equaliser from a Katie left wing corner. In a crowded penalty box Becky headed goalbound 1-1. With 10 minutes to the break Halas started to express themselves moving the ball about better and a cross from Gemma was held well by the Erdington keeper under pressure from Tash. Erdington started the second half well, Halas struggling to find any rhythm . Gemma S called into action on several occasions. Tash had to be substituted with injury, Michelle coming on. Gemma put Michelle through but she shot wide. Erdington got their second as Halas failed to clear their lines and the striker chipped the ball over our keeper 2-1. Kat struggling with injury played a ball through for Gemma who beat the keeper but a defender was on hand to clear the danger. Halas had the final corner but were unable to create an equaliser. Not the Ladies day today going down 2-1, look forward to next weeks game against one of our local rivals.
Sunday 5th September 2010 Halas Hawks Ladies 5 - 4 Continental Star Women
Halas Hawks Ladies started their first match with a 4-4-2 formation.Gemma in goal. Gaby, Steph, Hannah, Zoe in defence. Katie Kat, Kirsty, Lydia in midfield and Jodie and Tash in attack. Becky and Becks as strong substitutes. Halas started the brighter with three early corners at the tescos end. Two corners from the left by Katie and one from Lydia on the right. From a good left wing corner Tash challenged well in the six yard area, the ball ran loose and Jodie was well placed to smash the ball into the roof of the net after 8 minutes, 1-0. Minutes later Katie had a shot blocked at the back post. Steph chipped a ball over the Star defence, Jodie raced forward to score a good goal which was ruled offside. When Star countered Gemma with safe hands commanded her area. Zoe came to the rescue with a last ditch tackle in front of goal on one occasion. Halas had more chances to score but the Star keeper was well positioned. Star started to come more in the game and had their first corner after 30 minutes. A piece of individual skill from a Star player beat 3 Halas players and scored, 1-1. Just before half-time Star hit the crossbar from a freekick. Halas tried to take the game to Star. Kirsty and Tash hitting shots over the bar. However the threat was their from Star and they capitalised with two quick goals, Halas finding themselves 3-1 down. However credit to them they kept going. Tactical change needed to recover the situation. Gaby came off and Becky on to strengthen the midfield and attack. Becky crossed an excellent ball into the box where an equally excellent glancing header from Tash deserved a goal just over the bar. A final sub with Becks coming on in place of Jodie who had ran her socks off throughout. Kirsty took a long throw into the area where Becky one on one with the keeper pulled a goal back through the legs, 2-3. Star responded with another goal over the Halas defence from a free-kick to the backpost, 2-4. Yet again Halas never say die attitude came back with a through ball from Lydia and Becky finished at close range for her second, 3-4. Minutes later Lydia fired from long range stinging the keepers fingers. Halas were awarded a free kick 30 yards out from goal. Katie stepped up, Beckham style and buried it in the top of the net, 4-4. With only 10 minutes to go Halas were buzzin, they'd turned the game round. A through ball from midfield put Tash toward goal. She still had a lot to do with 3 Star players trying to muscle her off the ball but she fired a perfect shot across the keeper into the right hand side of the net for the winner, 5-4. An excellent fightback considering the players have never played together before. Lots of positives, great attitude and commitment. Well done Ladies.
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