HEADINGTON ATHLETIC WFC

     Each succeeds in reaching the goal by a different method - (N.Machiavelli)

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Players : Lou (Barnfield, 60'), Jess (Nicola, 55'), Anna, Ferris (Maria, 80'), Seema, Ellie, Rachel (Rhiannon, 60'), Sarah (Clare, 80'), Cécile (C), Katie, Lisa.

Goalscorer : Crossbar challenge ?

Opposition's and Manager's player of the match : Cécile

Management quote : 'Have a swig !'

Match report : Headington Athletic WFC faced an uphill battle when faced with Woodley Saints in the TVCWFL League Cup Final at Scours Lane, home of Reading Town FC, on Sunday 19th April 2009.

A cursory glance at the stats show that Woodley, in their two years in our league, have Played 29, Won 29, Drawn 0, Lost 0, Goals for 182, Goals against 12, Points 87, they are also the present holders of the cup.

Given these figures you would have thought that Headington were merely going just to make up the numbers but, after a recent good performance against Woodley in the league and a decent league run, Headington's squad fully believed that they could cause an upset and bring the cup home.

Woodley started the brighter of the two teams passing the ball around in midfield and retaining possession well. On twenty minutes a pinpoint ball over the top found their striker Serena Hickman who duly dispatched it to give them a 1-0 lead.

Headington immediately switched formation from a 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 with their centre midfielders instructed to push on more. This had an instant affect leaving Woodley's midfielders with less time and space to pick out their customary diagonal balls forward and allowing Headington's midfield to play in a more attacking role.

Looking more settled Headington started to play some neat football of their own using tight triangles to retain possession and increasingly pushing forward to threaten the opposition’s goal. The game started to become more end to end and after a period of pressure Headington won a free kick about ten yards outside the corner of Woodley's penalty area. Opposition's and Manager's player of the match, Cecile, hit a sweet strike that crashed against the crossbar and was scrambled away to safety. Half time came just as Headington increasingly looked like they could even things up.

Five minutes into the second half and Headington were caught flat footed as Jess Grimmett scored from close range to put Woodley two up. The palpable relief from the Woodley camp was fair testament to their opponent’s battle and endeavour and, against a less united team, may have been the catalyst for a collapse. Woodley followed the goal with a sustained period of pressure but Headington held resolute and gradually began to get back into the game.

The flow of the match became more open again with both teams managing to get forward and threaten but the killer blow was struck on 77 minutes when substitute Amie Benton put Woodley into a seemingly unassailable lead.

Headington however had other ideas and continued to push forward opting for a more direct approach and a 3-5-3 formation as the minutes ticked by but, despite ending the game on top, they failed to snatch the goal that would have given them a glimmer of hope.

In the end it was Woodley who deservedly won the cup but Headington held their heads up high knowing that they had made a game of it and had given their all. It was widely agreed that both teams did the final proud and provided entertainment producing a great advert for women's football.

Congratulations to Woodley and we wish them all the best in Division One of the Southern Region next season.

Headington would also like to thank all three officials, Andrew Priest, Sian Williams, and Jim Hey for being barely noticeable through their efficiency in officiating.

An enjoyable day all round.

Players : Lou (GK), Anna, Ferris, Rachel, Jess (Claire 70'), Ellie (Barney, 60'), Katie, Cecile, Sarah, Nicola, Lisa

Match Report (and Management Quote): "Shooting like a drunk man at the fair, lol!"

Goalscorers : Lisa 2, Sarah 1

Players : Barney (GK), Ellie, Ferris, Seema, Anna, Sarah, Katie, Cecile, Rachel, Lisa (Rhiannon 50'), Nicola, Claire (65')

Match report : Headington Athletic put in a workmanlike performance against a resilient Wycombe Wanderers to book a place in the League Cup Final today. Well taken goals in both halves from front two Lisa Freeman and Nicola Ace sank a Wycombe side that gave their all and battled for everything. Headington now face Woodley Saints in the final at Reading Town FC on 19th April 2009.

Goalscorers : Lisa, Nicola

Opposition Player of the Match : Ferris

Management quote : 'I want you close enough to smell her!' 

Players : Louise (GK), Anna, Seema, Ferris, Ellie, Nicola, Katie, Cecile, Rachel, Lisa, Sarah

Match report : A styleless win against a depleted, but resilient Manny Road side. 

Goalscorer : Lisa, Katie 

Opposition Player of the Match: Katie

Management quote : 'Hey, concentrate, next 5 minutes they gonna come at you!'

Players : Lou (GK), Anna, Ferris, Rachel, Jess, Nicola, Cecile, Katie, Ellie, Sarah, Lisa

Match report : A great team performance. With a 0-0 scoreline at half-time. Headington, down to 10 players early in the second half after an injury, conceded 3 goals but fought until the end  for a very honourable defeat.

Management quote : 'Chuffed !'

