A war of attrition and Blues come out on top
Tilton Talks coverage of BCFC ladies is sponsored by Garrison Coffee Company
Blues left it late Sunday afternoon to grab back to back wins in the league and cup. Libby Smith who I am so happy for, put the ball in the back of the net from a great cross by POTM Charlie Devlin. There is still a lot of work to do to get promotion but it is a start.
FIRST HALF
Blackburn Rovers started of the stronger and could have taken the lead as early as the first minute. Saffron Jordan cut back inside the area and her shot curled just wide of Lucy Thomas’s goal.
Two minutes later the Rovers thought they had won a penalty when Jordon was fumbled to the ground but the referee Ruby Sykes carried on with the game.
In the 9th minute Blues had a chance but it was well defended by Chole Williams from a shot from Jamie Finn.
Finn had another chance when Claudia Walker rolled it back to her but her shot was comfortably saved by Alex Brooks in the 22ndminute .
In the 32nd minute Blackburn took a well deserved lead when Niamh Murphy played a fantastic ball to Farah Crompton who lifted it over Lucy Thomas to make it 0-1 no one in the blues side could have complained about it .
Then it was Blues turn to find a goal when the inform Jade Pennock went past a couple of challenges, her low shot was held well by Alex Brooks.
Blues were finally getting back into the game and in the 42nd Charlie Devlin’s fierce effort brought the best out of Alex Brooks with a wonderful save to tip it over the bar.
HALF TIME BLUES 0-1 BLACKBURN ROVERS
SECOND HALF
Blues almost got of to the perfect start in the second half but Claudia Walker was denied from close range by the sensational Alex Brooks in the 47th minute.
In the 56 minute Blackburn almost doubled the lead . A great ball from Brooks found Jordon who then found Farah Brompton only to see her shot go just wide of the goal.
Yet again it was Farah Crompton who could have made it a brace from a great pass but her shot went over the bar.
Blackburn came to rue those missed chances when Natasha Fenton handled the ball from a Ashley Hodson cross. The resulting free kick was fired in direct by Charlie Devlin . The equaliser for the girls in royal blue 12 minutes before the end.
Blackburns last chance of the game came from a free kick in the 84th minute. Hannah Coan saw her shot fumbled by Thomas before it was cleared.
Then came the winner , Blues recycled the ball after a corner. Charlie Devlin’s cross found the head of Libby Smith to make it the winner.
The only downside of today’s game was the sending off of Harriet Scott after the winning goal went in .
FULL TIME BLUES 2-1 BLACKBURN ROVERS
MY THOUGHTS ON THE GAME
Blackburn deserved something out of the game and they should especially after a great first half . Blues found their metal and crafted an important win with special mentions for Charlie Devlin and Jade Pennock. Their determination was apparent and I love watching them both play. A further shout out to Libby Smith who I am so pleased for after getting back on the scoresheet.
For the visitors Alex Brooks was in sublime form. It was great to get to see the #hergameto team at the game and brilliant to see the little ones there having a wonderful day to remember m. This will be the next generation of fans to support the girls in royal blue.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Only one person, Charlie Devlin. She was unbelievable on Sunday and her close control by the by-line was simply spectacular. The goal was wonderful and her assist for the winner for Libby Smith was cool and calm a well deserved POTM for her.
NEXT UP
We will back at St Andrews next weekend against Charlton Athletic at 2:00