US1 Womens Reserves

Mid Season Report for Women Reserves Team

A quick look at the season's statistics for the Reserves would indicate that this has been an unsuccessful season for this team who play in the first division, but there is a lot more to this particular squad of women than their results may indicate.  

While the team was late getting established for the season, with the majority of this group being introduced to each other at their first competitive game, it has developed into a cohesive unit. A predominantly very young squad with over half still at school, with little experience of senior football, within this group there are some very good skills being displayed and the team offer a lot of qualities other coaches would yearn for.  There is no divisiveness, they enjoy playing together and have never let the poor run of results erode the tremendous spirit the group has developed. From a coaching perspective they are generally a delight to be associated with.

Even at this late stage the team still has goals and is looking to improve.  Their competitiveness and attitude to the game is a credit to Forrest Hill and most importantly to themselves. It will be good to see the bulk of these players return next season as I am sure with further development there will be opportunities to play at a higher level.   Whilst it would be nice to identify specific players the determination from the group is to be commended and there is not one player who would not be welcome back at Becroft next season. Specific mention must be made of the teams Manager, Jane Watson, who has worked tirelessly in the best interests of the Reserves.

Whilst initially there was reliance on the Prem squad to provide player support to the Reserves, an incredible bad run of injuries to the Prems has meant that the Reserves have provided support to that team for Sunday games. Whilst this has sometimes meant players fronting up twice on the same day it has provided players from the Reserves with an opportunity to play at a higher level. 

Match report - 9th May 2010

Our Reserve teams most recent game was against Glenfield, a team that contained a sprinkling of ex Forrest Hill players. The game began badly with three goals scored against inside the first 30 minutes. This hard sandy surface was always going to be difficult for a goalkeeper unaccustomed to playing in these conditions.  Three opportunist goals scored after an opposition forward pounced on a loose ball. Our Goal keeper attoned in the second half with three stunning saves. Forrest never gave up and to their credit created chances and with an ounce of luck would have scored. Whilst the 5 nil score line flattered Glenfield they were the superior team on the day and the young Forrest side were  dominated physically by a much more experienced Glenfield side. Charlotte Donaldson was Forrests player of the day, she showed touches of class in the middle of the park and is a valuable acquisition for the club as is Aleisha Ellington who worked tirelessly in defence.  Geena Pannett on her 14th birthday had her best game for the team this season. Brittany Perry on loan from the Prems was superb in defence and after a difficult 24 hours played with a level of commitment that was a credit to her. She never stopped trying.

Roving eye reporter

Match report - Sunday 2nd May 2010

Forrest Hill Reserves played West Auckland Reserves  and the scoreline was the
same as the Prem girls, 3 nil against. The third goal was a cracker but the
first two were long range efforts which gave the goalie no chance.

This game was a huge improvement on their previous game against a team unbeaten in the league.
This squad with a couple of exceptions is  very young and inexperienced but have
developed into a a cohesive unit and there are some future Prem players amongst
the group.

Player of the day was Kate Porter who literally worked herself into
the ground. All who got on the paddock made significant contrbutions and such
was the quality of the play  it became difficlut for the coaches to sub players.
Our Goal Keeper, Clare, in her first game at Forrest was outstanding as were our players
on loan from the Prems Hayley and Tash.

This team just has to be patient and results will come.
 
Brian