Pre season scouting

Ahead of the new FA Womens National League season starting I went and watched local and divisional rivals Actonian Ladies in their pre-season friendly at home. In this fixture they took on Maidenhead Women in a game at Rectory Park, home of Middlesex FA. With a 2pm kick off this game attracted a decent crowd which saw the first period played in the rain and the second in the sun.

In what proved to be a repetitive first half as a result of the contrasting styles of play by the teams’ supporters were left with not much action to cheer. However, the host did manage to find the first goal of the afternoon, great teamwork from Actonians lead to Georgia receiving the ball very close to the goal leaving her face to face with the rushing keeper before she put it calmly into the low corners of the net. Great awareness from the attacking player. Then came half time. Actonians method of forward play for this game seemed to be putting the ball in the air as much as possible. This was done by lofting the ball over the visitor’s defensive line again and again, which they succeeded with every single time. Nevertheless, the match so far was even due to the guest for this afternoon being able to break down play with quick short passes.

Similar to the initial period of this game the second proved to be a dire event for spectators to watch this afternoon. The only action of the half came very late on as we approached full time, this being another goal for the host. A wonderful goal at that. Getting the ball out wide the Actonians player had two options, either to take inside and find a team mate or to strike it. She chose the later choice. Finding the far post the ball was hit with the exact amount of power to go past the keeper without giving them a chance of saving it. Brilliant goal Abbie!

In conclusion this game ended up being one of the less eventful fixtures I’ve attended so far, but it was not for lack of effect. Maidenhead Women looked the better team in both halves. Two well worked goals for Actonians separated the sides, granting both managers a chance to look at what needs to be improved on before they play competitive games. Wishing Actonians well for the season, and look forward to being back very soon for the R’s fixture against them.