REFFLEY GIRLS U15's
Manager: Lin Smith

Squad from: Swales, Browne, Nichols, Witt, Flack, Taylor, Auker, Cozens, Fisher
 
Last game of the season rescheduled from Easter saw another early start on a Sunday!!!!
Eventually, after the long trek to find the pitch, and the various trips back to the toilet saw and early kick off at Boston's request with Reffley firing from the start. Struggling a bit on this narrow pitch the girls tried every trick to penetrate the defense and had shot after shot stopped by a very formidable keeper. Playing against a squad all in the year above was hard work but the Reffley girls did the outstanding pass and move performance and flourished. Witt, Browne, Flack and Cozens taking the ball around the Boston players made them work hard in defense and anyone of them could have scored. Boston found a corner and a goalmouth scramble blocking our keepers vision, having stopped the ball twice allowed the ball to find the back of the net totally against play. Several handballs were overlooked and at half time the ref decided to check the girls boots for alledged sharp studs??? Tatical maybe??
 
Restart saw slightly changed squad with Browne asking to be rested having taken a knock in the first half but again the girls fought hard to get the advantage and turn the game around. Yet another missed handball this time in the box as Reffley desperate for the equaliser scrambled to get the ball into the net. Long kicks from the Boston keeper and defender only found our keeper, having one of best performances today. Swales placed the ball back into their area for Flack, Witt and Browne to chase and hit home but again their keeper proved her worth.
 
Absolutely brilliant performance all round today although we went off the boil slightly when Browne took a rest. Certainly the result has no bearing on the game today and Boston were very lucky to have such a great keeper. Well done girls lets focus on the next season with hopefully the opportunity to play at your own age group.
 
Mom - cant pick any one of you, you all worked hard together the TEAM

Squad from: Swales, Browne, Witt, Nichols, Flack, Moyse, Auker, Cozens, Fisher, Taylor
 
Rescheduled meeting from December meant that these games against Farcet were back to back so the squad set out at the unearthly time of 8.30am on a Sunday. The drive over saw fine rain start predicting a miserable game.
 
As usual the girls were slow out of the stalls and needed a couple of close calls before they woke up. Swales again producing some great saves in goal for thsi first half as she did yesterday. A quick change round to taking Auker off and placing Moyse back in defence allowed Witt to return to her normal forward position. Now the girls were awake and pushing constantly into th Farcet area. Witt, Browne and Flack all proving a handful again for the Farcet defense who panicked when they got too close giving away corners and handballs. Unfortunately despite many superb efforts the ball didnt find the back of the net.  Deadlock at half time 0-0.
 
Restart and Reffley were caught asleep whlist defending a corner and Farcet got an early goal. This most certainly woke the Reffley squad up and they fought hard against this obviously older side. Several tussles occured but the girls held their own for once and rarely gave the ball away. Returning to their best form passing the ball around the whole width and depth of the pitch, a pleasure to watch. Even though the running track that encrouged on this pitch caused some confusion as to where exactly the touchline was the girls controlled most of the second half. Eventually this paid off with a beautiful cross in from the right placed inch perfect for Browne to strike first time for a peach of a goal. End to end stuff saw Reffley quick on the counteracttack coming close on so many occassions; it was frustrating watching the changed Farcet keeper block shot after shot. Farcet however again caught the squad out and hoofed the ball upfield to their most dangerous player who, having just returned after taking one in the face at close range from Witt, sort her revenge and made the most of an easy opportunity with the defense watching the ball get fired home.
 
The result doesnt do justice to the performance out there today. Reffley would have had this game sewn up but for some outstanding keeping from Farcet. Their defense was weak and although we gained the advantage the keeper, particularly in the second half covered most of the goal leaving very little space so score in. You must however, learn to concentrate fully on the game and not on outside distraction!!!!! One more game left next weekend at Boston.
 
MOM: first half  Swales, second half Witt linking up in defense and midfield taking on much bigger opposition.

