Gutsy Performance After Lockdown

Team Sheet : Cole; Ethan; Fearne; Freya; Jayden; Lewis; Maddison; Oliver; Sierra; Zach

First game back after lockdown. Technically an away game but on Iguanas’ home turf. The return after lockdown saw a crisp, cold day. The winter season is with us.

Iguanas’ customary strong press right from kick off saw an early break by Fearne releasing Jayden who was strong on the ball and came very close to an opener. Further strong passing saw sustained pressure for a good 10 minutes. The enforced break didn’t seem to be impacting the players at all. Indeed, there was a notable increase in tempo and accuracy across the positions.

A Great Bradfords’ break was easily collected by Oliver who distributed the ball well, releasing Fearne again for a very solid break, Fearne adding speed and strength to her usual skill on the ball to great effect.

A few half breaks by Great Bradford Guardians were snuffed out by good defending from both Zach and Ethan.

A couple of Iguanas’ corners were close to being connected with but went straight through all players. This didn’t dishearten the Iguanas who continued to press, Jayden showing great speed and agility and just putting the ball into the side netting.

Great Bradfords then broke, 3 on 2, but Ethan was up to the challenge and cleared the ball decisively.

This form continued for the next 5 to 10 minutes with plenty of pressure from the Iguanas forcing their keeper into a number of saves, unfortunately just too close to the keeper to cause major trouble, but the signs were very promising.

Freya, Cole and Fearne made way for Lewis, Maddison and Sierra.

Both Maddison and Sierra were mixing it up in midfield making Great Bradfords work for any possession. Lewis brought some speed to the midfield action, especially in tracking back.

Just as the Iguanas started to build pressure a Great Bradfords’ break came from nowhere. A shot came in from wide and threw the Iguanas’ keeper with the ball just slipping under Oliver to open the scoring completely against the run of play.

The Iguanas didn’t let this get to them. Play resumed with all players showing composure and playing as if the game had just kicked off, which was great to see.

Then somehow another quick break from Great Bradfords saw another quick shot slide past Oliver, his left hand not quite strong enough to keep the ball from its course into the net.

After such a strong half this was massively disheartening for the Iguanas’ supporters, but again not one of the team let this get to them.
Zach came off for a well-earned breather with Cole taking up the challenge.

Spirits remained up and any signs that the team were out of this game were very quickly quashed with another Iguanas’ break and Jayden forcing a save from the Great Bradfords’ keeper once more.

The half time whistle blew not long after.

Great Bradfords started the quicker after the break, prompting some strong tackling from Maddison. And then a brilliant defensive tackle from Cole in the Iguanas’ box.

This seemed to fire the Iguanas up. Passing out from the back, a solid break from Cole was finished off with a lovely pass through to Jayden who was too quick on the ball for the Great Bradfords’ defence and very composed on the ball to slot it into the net.

This was the start of more relentless pressure from the Iguanas. Sierra and Cole linked up well in the middle of the pitch with Sierra not giving up to squeeze the ball away from Great Bradfords’ players, Cole pushing forwards and releasing Jayden again who was unlucky not to score.

Freya and Fearne came on for Sierra and Lewis and the press continued.

A couple more Iguanas’ corners were nicely taken by Cole. Despite contact the Iguanas couldn’t quite convert these.

A rare break by Great Bradfords in the second half prompted a good save by Oliver. Another saw his characteristic bravery charging down the ball so the attack broke up but the ball ended up loose into the Iguanas’ area. Ethan cleared the ball safely though.

Fearne proved strong once more, launching down the right-hand side. Jayden was released onto the ball, via Cole, and his speed yet again left the Great Bradfords’ defence in his wake and another ultra-cool finish saw the game level.

The ball would rarely see the Iguanas’ half for the final spell of the game. A lovely break from Freya was just forced wide by Great Bradfords, and the resulting corner again gave their keeper trouble. Freya also released Cole on goal forcing another save from the opposition keeper.

Ethan was given a well-earned rest and Zach came on to hold the fort in defence, Iguanas having payed with a single defender for much of the second half.

Maddison made way for Lewis, and Cole for Sierra.

The pressure continued on the Great Bradfords but unfortunately the finale for a great comeback wasn’t to be and the Iguanas had to settle for
a draw.

This was a great, gutsy performance by the Iguanas. Every player showed skill and determination and the whole team refused to be beaten. So much so that they were all serious contenders for Iguana of the Match. The team looked to have more goals in them, which was our main thing lacking in earlier games this season. With the cobwebs now well and truly blown away this will hopefully bode well for the remainder of the season.

Iguana of the Match : Cole – some great carrying of the ball up the wings and well timed incisive passes for both Iguanas’ goals. Strong in the hustle too.