On another warm afternoon Wanderers went into this game in a positive frame of mind. They had played 2 pre-season friendlies against Kirkley and only suffered narrow defeats on both occasions. Roxy Middle was moved upfront to partner Sarah Holden, Jo Raven came in for Charlotte Hayward in midfield.
The game started fairly evenly with both sides wary of one another. Unfortunately, Sarah Webster playing her last game before leaving for University had to come off with a thigh strain after 10 minutes to be replaced by Hayward. With Wanderers losing their quickest defender if wasn't long before Kirkley took the lead after a long ball over the top left the striker with just the keeper to beat. The second followed soon after, again a long ball allowing the striker to finish from the edge of the box. As Wanderers struggled at the back Kirkley took advantage and went in 3 up at half time.
Wanderers looked a different team in the second half. They were working hard for one another and the movement was good. Both Turnbull and Middle had shots turned wide, Hayward had a number of chances and a penalty appeal turned down. At the other end Kirkley were taking their chances; their youthful striking partnership coming out on top again the experience of the Wanderers defence and 3 more goals followed.
If there is any game in the season when you have no luck today was it. Neat work from Raven on the right set up Holds but her shot hit the Kirkley 'keeper. The follow up from Danni Clear hit the 'keeper again and the ball was scrambled away.
Finally, Wanderers got the goal they deserved. Good work down the right between Susan Fox and Raven allowed Turnbull to swing in the ball to the edge of the 6-yard box leaving Hayward a simple tap in.
Kirkley sprung the off-side trap one more time to make the final score 1-7.
On another day this game would have been much closer. Luck deserted Wanderers on this occasion but team moral is high and the team are still getting to know one another.