Squad from: Swales, Browne, Taylor, Witt, Flack, Moyse, Auker, Cozens, Nichols, Fisher

Reffley started sluggish as usual but after 10 minutes realised the best way was put the ball to the ground and pass. Great flowing play from all the team with pass and move action creating lots of shots on goal but as usual a great keeper prevented any finding the back of the net. Midfield control with Taylor defending well made for great first half football.

Second half restarted with a strong wind to play against as well as the Farcet girls. Farcet changed keepers and Reffley found it difficult to control their No 7 who was quick and took every opportunity given. Reffley however managed to find some space a passing the ball around found Browne who slotted home. Farcet were quick to retaliate and took the game over forcing the Reffley girls to dig deep as they twice found the net. Taylor not content to see her side get beaten at home spurred the girls on and the ball was quickly passed back up field and a goalmouth scramble saw Flack get a deflection to level the score.

Great first half with the keeper playing some outstanding footballl but getting the first goal seemed to rattle the girls. Well done for turning things around but you must keep better control throughout the game. Over to Farcet for the return in the morning with a tough game ahead.

MOM:- Cozens midfield sewn up well.

Squad from: Swales, Browne, Witt, Auker, Cozens, Fisher, Nichols, Taylor

A depleted squad today with 2 more experienced players unavailable. Rethinking the starting line up on the journey over the girls set out with an unusual formation which left them without the strength along the flanks. After a slow start the girls settled down and took control of the game passing and hasssling Dersingham early on. Taylor still nursing an ankle injury took command of the game pushing her squad on for a goal and they all stepped up and took their turn on target. Great keeping from Dersingham prevented all efforts going in and even when offered a free kick on the edge of the box, the Dersingham defense stood strong. End to end stuff against this well matched team again saw deadlock at halftime.

All change at the restart to rest Taylor saw Swales, at her request, take on a more forward position and Nichols take on the keeper shirt. Witt dropped back into defense with Fisher and relying heavily on the "on form" Browne to find the back of the net the girls went back out. Constant pressure again with Cozens working well in central midfield to keep the ball forward allowed Taylor to take a back seat and watch for the danger areas on her return. Dersingham found theirselves deep in the Reffley half and good defending kept them away but unfortunately gave away a corner. With Taylor now back on the Reffley girls flooded their box but too many shirts caused confusion and a loose ball found a Dersingham foot to give them the lead. Restart saw Browne go close with a shot on goal from kick off and again the onsalught with every player trying to find that elusive goal. Browne picked up a loose ball just inside her half and, appeared to change characters with Witt, streaking down the wing and placing a perfect cross into the box. Eventually Witt popped up and richoted in off the upright. More end to end stuff with Nichols performing well in goal again having had little practice. Final socreline a deserved draw 1 - 1

As always with this Dersingham squad, a nail biting time on the touchline for all but superb football to watch. 

As the saying goes "there is no I in team", one player does not make a team. An all round outstanding performance from every player and therefore :- MOM - the whole squad.

Apart from not being vocal enough out there no one put a foot out of place during the game!!!

Squad from: Swales, Taylor, Moyse, Auker, Browne, Cozens, Witt, Flack, Nichols, Fisher
 
Change of venue at short notice meant a delayed kick off waiting for Coates to find the pitch. This seemed to un-nerve the Reffley squad as they allowed Coates, who we comfortable beat a few weeks back, to take control from the start. Within 10 minutes Coates had found the back of the net with an easy tap in gifted to them in the area after a fumble from the keeper. Taylor rallied her troops to try to make amends and just before half time Witt eventually found the back of the net with a sweet shot from the touchline.  1 - 1 half time.

Second half saw Taylor struggling with an ankle injury but determined to carry on to regain control. Outfield players fought hard to pull this game around and Witt, Flack, Cozens and Browne all came close but some great keeping from Coates kept them at bay. Two more soft goals from Coates now fielding only 6 players, found the back of the Reffley net and try as they did, the forward trio of Browne, Witt and Flack could not compensate for this. Taylor had to be subsituted for Fisher although she still dished out her orders from the sidelines to help the outfield players continue the battle but it was not to be.

This loss will make the difference in the final league position and if you want to improve you all need to give 110% and concentrate on the positions that you are playing in. It is down to you once that whistle goes.

MOM: Witt and Taylor tried their best throughout.

