Diamonds proudly sponsored by Impact Retail, MJB Motor services and CPS labels travelled to face higher league Anstey Nomads in another friendly. Holidays and injuries meant the girls had only 8 players available and brought in Sadie from the u13s girls to make up their numbers.
Not having subs meant that the Diamonds would have to be clever in how they approached today's game but this didn't stop them having a real go at their opposition. From the kick off the Diamonds set their stall out by forcing their opponents to rush their football and force mistakes from them. When they got on the ball the diamonds showed some real intention and looked to move the ball about with some of the best passing they have shown in the short time they have been playing. A makeshift back three of Bethan, Isla and Ellie T were looking determined in the tackle and when they won the ball they were looking to break the lines passing into the ever available Safia and wide players Ellie O and Anna while Sadie and Poppi were forcing the Anstey back line back. This fine start resulted in a corner for the Diamonds. A training ground routine almost worked wonders when Bethan met Safias delivery only for a fine block to deny the Diamonds a perfect start. The first half then took a pattern if the Diamonds dictating territory and Anstey looking dangerous on the break. Mid way through the half an Anstey breakaway at pace caused the first sign of panic but a wonderful double save from Lexi in the Diamonds goal kept the score level. The Diamonds continued to show great defensive organisation from front to back not making it easy for Anstey to get any quality together and great composure on the ball passing it out from the back when they could. Sadie and Poppi up top were working hard to try and create chances when they could. Half time 0-0
The message for the Diamonds who were starting to tire without the benefit of fresh legs was to stay in the game as long as possible and see if they could nick a goal.
With the second half very similar to the first it seemed the Diamonds would pull off a miracle, however halfway through the 2nd half a rare moment of hesitation saw the Anstey striker run through and score 1-0

This could have deflated the tired Diamonds players but instead it it drove them on with Sadie almost scoring from 25 yards with a screamer of a shot that only just went over the bar. Suddenly the Diamonds found their 2nd wind. A great tackle by Bethan saw the ball fall to Safia whose precise through all saw Sadie finish with aplomb.... Only for a late offside flag see the goal chalked off.
With 5 minutes remaining the Diamonds went searching for an equaliser when they were caught on the counter attack and Anstey found the net to finish the game off.

Over all a superb performance from every single girl and although the result didn't go their way this was by far the best performance the team have produced .... Well done Diamonds ... We go again next week