Our unbeaten start to the season ends, but plenty of positives from this performance.
The game was switched to FC United’s 3G pitch due to the Brookburn Road pitch being waterlogged.
West made a very bright start to the game and had 4 excellent opportunities to take the lead in the first 12 minutes. After an early sighter from H when in a good position, Biff looked as if she’d scored but it was just over, followed swiftly by Frisby shooting just wide. On 12 minutes, Shortz won the ball in midfield with a brilliant challenge, slips the ball through to Biff who finds Taylor Gunn, her shot drifting agonisingly wide.
Five minutes later though, the hosts took the lead. West fail to clear a corner and an FC player converts from close range.
West continued to probe away knowing that they’d been the better team in the first 15, but couldn’t find a way through, FC always looking dangerous on the break. We made a tactical change on 40 minutes with Isha replacing Taylor, but that was the last action of the first half.
H-T: 1-0
A further couple of changes for West at half time. Claire and Summer on for Biff and Fris.
West’s first chance of the half was a free-kick in a dangerous position, 20 yards out. Ellie struck it well, floating it high but narrowly over the bar.
Five minutes later, just after the hour mark, West equalised! H did superbly well to get the ball under control on the edge of the area, played a quick one-two with Isha, and rolled the ball past the keeper. 1-1.
West continued to show great character and belief, putting together some excellent passing moves. Another free-kick in a decent position on 73 minutes was cleared for a corner, which came to nothing.
A couple of changes for West with just over 10 minutes to go. Frisby back on, replacing excellent debutant Anna Másdóttir, and Biff back on to replace H.
On 86 minutes Claire pulled off a great save in the West goal, the ball going out for a corner. The corner looked like it was mis-hit but it sailed over everyone and crashed in off the far post. FC leading 2-1.
West continued to lift themselves for one last push, but whilst on the attack in added time, the ref brought an end to the game. Unlucky West.
Could have won. Should have drawn. Lost.
Line-up: Jefferson (GK), Wilman, Mason, Caddick, Hodges (Dolan), Edmondson, Másdóttir (Frisby 77′), Frisby (Breed 45′), Mitchell (Livesey 81′), Gunn (Mundell 40′), Livesey (Young 45′)
Unused sub: Kerr
Goalscorer: Mitchell