Squad from: Swales, Taylor, Browne, Witt, Flack, Nichols, Auker, Fisher, Cozens
 
Rescheduled game from earlier in the season. On a cold and extremely blustery Sunday afternoon the squad turned out at Coates with one win under the belts and looking for another.
 
Out of the blocks from the start the Reffley girls were firing and took the game straight into the Coates half. Slightly different set up with Moyse being unavailable meant that Witt took the defensive role alongside Taylor, leaving an inexperienced Auker to take a right wing place. The ball spent most of the time in the Coates half and despite the rare break left Swales little to do in goal. Eventually Flack floated a corner in and with a bit of wind assistance found prefect length to place it in the back of the net. 1 up at half time.
 
Change around to allow Witt to change footwear and come out in the coach's boots!!! Saw Fisher and Nichols out alongside the very talented and experienced players. Yet more time camped out in the Coates half left Swales looking for something to do. Cozens linking up with Flack, Browne and Witt made hard work for the Coates girls who tried everything to stop the constant runs forward. All of the midfield and front line had shots on target and even Taylor tried out her floating ball from her hafl which bounced over the goal again. Against the wind didnt seem to be causing them any problem today. Coates managed to catch the defense out several times but Swales, having little else to do, pulled off 3 diving saves to stop any damage. This caused quite a stir on the touchline amongst the parents! The ball again landed at Witt's feet who, now playing in "Billy's Wonder Boots", stormned down the wing taking on anyone in her way. Inch perfect crosses going in to the box and at last Browne found another tap in to increase her tally.
 
Excellent game again girls. a pleasure to watch you control the game under such windy conditions. You deserved the win. You are learning to work to the conditions and adapt your game accordingly. Great communication to keep everyone going.
 
 
MOM: Browne constantly looking for that goal and Cozens controlling the midfield.

Squad from: Swales, Fisher, Browne, Taylor, Nichols, Witt, Flack, Cozens, Auker, Moyse

A tough top of the table team to take on today and the girls were sluggish from the start. Wisbech had several early shots close on goal but fortunately none found the back of the net. Moving Browne to central midfield did not work so a swop around to play Fisher there and Browne back as striker was made. Taylor, defending in her usual strong manner caught a Wisbech player at close range with a clearance shot and the girl went down heavily with a bloodied nose. Time out to allow the Wisbech girl to compose herself and check her injury disrupted the momentum somewhat, but the brave girl carried on regardless until half time. Wisbech caught Reffley asleep in defence and went in 1 up for half time.

Regrouping at half time allowed some minor problems to be addressed and the restart saw Reffley come out firing at last. Taylor looped a clearance at the goal only to see it bounce faluntinly in front of the keeper and over the bar but this spurred the girls on and another swop to drop Witt into a more defensive position seemed to work and Taylor again had the opportunity to try the same shot out. This time however, success as it bounced perfectly to drop just under the bar and out of the keepers reach. Game on with about 10 minutes left. Restart from kick off and Reffley managed to reteive the ball and pump it back downfield for a great stop by the Wisbech keeper who unfortunately placed it perfectly for Browne to add to her seasons tally. Not giving up Wisbech tried to regain control and tempers were begining to get the better of both sides in this extremely well fought second half. Neither team wishing to drop points but time ran out and Reffley finished the victors.

Well done to all of the players today. A game that is always so competitive when we play.

MOM: Witt for her tireless effort throughout the game.

Thanks to Tom Dack for refing today and the support from his family again on the touchline.

Squad from: Swales, Nichols, Auker, Cozens, Witt, Taylor, Browne, Flack, Moyse
 
Sat afternoon kick off with a great turn out from parents on a cold blustery day. Unusually for the Reffley girls they were quick out of the blocks and pummeled WSM from the start. Chance after chance from the Reffley girls went by or found the keeper but they kept the pressure on throughout the first half. Unfortunately  WSM caught them unaware and against play scored just after half time. A close call from a lovely cross from the touchline by Browne looked to have crossed the line from our position but the keeper scrambled it off the line and it was not given.
Nothing could be said or changed as the squad were playing some of their best football and despite the wind were placing corners inch perfect and still finding distance on goal kicks. A hard fought second half saw Witt, Browne and Flack try exceptionally hard and even a swop around in midfield could not penetrate the defense of WSM.
 
