Manvers LFC

Date:	03 Apr 2008
Competition:	NER Ladies Division 1 South
Home/ Away:	Home
Score:	5-0
Team:	Ladies

Match Report

After the disappointment of a second league defeat at the hands of Howden Clough, it was good for Sheffield to be back in action just four days later to try and put that result behind them. An evening kick off at the Bright Finance Stadium against Manvers attracted a bigger than average crowd as Sheffield went in search of three points to get them back on track for the league title.

The hosts got off to the perfect start when a good team move after just six minutes ended with an excellent pass by Lisa Giampalma to midfield partner Nell Taylor and Sheffield’s captain finished coolly with a shot low into the bottom corner. It was just what Sheffield needed to instantly remind them of their ability and get confidence on the up again. Clare Holmes could have added a second just over ten minutes later but pulled her shot wide after excellent quick passing between Giampalma and Nat Crofts opened up space for Holmes to run into. Nat Crofts was involved again moments later when her inch-perfect pass found Helen Wakefield on a run up the right wing, and her cross was chested down by Holmes only for the striker to volley wide. Minutes after that, Wakefield would have scored but for a brilliant low save by the Manvers keeper to prevent the winger’s header sneaking in at the corner off Lynne Grainger’s cross.

After all Sheffield’s pressure, it was Jodie Crofts who doubled the host’s lead just before the half hour mark when a great early through ball from Christina Wright picked out the young striker who drove forward into the box and lobbed the on-rushing keeper from 12 yards. Seven minutes later, it was 3-0 to Sheffield: Gemma Gale played a great ball forward which was collected by Holmes who played a quick one-two with Giampalma and the striker hit the back of the net with a right footed shot from an acute angle to the right of the goal. Sheffield were enjoying the evening now and creating chance after chance. Grainger’s surging run and excellent low driven cross went right across the face of goal with no-one getting a touch, moments before Nat Crofts had a good opportunity to increase Sheffield’s lead but put her effort straight into the keeper’s gloves. Wright was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when she headed just wide from a Gale corner, and just before the break, another fine Wakefield cross was met by Holmes whose shot was parried at close range by the keeper and Jodie Crofts lashed the rebound wide of the mark.

The second half followed much the same pattern of the first as Sheffield struck again early on. Another good long pass from Wright was chased by Jodie Crofts who slid bravely in just as it seemed the keeper was going to collect the ball, but the striker got a touch just in time to direct the ball over the line from 16 yards out. Katrina Brett replaced the injured Kate Rowell immediately after the goal, the defender having picked up a dead leg in the first half. Wakefield then forced the Manvers keeper to make yet another good save, before she made way for Rachel Charles in a straight swap just after an hour of play. Sheffield made their last substitution of the game when Lisa Bailey replaced Holmes up front and within seven minutes of coming on, Bailey scored the best goal of the game, and arguably one of the finest of the season. A super cross from Charles on the right was met on the volley by Bailey as she leaned back and swung at the ball to send it screaming into the top corner for 5-0 to Sheffield. Charles had a chance of her own shortly before the final whistle but she headed just over the bar from a Gale corner.

All in all, a convincing display from the hosts with good passing and movement, and a solid team performance throughout with Caz Whiteman not having a single shot to save in the Sheffield goal. Next up is the team’s last away match of the season at the already relegated Collingham Tadcaster where another three points is needed for Sheffield to remain in the hunt for League honours.

Teams:
Sheffield FC Ladies: Whiteman, Rowell (Brett 50), Wright, N Crofts, Gale, Wakefield (Charles 61), Taylor, Giampalma, Grainger, J Crofts, Holmes (Bailey 69)

Goals: Taylor 6, J Crofts 28 & 50, Holmes 35, Bailey 76

Player of the Match: Natalie Crofts

Manvers Ladies FC: Barber, Perry, Wedge, Renshaw (Doran 45), Marr, Worrall, Johnson, Hallam, Maloney, Clay (Holland 81), Wood