A star studded Birmingham team faced a travelling Edinburgh side at the new Bournbrook pitches on Wednesday the 18th of October. Birmingham secured a convincing win placing them in a strong position for the rest of the season.
After a thorough warm up from both sides the Lionesses took the first centre pass of the game, in which they had a clear and strong set piece. This impressive start from Birmingham was not a fluke and continued throughout the game.
A pregame discussion with coach Phil Gooderham, opening his 13th season with the girls, showed the 442 formation in the beginning of play. Numerous substitutes were also named for later gameplay within the dynamic team ahead.
The first goal of the game came 14 minutes into the first half from number seven, vitally sealing the deal after successive creative attacks on the goal. Coming from a short corner, the goal displayed how the Lionesses were pushing to capitalise on Edinburgh’s mistakes.
Following the first goal Birmingham stepped up the pressure of their attack pressing within the shooting circle whenever they could. Attempts on goal came from 77, Aitchinson, and an assist from 8, Wills, proving marginally off target, unfortunate for the Birmingham side. However, the team weren’t to be deterred by this, and within minutes’ number seven produced a second goal for the home team, taking the score to 2-0.
With the first quarter drawing to a close Edinburgh were pushing their team towards the Birmingham defence and finally managed to create a set piece goal from a short corner. A scramble from the resilient and confident goalkeeper, Somerville, was not enough to keep this one out.
After a quick team talk Birmingham were back out on the pitch to begin the second half, with a growing home crowd for support. Just 15 minutes into play number 12 created a smooth attack on the goal, with the Edinburgh having difficulty to clear it away, taking it to a 3-1 lead.
Three consecutive goals came later in the second half with Birmingham motivated to push for a clear win and get their goal difference even higher. Within around five minutes to go and the girls sitting on a comfortable 6-1 lead, they weren’t ready to give up their fight. This final goal came from 77, Aitchinson from an assisted short corner. Final score 7-1 and a positive home win for the Lionesses.
This win puts Birmingham in a solid position for the rest of the season and their upcoming game against Nottingham, as their first away game of the season. Having won the North A league for the past four consecutive years the Lionesses will look to get a fifth under their belt, today’s performance proves this is more than achievable, even if early days.