Final score WSM 1 Reffley 0.
 
An outstanding performance from this team, great control, passing and communication. The only thing wrong was the final result, the win should have been yours as you certainly took the game to a strong WSM squad. Well done girls another game to be very proud of. Onwards and upwards next.

Squad from: Swales, Taylor, Moyse, Browne, Witt, Flack, Auker, Nichols, Fisher, Cozens.

A slow start as usual from the Reffley squad but persevernce and great passing paid off and they took the lead with a tap in from Witt. Swaffham were poor in defence apart from their keeper who pulled off several great stops but having the ref on their side managed to use more than one person as gk and were allowed to get away with 3 blatant hand ball incidents.

Reffley gifted  Swaffham 2 easy goals by not defending corners sufficiently but all the play was made by the Reffley squad. The girls heads went down as decisions went against them time and time again and even a Swaffham parent on the touchline was allowed to interefere with play and get away with it. Reffley should have had a penalty in the second half when a Swaffham player stopped the ball on the goal line with her hand and not the keeper and then again when Browne was taken from behind in the box. Browne Flack, Witt and Taylor all had shots stoped but we need to put this disappointment behind us and concentrate on the next games.

Keep your heads up girls , today was not to be. This team were given opportunities that they should have been pulled up for. You were the better side and deserved to win this game.

MOM: the whole team for continuing against all odds.

Squad from: Swales, Taylor, Browne, Witt, Flack, Fisher, Nichols, Auker, Moyse
 
On a cold, blustery Sunday the squad turned out for the trek to Three Holes where Outwell play. Lifts being organised again before leaving!!!!!
 
Slow from the kick off, Reffley should have penalised the Outwell squad early but the cold seemed to have frozen the legs and worst of all the communication lines. Unusually quiet the girls tried hard to fight against the strong winds and camped out in the Outwell half. Play seemed to be down one wing and Flack was left lonely out on the left side with the ball rarely coming across to her. Eventually in desperation she found her way across to take the ball out to her side. Moyse struggled against two players for most of the game. It appeared that Outwell were marking her rather than Witt Once the girls found the width of this smaller than normal pitch, their reknown tatics came in and Flack to Witt back in the middle to Browne to slot home. Outwell had few opportunities as the midfield again worked hard to prevnt them penetrating our half. Well done Rachel. Distribution from this area is spot on at the moment and making it easy for our striker to finally get a sensible goal tally.
 
Second half saw Swales substituted for Nichols in goal. Nichols is getting more confident each time out there and the team spirit showed through again this week. Tough conditions against the wind made it difficult for both sides to play football today but a gaolmouth scramble saw Browne net her 2nd. A delay after one of the Outwell girls came up against the determined Taylor in defense made it hard to keep battling on against the cold conditions and Outwell managed to penetrate into our half but poor finishing  from their strike force stopped any damage being done.
 
Final result Outwell 0  Reffley 2
 
Well done girls and extremely tough day to play football.
 
MOM - great team effort but Taylor in the second half kept the girls going.

Squad from: Swales, Taylor, Moyse, Nichols, Auker, Browne, Witt, Flack.
 
An early start with 2 games to get through saw the U15's kicking off at 9.30am under blustery but very bright conditions. Riding high from the superb display last week we expected the girls to get an early goal but they were slow out of the gates.
 
Reffley camped out in the Wittering half and put on a great display for the spectators but it took 20 miutes before they found the net with Browne hassling the keeper to get her first. This opened the flood gates and the squad worked hard to get the next goal, which came in direct from a Flack corner, with a bit of wind assistance! The midfield and forwards worked tirelessly passing the ball around until Browne found her second before half time.
 
Taylor came off complaining that she was bored with little to do but playing against the wind in the second half the defense was strengthened to keep the Wittering side at bay. Wittering took one of their few chances and caught Swales unaware early in the second half. Taylor, on form today took several penetrating runs from her half and narrowly missed the goal but luck was on her side and eventually she fired home and with an unfortunate player in its way, scored with a deflection.
 
