Ten-woman K's brave but beaten by Wealdstone
Today was the first round of the John Greenacre League Cup but, for the second time this season, we weren’t able to field a full eleven as we took on Wealdstone at our home Kew Association ground.
Our ten today comprised a returning Danni Bourne, Chelsea Woods and Lisa Nichols while sadly it was Zoe Mclaughlin’s final game before she returns to Australia. Zoe has been an outstanding player and role model for the last season and a half, and we are going to miss her hugely.
For most of the first half you wouldn’t really have noticed it was 10 versus 11 as we were more than a match for Wealdstone. We even took the lead after 30 minutes when Olivia Watson ran through the Wealdstone defence alone and finished her run by smashing the ball past the keeper. 1-0.
We almost made it through to half time with the lead, but with barely a minute to go a free kick was lofted into our box and a Wealdstone striker got their first to give Lily Dusting in goal no chance. HT 1-1.
In the first period of the second half, Wealdstone made their superior numbers tell and pressed us back. We were struggling to break out of our own half during this period and with 55 minutes on the clock, Wealdstone got their noses in front and 20 minutes later the game looked all over when they added a third.
However, this team never gives up and in the last period of the game Ks came on strongly with Olivia Watson and Sarah Sinkins between them creating at least four excellent chances to score. Sadly, a combination of bad luck and great goalkeeping meant that none of them were converted and the game ended 1-3.
So, it’s back to the league hoping for better squad availability and, at the same time, bidding a fond farewell to a true Kingstonian Ladies’ legend – Zoe. There’ll always be a place in our hearts for you Zoe!!
Team: Lily Dusting, Alanah Sherwood, Zoe McLaughlin, Lucy Potter(c), Chelsea-Ann Woods, Lace Edgcombe, Danni Bourne, Lisa Nichols, Olivia Watson, Sarah Sinkins
Goal scorer: Olivia Watson
Player of the match: Sarah Sinkins (pictured)