 Players : Lou (GK), Jess, Ferris, Anna, Barney, Nicola, Katie, Cecile, Sarah, Ellie, Lisa, Nicky

Match report : A significant and well deserved win for Headington. It was the third time the two teams faced each other this season and Headington clearly had some score to settle. The 3-5-1 Headington first half formation created threats but failed to deliver the goods with a cramped midfield and a lone striker. The move to a 4-4-2 formation at half time was a key strategic decision that allowed the wingers to tuck in whilst the midfielders had more options to dispatch the balls to the two forwards who could then combine play. Altogether, this released the pressure on the Headington defense who, with more time on the ball, could add purpose to strength. Eventually the first goal came for Headington  with Sarah chasing a ball which she then chipped over the Chinnor goalkeeper's head. Chinnor retaliated very quickly with a speculative shot that died into Headington's net. But, with the resilience that has carried them through since Christmas, Headington held fast in a collective spirit and effort which eventually paid back with Sarah bagging a second goal 10 minutes before the final whistle. 

Goalscorer : Sarah 2

Management quote : "Before the matches we woud have whisky and chocolate ... !" 

Players : Louise (GK), Anna, Seema, Ferris, Jess (Nicki 60'), Sarah, Katie, Cécile, Rachel, Ellie, Nicola

Match report : Rain, gale, hail for a convincing win

Goalscorers : Ellie 2, Sarah 1

Management quote : 'Happy birthday !' 

Players  : Louise (GK), Anna, Seema, Jess, Laura (Rachel 45'), Nicki (Sarah, 55'), Cécile, Katie, Ellie (Ferris, 65'), Nicola, Lisa

Match report : A very competitive game but fair play throughout. Stony demonstrated some really nice passing football in particular down the left and with some very mobile forwards caused the 3-5-1 Headington formation problems in the first half. Lisa managed to score a cracker, lobbing the Stony goalkeeper with an awsome one touch control and shot move but the score at half-time was 2-1 to Stony with Headington showing an understandable lack of match fitness. After a rousing 'chat' from their manager, Headington went back on to the pitch with a clear idea of what to expect if the scoreline did not evolve in the right direction. Fearing Jamie's retaliation (!) Cecile attempted an early strike which to her surprise went in. This was followed by Katie taking a swipe at a most unexpected angle - which also to her surprise went in.  Finally on a counter attacking move Lisa beat the Stony goalkeeper to the ball and slotted the ball in.       

Goalscorers : Lisa 2, Cécile 1, Katie 1

Management quote : "Four crackers !"

Players : Louise (GK), Jess, Seema, Anna, Laura (Claire 60'), Katie, Nicky (Cecile 45'), Sarah, Elie, Nicola, Lisa

Match report : No major worries and a very fair play game. 

Scorers : Lisa got a hat trick but over to you as I have lost count.

Players : Louise (GK), Hannah, Rachel, Sarah, Jess, Ellie, Cecile, Katie, Nicky, Laura, Lisa

Match report : As Caesar would have said "windi, muddi, messi"

Goalscorer : Lisa 2 

Players : Lou (GK), Anna, Rachel, Seema, Jess, Nicola, Nicky, Cécile, Katie, Laura (Rhiannon 55'), Lisa

Match report : Starting the new year with a bang. A well deserved victory for a true team performance 

Goalscorers : Lisa, Laura

Manager's quote : "That wasn't the same team ...!"

Players : Cecile (GK), Jess, Rachel, Ferris, Anna, Ellie, Katie, Nicky, Ellie, Amy, Nicola, Lisa - Subs: Natasha, Maria

Match report : The Harcourt pitch witnessed a punching performance and red was seen during a local derby that ended up 10 v 10.

Goalscorer : Lisa

Quote from the management :  ...

Players : Louise (GK), Rachel, Ferris, Seema, Katie (Nicki 60'), Cecile (60' Tash), Claire, Maria (Anna 60'), Lisa, Nicola ...

Match report : A brilliant team effort in the most freezing conditions on an impossibly muddy pitch ... in other words, the joy of football !

Goalscorers : Lisa 2, Elie 1, Maria 1

Players : Louise (GK), Jess, Ferris, Rachel, Elie, Nicki, Cecile, Katie, Anna, Nicola, Lisa

Match report : Cold, wet and muddy but victorious, and in style. 

Goalscorers : Lisa 3, Nicola 2, Elie 1

Players : Louise (GK), Hazel (Merle 60'), Seema, Rachel, Jess, Cecile, Anna (Ellie 50'), Ferris, Nicki (Barney 50'), Lisa, Rhiannon

Match report : One penalty each side, two (nearly three!) own goals, one bit of quick thinking from Lou to avoid getting sent off, two near fatal collisions for Rachel, two superbly missed headers from Cecile, two goals from Lisa running her socks off ... One hell of an afternoon, one match of football played ...

Goalscorer : Lisa 2

Managers comment: If you're going to get beaten you may as well do it in style.