Witt, Flack and Browne worked hard throughout the game pummeling the Wittering defense. Browne narrowly missed from kick off and Witt, Flack and Auker had severalon target stopped by the Wittering keeper. Nichols today playing in an unfamiliar position worked well to keep the midfield strong.
 
A great display at home, impressing all who watched, including the ref!!
 
Final result Reffley 4  Wittering 1
 
Well done girls.
 
Mom - great all round team performance again but Browne for outstanding play in front of goal.
 

Squad from:  Swales, Browne, Flack, Auker, Fisher, Nichols, Moyse.

Yet another week with a depleted squad. Today without Witt and Taylor, 2 of the more experienced players, the squad set off expecting a tough game in the cup against a very experienced and strong Docking side.

Discussing tatics on the way over, it was decided that we would start with 3 in defense rather than the normal 2 and work from there. Fisher, Moyse and Nichols playing a very unfamiliar formation looked shakey at the start and facing the ever present Chloe from Docking gave away an early goal. Docking looked like they would breeeze through this cup tie and probably expected the Reffley squad to collapse around them but this squad had different ideas and soon took hold of the midfield. It was sometime before Docking found a 2nd goal and Reffley certainly looked like they would never back down. Browne and Flack lonely up front without Witt took a while to get used to the formation but eventually a lovely one two from them saw Flack find the back of the net. Half time scoreline  4  -  1

Swales reluctantly returned to her goal for the second half and the squad soon rallied around her to boost her confidence. However 2 goals later saw her replaced by volunteer Nichols and another reshuffle of the squad. Nichols, improving with every kick found her length on drop kicks and soon had Browne and Flack chasing the ball and penetrating the Docking defense, which now had Chloe dropping back to help out. Browne scored from the kick off and had a couple of others stopped by the keeper. Flack netted a second and Browne, not wishing to out done and loose the title race for top scorer, found her second.

Final result  Docking  7  Reffley  4

An outstanding performance from a part inexperienced squad. Moyse took control of the defense and great control shown by the midfield. You all knew what to do and took a pride in your game in what we expected to be a difficult game. We may have lost this game but we have won a major confidence battle here today. You have all been a credit to the parents, your coach and me.
WELL DONE all of you.

MOM - yet again no one in particular as this was a TEAM performance.

Squad from: Swales, Browne, Witt, Flack, Taylor, Moyse, Nichols, Fisher, Auker.
 
At last we have Emily back. New Year hopefully new start.
Although Nichols joined the squad on the trip  she declined to play as she was feeling under the weather but still gave great support on the touchline.
 
Reluctantly we kicked off against 6 players. Manea requesting to play the game a week early struggling to field a squad on arrival. 15 minutes on the 7th player arrived and got stuck in but the Reffley girls kicked up a gear and in difficult conditions on such a boggy pitch proceeded to show Manea what they were really capable of. Browne, obviously looking to increase her Christmas present tally went all out today or to ensure she gets the trophy for top scorer this season, set off on her crusade. laying downhill for the first half the girls took advantage and Browne scored her first 2 before half time albeit one from her own corner that went in off the keeper. Not content to leave it up to her, Taylor took hold of the ball in her area and forced her way past the defenders swopping positions with Witt but some outstanding keeping kept her at bay. A goalmouth scramble saw Moyse eventually tap the ball home from a Browne corner. Finally Witt found the back of the net after some 20 shots on target stopped by the defense.  Yes 4 goals to Reffley by half time.
 
Manea never really looked like the side that came to us but managed to penetrate our defense early in the second half when Taylor was caught forward and Moyse now in midfield didn't track back quickly enough. Browne soon sorted that out though and was given a 3rd which she appeared to be doing in slow motion for her parents as she chipped over the keeper's head. Swlaes had very little to do in her first match back for nearly 3 months thanks to the strong defence and midfield performance.
 Final score Manea 1  - Reffley 5
 
A very weary and muddy squad returned truimphant.  Reffley girls at their best, long may it continue. Well done girls an all round Team performance to be proud of.
 
Next game Docking in the cup.

