Open Age Women's Reserve Team - Lower Hopton Ladies Development

A dominant display against a team 2 divisions higher.

We went 1-0 down through a run in behind our defence 5 minutes in, but the reserves brought a goal back 10 minutes later through a powerful finish from Zoe Mabbs. 

Throughout the first half saw us break the oppositions defence down continuously, creating a lot of chances and putting the division 3 side under a lot of pressure. 

Some good defensive and attacking display saw us go 1-1 into half time. 

The second half continued on from the first half, with the reserves being positive going forward. However, Lower Hopton managed to score to make it 2-1, which could be argued of being offside, but the referee had no help from the linesman. 

The reserves kept their head up, with Lower Hopton sitting back as we continued to attack. 15 minutes before the final whistle saw Zoe Mabbs score into the keepers near post, making it 2-2. 

The reserves didn’t stop there, with Beth Melia hitting the crossbar and the ball bounced on the line in the last 5 minutes. 

It was an unfortunate ending for the reserves as we lost 4-1 on penalties, but can take the positives of displaying some good football against a team 2 divisions higher, something to be proud of moving forward.

POTM: Zoe Mabbs

Zoe has always been a powerful threat on that left hand side, continuously tracking back and driving the ball forward for 90 minutes, who gave the oppositions fullback a tough 90 minutes, with 2 excellent finishes to round off her performance

Team Player: Abi Jones

Abi made some brilliant saves throughout the match, worked hard and dealt with pressure with the ball at her feet, rushing out in 1v1 situations. Despite the penalty shootout loss, she can keep her head up high.