Iguanas v Great Bradford Avenger

The first game of 2020 saw Iguanas take on Great Bradfords Avengers at home. Iguanas made a bright start with early chances falling to Rafe and Jake. Madison was full of purpose and seemed to be everywhere on the pitch, with some great passing between her and Zach going forward. Iguanas hadn’t played a match in nearly a month, but the break didn’t seem to be impacting on their energy levels and felt like it was only a matter of time before they scored.

An Avengers hand ball lead to a free quick for Iguanas just outside the box. Jake took a cracking free kick that went just over the bar. Iguanas were looking threatening, though Avengers were also getting chances and keeping Ollie on his toes in goal. Calm and collected, he made some excellent saves in the first half and showed real maturity knowing when to come off his line to collect the ball.

Fearne-Dolly had a nice run and a shot that went wide, with Jayden finding some good space and holding possession on the wing. Halfway through the first half the score was still nil-nil but Iguana’s positive play going forward continued to test Great Bradfords’ defence and keeper, with Lewis forcing a particularly good save from a great shot from just inside the area.

Cole was working hard to get the ball forward and thanks to his speed and strength on the ball, like Jake, he was able to get a couple of good shots in despite playing in a defensive position.

As the clock ticked down on the first half, Avengers were awarded a free kick following a tough battle just outside the area. It was brilliantly taken and there was not much Ollie or his defence could do about it as the cracking goal took Avengers one nil in front.

Undeterred, Iguanas regrouped and a cheeky shot by Cole from the halfway line almost levelled the score, followed by a great goal by Lewis to bring the score to one all at the break.

Both teams made a bright start to the second half, with chances at either end. Madison was battling for every ball in midfield and and passing through to Rafe and Lewis. A great pass from Madison found Lewis who set up Rafe to score and take Iguanas into a well deserved lead and put Rafe on the scoresheet for the second time this season.

Cole continued to get Iguanas playing forward, supported by Madison who seemed to be everywhere showing real determination to win every ball. Iguanas were looking strong in set pieces and a great corner from Cole threatened to take us three one ahead.

Another good chance fell to Rafe but he couldn’t quite finish. Madison was working hard to push a way through but the Great Bradfords defence kept closing her down, recognising her threat in midfield.

With Jake and Zach back on the pitch, their fresh legs brought a renewed energy to Iguanas. Jake made a storming attack that lead to a shot just dipping over the bar, and quickly followed it up with a great goal assisted by Zach. Iguanas were 3-1 up with five minutes to go.

Zach, Jayden and Fearne Dolly continued to create chances as the match drew to a close, with Jayden showing some great creativity on the right wing. Oliver was pressed into action as Avengers had a late chance, with the ball passing right in front of goal but, fortunately for Iguanas, Avengers couldn’t get a foot to it and the eventual shot went wide.

A fantastic performance by Iguanas, they didn’t look tired despite the break and the fitness work in training is obviously paying dividends. The team worked really well together and communication between players was excellent.

Iguana of the match - Madison. She ran her socks of today and showed great determination and resilience. Well done Madison and well done Iguanas ?!