MoM - without a doubt everyone out there today in a Reffley shirt.

Squad from: Browne, Flack, Fisher, Nichols, Auker, Moyse, Witt, Taylor
 
With Swales still out with an injured knee, Nicholls volunteered to take the Gk place for her first time. The girls left the stalls determined to win and keep the Manea players at bay until Nicholl;s had settled in between the posts. Camping out in their half the front line trio of Witt, Flack and Browne desperately tried to penetrate the Manea defence but for some excellent keeping took a while before they hit their first goal. Corners, inch perfect from Flack and Browne were blocked in area and the Manea keeper pulled off some great stops. Eventually Manea pulled one back only to see Reffley fly out again to find the net. Some of the best pass and move play showed the Reffley strengths with Taylor and Moyse holding out in front of goal and getting loose balls back to the forwards. Manea pulled another back just before half time.
 
Second half again nailbiting to watch on the touchline with Reffley scoring first and Manea cancelling it out. Reffley hoped for their 4th but Manea had employed the help of the crossbar and upright and what we saw as a goal was discounted as the Ref believed it had not wholey crossed the line but ricocheted off the inside of the upright back into the gratefull hands of the Manea keeper. Deadlocked at 3 - 3 an exciting game to watch.
 
Well done girls a terrific performance from you all using the width and length of the pitch and forwards and defenders crossing over and covering every blade of grass.
 
MoM - Paige for taking the GK place.

Squad from: Taylor, Nichols, Auker, Flack, Howes, Morton, Moyse, Witt.
 
A depleted squad today with Swales resting a knee injury and out for several weeks meant that a stand in goalie had to take her place. First half saw Morton volunteer and having never played this position before was very apprehensive between the sticks. The reshuffled squad produced one of their better performances, realising that they had to be prepared to protect their goal. Dersingham put a superb fight throughout the game and although at times Reffley dominated the game, the Dersingham squad stood their ground and eventually found the back of the net. Howes and Flack were paired up and replaced the inexperienced duo of Nichols and Auker and worked well together for Howes to find the back of the net. Nichols and Auker gained valuable experience out there today and showed their potential well, all that needs to be done now is find a little more confidence when playing alongside the oldtimers!!

Second half saw Morton replaced in goal by Nichols, again very little experience in this position but prepared to do her best. Moyse now back in defence with Taylor and Witt, Browne, Howes and Flack controlling the frontline saw an onslaught on Dersingham's goal but with some bad luck and superb keeping by their goalie did everything but find the back of the net. Browne hit the crossbar, Witt had several shots saved as did Flack and Howes. Dersingham keeper ensured their teams first victory by keeping our girls at bay unfortunately one of her own graced us a goal. Dersingham regained control to get a corner down the Reffley end which was floated perfectly for a rocket of a volley into the net.

Final result Reffley 2 Dersingham 3. A very fast and well fought game which could have finished as a win for either side.
 
Well done girls for the performance under difficult conditions. Pass and move play saw Browne given lots of opportuniy in front of goal with just an outstanding game from the Dersingham keeper preventing us from scoring. Remember girls you don't have to be on the goaline to score, if you see a chance from the edge of the box, just take it. Lets hope Emily will be rested enough for our next game.
 
MoM: no one player today a great game from all , thanks to Nichols and Morton for standing in for Emily.

Squad from; Swales, Moyse, Morton, Taylor, Morton, Nichols H, Witt, Flack, Nichols P, Auker.

 
A good result after such a poor display of discipline again pre match from this squad.

Now is the time to realise that only you can put the effort in. Howe would have been selected today had she been fit, you all need to be sure that you are giving 110% if you want to retain your position in this squad.

A very strong Boston side who tried hard to take all 5 points. Well done to Lily Morton for a great display in her striker position again this week setting up the tap in for Flack. Hatti looked better in midfield but a lack lustre display from the rest of the outfield players. A bad defensive move allowed Boston to take advantage of a free kick on the edge of the box and poor positioning of the wall prevented Swales from keeping a clean sheet. You are much better than this you must put more effort in as a team.

MOM: Morton

Thanks to Pete, Lizzy, Sharon, Coleen and Craig for giving up their time today.

