Iguanas v Great Bradford Guardians

A brilliant team performance gives Iguanas their first win of the season!

There was a bright start from both teams as Iguanas met Great Bradfords for the second time this season, having lost away to them earlier in the campaign. Early chances fell to Jayden and Zach, and Iguanas looked organised on the pitch. This week’s team captain Jake was playing in defence, a new role for him, but with his strength on the ball and ability to make long passes accurately he looked very comfortable holding that position and getting the ball through to Zach, Jayden and Lewis. With Ollie fit to play in goal again a couple of early chances for Gt Bradfords were comfortably dealt with.

Zach and Lewis continued to press, with Jayden using his speed on the wing and tracking back to support Jake in defence. Ollie made a great save after a powerful shot from Gt Bradfords that looked like it would find the back of the net. Ethan was on the pitch in defence and was characteristically brave, making an important tackle to stop another Great Bradfords attack. Fearne Dolly and Rafe were working hard in midfield and getting into space for Cole on the wing, and were communicating well by calling for the ball.

The two teams were evenly matched in terms of possession, but it was Iguanas who looked the more dangerous on the ball. Cole had a good shot saved but no sooner was the goal kick taken than Iguanas were under pressure in their own area, with Great Bradfords eventually scoring following a scramble in front of goal.

Aurora and Ethan were being tested in defence as Bradfords pushed for a second, but Iguanas were still well in the game. Madison, making her league debut for Iguanas, and Cole both had chances towards the end of the first half, but despite putting lots of pressure on Great Bradfords defence the score remained at 0-1 to the visitors at half time.

The second half saw Jayden, Lewis, Jake and Zach back on the pitch, with an early flurry of shots resulting from a lovely thrown in from Zach just after the restart. At last Iguanas were rewarded for their efforts with a fantastic goal by Jayden to bring the score level at 1-1.

Iguanas’ confidence swelled and from the kick off another great chance fell to Zach who capitalised to bring the score line to 2-1. Iguanas were ahead for the first time this season and deservedly so.

Iguanas had to keep their concentration to protect their slim lead and Jake made some important clearances and tackles to keep Gt Bradfords at bay. Another push forward by Lewis, Jayden and Zach looked promising and Zach found the back of the net again, putting Iguanas 3-1 ahead.

Not to be complacent, Iguanas continued to create chances, with a good shot from Lewis and another from Zach. Iguanas defended well, preserving their lead and protecting Ollie in goal. Ethan was forcing players out wide stopping Great Bradfords getting a good sight of goal. Ollie showed great maturity with his decision making in goal, knowing when to let the ball go wide and when to come to feet and is collect.

Cole and Madison were battling hard in midfield, trying to find a way through the Great Bradfords defence for a fourth. Madison was working well with Fearne-Dolly and had a couple of good chances to shoot as the half progressed.

Great Bradfords sneaked another goal as the half progressed, bringing the score to 3-2 to Iguanas. A late spell of pressure from Cole, Zach and Jake could have seen Iguanas secure another goal but 3-2 it was to remain, giving Iguanas their first win of the season.

Player of the March: Zach, for showing great determination on the ball and a couple of great goals. Well done Zach and well done Iguanas!