The first game of the year saw a tough 5–1 defeat away from home, as the team looked to implement a new system following just two training sessions working on it.

The opening stages were competitive, with plenty of effort and willingness shown, but a lack of familiarity with the new shape began to show as the half progressed. The home side capitalised on this, scoring twice before the break to give us a 2–0 deficit at half-time.

Chances still kept coming for TD but unfortunately it just wasn’t happening for Td. Kara Murray had the best chance of the first half for Td as she went round the keeper and went to slot into what looked like an open goal until the Hastings defender come sliding in and blocked it on the line.

Half time 2-0

The home side started quick as they scored early on in the second half with their striker getting another. Minutes later they were able to score again to make it 4.

Td kept showing fight and playing good football and creating chances. In the 50th minute, TD were able to score. Long ball over the top, lead to Poppy Hollings chasing and working hard to fight for the ball, Poppy was able to win the ball and laid it off into the path of Kara who struck first time into the roof of the net.

However, as Shipley pushed forward in search of another goal, gaps began to appear and the home side took advantage. Hastings managed to score another and make it 5–1.

Full time 5-1.

Despite the result, there were positives to take from the performance, Girls took on the information well and implemented the new system well majority of the game, created more chances and showed fight and desire throughout the whole game.

Maddie Tomlinson claimed POTM today, constant communication throughout the game, Fought for every tackle and ball at every occasion and displayed some fantastic passes over the top and brilliant positional play.

Onto next Sunday where we are at home again to face Lindfield. Let’s keep pushing and working together. Come on Td!!