Players : Louise (GK), Jess, Cécile, Rachel, Hazel, Merle (Nicola 45'), Nicki, Anna, Chrissi, Lisa, Rhiannon

Match report : Missing five regular first team players wasn't the best preparation for this away encounter with Uxbridge Ladies but the twelve troops we could muster and send into battle did themselves and the club proud.
With two debutantes and a player returning from injury Headington needed to show comradary and team spirit which they did to the full.
Two first half Uxbridge goals could have dampened that spirit but once Headington matched their five man midfield they started to get on top creating numerous opportunities that just fell shy of a goal.
Uxbridge started the second half with more purpose but Headington gradually got themselves back in it and after some nice play down the right wing Player of the Match Lisa Freeman tapped home a cross from Rhiannon Furr. With twenty five minutes remaining Headington pushed looking for the equaliser only to spurn several guilt edge chances but continued to create opportunities..
In the end we just fell short but the way in which we fought and supported each other in adverse circumstances showed what we as a club are all about... making the manager a very happy man.           

Thank You.

Goalscorer : Lisa

Players : Louise (GK), Hazel, Snowy, Ferris, Jess, Cécile, Katie, Anna, Nicki (Merle 70'), Lisa, Nat

Match Report : An away home match ... 

Goalscorers : Nat, Nicki

Players : Barney (GK), Jess, Cécile, Ferris, Hazel (Chrissi 65'), Snowy, Katie, Nicky, Ellie, Nat, Lisa

Match report : From 0-3 up at half time, to 4-3 down on extra time ...

Goalscorers : Lisa 2, Nat 1

Quote from the management : 'Heads up !'

Players : Cécile (GK), Jess, Ferris, Snowy, Rachel (Hazel 60'), Claire, Katie, Nicky, Hannah, Ellie, Lisa

Match report : Lethargic first half with sloppy goal against. Dynamic second half with countless opportunities on both sides.

Goalscorer : Lisa

Quote from the management : 'I'd rather have more of the second half, please '

Players : Barney (GK), Hazel (Anna 50'), Rachel, Ferris, Jess, Lisa, Katie, Cécile, Snowy, Rhiannon, Natalie 

Match report : No Indian summer day, but de rigueur automnal grey ... 

Goalscorers : Could have been

Quote from the management : 'It's going to be one of those games!'

Players : Barney (GK), Ellie (Ferris 15'), Nikki (Jess 45'), Cécile, Katie, Natalie, Nicki, Laura (Hazel 60'), Sarah, Lisa, Rhiannon

Match report : Indian summer ... but given that there was no summer this year this can just be summer ... so we may as well enjoy it ... and what can be more enjoyable than being on a football pitch on a sunny sunday afternoon ... regardless of the score? Some nice football has even been played on the occasion.

Opposition Player of the match : Ferris

Manager player of the match : Cécile

Goalscorer : Lisa

Quote from the manager : 'Hey! Swearing is not what we are about !!! '

Players : Lucy (GK), Snowy, Ferris, Nikki, Jess, Barney, Cécile, Nicki, Ellie (Jenny, 85'), Lisa, Rhiannon 

Match report : A good result to start the season for Headington. The post-vacation lack of fitness was still noticeable but the teamplay helped to ease the shared pain. The first goal of the match was scored by Rhiannon when she overan the Marlow defense on the right to slot the ball neatly into the net. It didn't take Marlow long to equalise and level the score with a long shot that Lucy stopped but the dropped ball unluckily bounced back into the net. A second goal for Headington came when Snowy ran - seemingly from nowhere - onto Cécile's free kick to take a first touch shot into the Marlow goal. The score at half-time was 2-1 but could have been different with both Nicki and Lisa having unluckily hit the bar. The second half saw Marlow pick up the pace and take the attacking initiative displaying some nice football moves. This renewed pressure paid back when one of their midfielders managed to turn and shoot from a long throw. With still 30mn to go in the second half this increased the pressure on both teams, part of which was released in favour of Headington when Rhiannon scored from a free kick taken by Nikki. This was followed by some tactical changes made by Jamie aimed at making Headington play wider on both wings (Snowy, Ellie) and deeper upfront (Lisa, Rhiannon). This allowed the fourth and fifth goal (scored by Rhiannon) to be the result of some nice passing movement - and a bit of a spin! Barney on her league debut turned out to be an outfield player to be reckoned with.  For good measure, Ellie took a pop from outside the eighteen yard box right into the left hand top corner of the Marlow goal which the goalkeeper was unable to stop. A good team performance and an encouraging start

Opposition Player of the Match : Cécile

Manager Player of the Match :  Ellie

Goalscorers : Rhiannon 4, Snowy 1, Ellie 1

Quote from the Manager : "I think I'll just have one more sausage "

    FOOTBALL: Furr fires four      

3:53pm Tuesday 9th September 2008

RHIANNON Furr smashed a four-timer as Headington Athletic got their Thames Valley Counties League Division 1 campaign off to a flying start with a 6-2 win over Marlow.  However, it needed four goals in the last 20 minutes to secure victory. Furr's haul included a second-half hat-trick, with Sarah Snowden, on her debut, and Ellie Weston scoring the others. Marlow's replies both came from Abi Convin.