Squad from: Swales, Nichols H, Auker, Nichols P, Taylor, Flack, Witt, Morton, Moyse.

Reffley started as usual with a lack of composure due to the abscence of Browne through illness. Arriving at Wisbech we should have been ready for this as the squad are by now used to playing against this formidable team but tiredness had already crept in!!!

For 10 minutes no one seemed to be up for a game of football from either side but then Reffley were given a corner and after a little bit of discussion set their stall out taking into account that their main strike force, Browne was not there and placed Morton up instead. Witt floated an inch perfect corner into the box and ............. Morton again stepped up to the mark and placed a , yes believe it or not, header straight into the net. We were all quite stunned from the first ever headed goal from this squad and couldn't believe it was actually in.
Morton is now our top scorer and has scored every time she has been asked to take the strikers place. The girls soon took the game to the Acorns and held out until a minute from half time when they took a corner. Unfortunately with all the blue shirts in the area and only 2 red Acorns we forgot to watch and they were gifted their first goal. 1 -1 at half time.

Too pre-occupied with what was happening this week, the squad returned to the pitch expecting to carry on as before. Witt had asked to be taken off as she felt she was not performing and Auker took the striker position with Morton dropping into left wing. This worked well for a time but Wisbech soon took control. Taylor and Moyse tried hard to prevent them reaching Swales, who was not quite her confident self in goal today but the damage was done. After 2 easy goals Acorns took command and final result was 4 - 1.

This was a poor reflection on the game. Reffley should have had this sewn up early in the first half especially after such a spectacular goal from Morton but again they sat back and allowed their opponents to take over. We must improve on this half a game attitude that is happening if we want to improve the results. Come on girls I know that we can play much better than this, we are a team, one palyer should not make the difference to us.

MOM - for giving 110%  MORTON.

Squad from: Swales, Moyse, Flack, Witt, Browne, Nichols H, Nichols P, Morton.

A much depleted squad due to Taylor being unavailable and resting her injury from last week and a sickness bug that hit overnight, took the high road to Wittering at the unearthly time of 8.30am. (probably one of the furthest games we will have this season.)

Rethinking the formation on the way over I decided to play Hatti Nichols as captain who is normally very vocal from midfield, and placing Witt in a more defensive role to make up for the missing Taylor. The girls weary from the long drive set out with their usual slow start and although controlling the game did not look like winning. Moyse, however, came into her own and totally controlled the defense allowing Witt to link up with Browne and Flack to make some deep penetrating runs. This week again Browne was on form and found many opportunities on target but some superb defending from this pint-sized team prevented her from finishing. The Wittering goal keeper was a novice and not keen to dive trying hard to keep shots out with her legs causing several goal mouth scrambles which Reffley  were too slow to take advantage of. Out of the blue Witt took a shot from the right wing not far off the half way line and floated the ball over the keepers head to allow Reffley to go in at half time 1 up.

Restart saw Paige Nichols out for her first game with the squad and although unsure of her role early on soon got stuck in and kept on her player. Reffley came out flying but again the strong defense prevented a certain onslaught with a physical game and they eventually found an opportunity to catch out the Reffley keeper after a defensive mix up left Swales open.  Barely 5 minutes left on the clock and having watched Browne and Flack place inch perfect corners into the box to be wasted and Browne finding the post yet again, the girls conferred and decided to try the shot on goal from kick off. Browne stepped up and thumped the ball toward goal to see it just a fraction too high and over the top. Not to be beaten she watched the keeper take her kick knowing that it wouldn't go far and the pass game that these girls are so good at came through with Browne eventually finding the net.  Final result Wittering 1 Reffley 2.

A very well fought game with these girls giving their all. We need to make every shot on goal count, the direction is spot on just needs to be more powerful. Well done everyone, specially the ref who tried hard to knock his own players over at every opportunity!!!

MOM - without a doubt Moyse, superb defensive display.

06 OCT 2007: REFFLEY 1-3 WSM PURPLE

After the usual sluggish start from Reffley, the girls found their form an battled hard in the WSM half. Passing the ball around with confidence eventually paid off with Witt finding the back of the net. Browne made several superb attacks on goal and managed to clip the bar and post on several occasions. First half finished with Reffley 1 ahead and determined to complete the victory.

