Spirited second half comeback in Ladies return to action

The Millers Ladies were caught cold at the start of their opening game of pre-season conceding twice in the first four minutes, almost identical goals as the winger (Charlotte) beat the offside on the left, cut inside and finished with aplomb into the far bottom corner. A third was added on fifteen minutes and it looked at that stage if it was going to be a real struggle. However the Millers Ladies gradually got back into the game and although Aylesford scored a fourth five minutes before half time there were some positive signs starting to show through. HT 0-4

The second half saw a massive improvement and two excellent goals from Katie Jackson in the 53rd and 57th minute gave the scoreline more respectability and indeed was a truer reflection of the overall play. Not long after Katie nearly completed her hat trick, her shot under a challenge from the defender going just over. Katie sustained a knock to her head during that challenge which forced her to leave the field and sit out the remainder of the match.

With the Millers in ascendancy after the two goals, there were further chances as Vic Bodington playing her first game for a couple of years had a shot off target and Claire Willicombe came close to scoring her first ever goal for the Millers when the keeper did well to save her shot which had looked destined for the top corner.

Aylesford continued to create chances but it wasn't until eight minutes from time that they added a fifth and their first of the second half, a speculative effort from distance. FT 2-5

Special mention to the defence who didn't panic after a shaky start and played very well as the game wore on. In fact everyone of the players deserve a well done on their first game back, which in essence was about getting minutes in the legs. It was also against a team playing their third pre-season game and who will play the new season in a league two divisions above. We thank Aylesford for visiting us today and wish them well for the coming season.

Team: Sharp, Henry, D'urso, Rollings, Dodds, Blanche, De Souza, Willicombe, Robertson, Jackson, Bodington, Feagan (roll on, roll off)
Goals: CV - K Jackson 53,57
A - Charlotte 2 , 4 Unknown 15, 40, 82

Millers player of the match: Katie Jackson