A Good Showing

With Tom Lindberg moving to Badgers and Ella Thombs to Ladies, with some callups expected for Beavers from the remaining A lineup this half of the season welcomes some new faces into Beavers A - Emily Hunt ,Sophie Hornby, Ben Pold and Anna Walker.

With a couple of games just after New Year under their belt this new look team was beginning to gel and a game against a talented Alderley boys side was a good test of progress, particularly given call ups for Elliot Hall and Charlie Cook to the Badgers, and an injury to Anna Walker preventing Chester's other clear goal scorer from playing. Into this void in the forward line stepped Jack Riley at centre forward and Ben Pold at the top of the diamond, both playing exceptionally well without, sadly scoring, so much so that Alderley awarded Ben Pold our Man of the Match. What really impressed was the passing interplay between these two and the other midfield supported by the defence.

On a cold afternoon Chester looked dominant in the first quarter and rightly scored with a Lukas Pold goal from a short corner. This dominance came from good passing at pace and particularly from a defence that are now contributing to the attack by supporting the midfield and allowing easy options when the midfield is under pressure.

In the second quarter Alderley equalised but a half time score of 1-1 did not really reflect the run of play.

The third quarter saw honours even with an own goal scored by Alderley from a Sophie Hornby cross, but this came about because of the pressure Chester were putting on in attack and was a credit to the attacking spirit and thrust of the Chester A's. What is pleasing to see was the ability of players to beat their man but also looking for a pass to keep momentum flowing forwards. Players are beginning to work harder off the ball to create passing options.

In the fourth quarter sadly the game slipped form Chester's grasp as Alderley scored two goals at the death but that is not to say that they were ever in control. In part the substitutions made by the coach to ensure everyone had a game, were beginning to have a disruptive effect on the teams organisation. Chester's defence of Ffion Chilton, Matthew Randles, Jonny Riley, Ruby Whysall and Emily Hunt all looked in control and one really pleasing move showed off their increasing confidence with the ball switching from Left to Right through the entire back line. In midfield Grace Spender, Caitlyn Green and Sophie all worked hard and each enjoyed a successful stint at right wing too with Lukas Pold moving up from his usual centre back position to capably anchor the midfield at the base of the diamond.

Up front Ben's work has already been mentioned and Jack played excellently leading the line, but also acting as the first line of defence. Particular mention should be made of his bravery in stepping up to take a penalty flick that Chester were awarded. Sadly the keeper saved the shot but it takes nerve to shoulder that burden and I look forward to his next attempt.

We look forward to our next game with confidence.