Second half unfortunately saw Taylor struggling with a hamstring injury from school and the Reffley team lost their shape allowing WSM to find their feet with their no 14 making life difficult for our defensive pair of Moyse and Morton. Nichols tried to compose from the midfield but their was too much bunching up to gain any advantage. Fisher unfortunately also carrying an injury from school tried to encourage from the touchline but the loss of Taylor badly affected their confidence. Witt, Flack and Moyse worked hard to compete and place many balls to Browne again but the WSM keeper kept us out of the game. Reffley tied to use the socre from the kick off and, although on target the WSM squad soon worked out the plan and prevented us from doing any further damage.

End result was 3 to WSM 1 to Reffley.

Well done girls a very hard fought game with only one sub to help out. Keep your heads up as we have several games to deal with now.

MOM: The combination of Browne Flack and Witt.

29 SEPT 2007 SWAFFHAM 2-2 REFFLEY

With the wind in their favour the girls camped out in the Swaffham half but unfortunately didn't take the advantage even after an incident in the box saw Reffley given a penalty which Taylor failed to convert. This gave heart to Swaffham who then broke through and opened the scoring. Reffley made 2 substitutions and eventually Flack found the net just before half time.

Playing against the wind in the second half, the girls came out apprehensive and bunched up. Swaffham tried desperately to take advantage and, although lined up several opportunities, nothing game to fruition. Moyse was replaced by Witt half way through and this combination seemed to be more effective only being stopped by a strong defence and goalkeeper. Finally six minutes from the end Browne penetrated the defence to find the back of the net. Reffley feeling that they were safe, let their guard down for Swaffham to re-spot the ball and score from kick off leaving Reffley no time to respond.

Final score 2 - 2. MotM - whole squad.

A big thanks to Mike for taking the reins at my demise and to the parents who rallied around with lifts.

A reminder to all of the squad - it is your responsibility to ensure that you have transport to away games before you arrive.....

15 SEPT 2007: REFFLEY 3-0 OUTWELL SWIFTS

Squad from: Swales, Moyse, Taylor, Witt, Browne, Flack, Nichols, Morton, Auker, Barton.

The first game for the season due to mix up last weekend saw a new squad arrive from Outwell. Reffley girls were hesitatant as this was the first outing at Springwood and lacked match practice.

Starting with the familiar line up to build confidence saw Swales, nursing a knee injury from GK training during the week, between the sticks and her formidable defence of Taylor and Moyse. Taylor back to her better form worked hard in the back as captain and between her and Swales the form slowly returned within the squad. Reffley dominated the game on the whole but Outwell, although this was their maiden outing, fought hard against us giving the midfield little rest. After some 20 minutes hard slog Reffley gained advantage from a Flack corner that ping-ponged between Browne and Nichols to finally fall back at Flack's feet for a tap in. Just what was needed as this spurred the team on. Browne made several good attempts on goal but Outwell managed to prevent them finding the net. Morton took over just before half time and again  a goal mouth scramble allowed her to hit home.

Restart saw Browne back out having rested and new player Auker joining Taylor in defence to gain some experience. A lack of confidence from Auker allowed the Outwell players to get close but Swales covered well and with Taylor on form she kept a clean sheet. The team was again changed around to allow the new players to get some match experience and Morton again given the striker position was given another opportunity to score. Excellent work from Nichols, Witt and Flack to keep penetrating the Outwell defence and working well with their defence to cover all of the field.

Although not one of the better performances they have produced a final result of 3 - 0 should provide a moral boost for everyone. An obvious lack of match practise showed through so now down to some serious fitness training and work on set pieces to ensure our game doesn't drop. Good communication on the whole but room for improvement from everyone. Remember to use the power you have in your shots to fire from a distance and catch the opposition on the hop. Trying to "walk" the ball in one step further allows their defence to take the ball from you.

Great team spirit you just need to get used to getting out of bed early on a Saturday again!!!

MoTM: Nichols for control of central midfield.