Finally the day has finally arrived and it is finally time to lace the boots back up and head out onto the pitch to start the new season. Halifax Amateur Lionesses started properly towards the start of 2024 and played their first friendly in February against Kirkburton, ironically it was Kirburton who we played our very first league game against too. Since forming and that very first game back in February the team have come a very long way by playing in plenty of friendlies and a few tournaments over the summer but we are all so glad the season has finally started as it seems to have been a very long time coming.
When the game begun you could tell there were a few first game nerves around from the team and it took a while for both sides to settle down and get into the game properly. Once those nerves settled though we did eventually get into a good rhythm on the ball with some good movement and Millie had the best chance for us when an effort from out wide rattled off the inside of the post and bounced back into play where unfortunately we weren't ready for the rebound and Kirkburton defused the danger. Kirkburton had a good chance of their own too when a great strike ended up tipped over the bar and away from danger by 'keeper Becky.
Luckily with us being in a starters league we get rolling substitutions so halfway through the first half subs were made just to freshen up legs and give those that needed it a breather before going again and to be honest I couldn't be more grateful as I forgot just how hard the CDM roll is and my fitness levels are shocking lately but we are working on that (more on that in an upcoming post).
Unfortunately for us towards the end of the first half Kirkburton found the back of the net giving them a 1-0 lead going into the break. The goal was a bit of a shock as it was the Amateurs who were seemingly looking more of a threat going forward, a few calls in the build up to the goal didn't help though and the half time break saw us behind on the scoreboard. The good thing about the team though is everyone rallies around each other to lift spirits and keep heads up for the next period of play and we came out fighting in the second half just as we have done in the friendlies we played prior to the league starting.
That fighting spirit meant that it didn't take long in the second half for us to draw level, a great pass from Jemma found myself and I managed to play the ball through to Chelsey who had once again made a brilliant run and slotted the ball into the back of the net. This goal definitely lifted moral and Chelsey found herself causing more problems for the Kirkburton defenders and unfortunately due to some calls not going our way we just couldn't find that second goal. Kirkburton did have more attacking threats however, they just could't find the back of the net either, a last minute penalty was also awarded in the closing moments of the game giving them the best chance of the game to take all 3 points however, another great save from Becky saw the game finish 1-1 which was certainly well contested by both teams.
Our player of the match has to go to Millie, who found herself absolutely all over the pitch making some great runs and brilliant challenges all game even whilst carrying an injury. Although this could have gone to absolutely anyone as every single player put a shift in to secure the point.
The first game of the season may have ended with the points shared but we lost against Kirkburton the first time around so it just goes to show the improvement being made and it has also showed us areas that may need a bit of work. This team is absolutely fantastic to be a part of though and I can only see it going from strength to strength as the season progresses, note to self though... work on that fitness ASAP.
Thank you very much again to Grip Sockz & Revive Rehab Therapy for being my player sponsors this season and keep checking back weekly for more of these reports as the season progresses.
For now though it is time to rest & recovery ready to go again next weekend.
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