A crowd of 350 people turned out for the match at Sheffield United FC and there were some big tackles in the opening minutes, which set the tone for a competitive match.
Jersey didn’t have to wait long for the opening chance of the game, as an in-swinging cross found Megan Wood whose outstretched leg volleyed the ball just over the crossbar.
Sheffield United fought their way back into the match with a few half chances but Jersey went closest to opening the scoring again, Jodie Botterill’s quick turn and shot from the edge of the box ricocheting off the outside of the post.
The home team came back into the match confidently but one clear chance went straight into the hands of keeper Sara Luce, who then came out bravely to prevent a goal and took a knock for her troubles.
Sheffield came out the stronger in the second half and from a free-kick on the edge of the by-line, the ball deflected to Rachel Ruddach who tapped home.
Ruddach later tweeted: ‘Spent years sitting on the Kop wondering what it would be like to score there and today I finally know. The best feeling ever!!’
Jersey weathered something of a storm after going behind and when they won a free-kick in a dangerous position, Botterill’s low powerful shot brought the scores level.
The deciding goal came 8 minutes from time from a United short corner and in-swinging cross, which Natalie Frogatt netted at the back post.
Despite the 2-1 defeat, Jersey FA joint-Interim Head Coach Daniel Seviour said afterwards; “Myself and [Jodie Botterill] are extremely delighted with our performance, by far the best ladies match I’ve ever been involved with. We went into the match well prepared; the ladies stuck to our philosophy of play and working towards our team targets. It was a fantastic opportunity for our players, who all rose to the occasion. The player’s attitudes was a credit to the Jersey FA and their clubs, overall it was a fantastic learning opportunity for the experienced and younger players of the squad.”
Source / photos – jerseyfa.com
