As opening days go, it wasn’t one that will live long in the memory – but a testament to the professionalism and control the Tigresses showed, that allowed them to manage the game throughout at 1-0
Little happened in the early stages, as both sides showed that pre-season prep is nothing compared to the level, energy and concentration required in a real competitive game. The match was played for the opening quarter of an hour in the middle of the pitch, with Halifax threatening long early on, and City asserting some control across the pitch
Then the game started to spark in to life. A series of pinches from the City press on the visitors goal kicks set them on their way for good chances – Haywood had the first effort from outside the area, before Knight, again from range, whistled one just over the bar
Then came the big chance – Haywood picked up the ball in midfield and drove at the blue wall, setting away Holder to the right. The forward checked out from the early strike instead flashing a ball across to the on rushing Knight before an excellent defensive interception at the near post prevented the tap in
The resultant corner did prove to be more affective. Knight in to Tugby-Andrew, on debut, to prod it home at the second attempt
Wallace was then instantly called in to action to make her only save of the game. From the kick off Whitham launched one from range looking to catch City cold, with the long arms of Wallace just turning it away from the top of the goal
The half then clocked over much as it started, city in control of the ball, struggling to break through a well drilled and organised Halifax
HT 1-0
The send half was very different affair. Neither side asserted control, Halifax bringing on a few faces, opted to be direct and often got in to the spaces beyond and wide, winning corners without ever really troubling the goal.
As a result, City tried to find the spaces that had now opened up between the units. Whilst the game had levelled out it was still City who had the better of the chances. Another corner that wasn’t dealt with, this time Haywood flashed a left footed effort past the post
Then Haywood turned provider, racing in on the right and picking out Knight who’s effort was straight at the Halifax stopper, Maddie Crosbie
Crosbie again was the difference on City extending the lead, with two outstanding saves. First from a Tanser strike across goal and one at the very death as Knight raced through and couldn’t beat the stand out in the goal
Manager Chris Hames gave his thoughts, post match
I thought it was a good competitive match. Two sides who have adapted and grown from last season and both trying identify their way of playing in this match. Halifax were exactly what we thought they would be – well drilled, organised and combative in the midfield.
First half we had to problem solve a little bit, be patient and find moments, and we did – and got the goal from another set piece
Second half we let the game get a bit scrappier, they hunted us a bit more and we didn’t smooth out the game as much as we would like, but thats a good learning. It did however open spaces and I felt we attacked them spaces very well, Sophie [Haywood] and Hope [Knight] found opportunities to drive and open things up – Tans had a brilliant chance well saved. All of that and we feel far more comfortable about the match
I felt Cath and Jess were exceptional. They controlled that back line very well, adapted again to how the opposition play and kept us positive and it was an important foundation to what we wanted to do
But the win is the win, we will take that and look to build as a team, in an environment that allows us to do more
The Tigresses are back in action, at Ferriby, again on Tuesday night as we host Doncaster Belles and back at home again on Sunday as we host West Brom!
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