The Ladies work on their sun tans

By Hillary Hudson

British United Ladies returned to Fortress Nekker on the back of two away defeats, and two less than satisfactory displays. Optimism for the game against Hutsepot Bevel was therefore at an all time low, especially as goalie Franchie turned up for the game sweaty and with only one eye working, defender Jackie had the shivers, and numbers only equalled 10. Combined with the fact that in the away leg, with a full squad and 11 fully fit players, BUFC Ladies lost the game 11-2. This all culminated with Captain Caz's inspired team talk - "at least we will get a sun tan" as the sun shone down on Nekker for a glorious afternoon.

Despite the odds being stacked against the ex-pat ladies though, changing room banter wasn't all doom and gloom. The return of Erika to the fold showed her offering her babysitting skills to Francie, and displayed her great experience with children by asking if 3 month old Georgia could walk yet.

As both teams got ready for the game, kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes as the referee was late. If hearts couldn't sink any further, the game's referee was the one we all love to hate. No more needs be said I think.

BUFC knew that the game was going to be a tough battle, and that attacking options would be limited. Hutsepot like to get the ball down and play good, passing football, and with the extra man that they had, United knew that a tight defence and a hard working midfield was vital to taking any pride out of the game.

The first 10 minutes though surprised the home team, who battled hard and saw much more of the ball than was first thought possible. Ale and Fabbie worked especially hard down the wings, tucking in well to help the defence when we didn't have the ball, and then staying wide, providing an option each time BUFC attacked. Caz and Ale especially worked hard together, although a mix up at one point saw the ball being lost too easily for a team with only 10 players. Down the right Fabbie supported Erika well, who slotted into the left back position as though she'd been playing there all season, and picked put Maaike and Hils a number of times to start United attacks.

Up front Ana worked hard at holding the ball up and battled well with the Bevel defence, often turning and attacking quickly. Ale provided good support, while Maaike and Hils kept solid in the middle. Far too often though, United were left with the only option of playing the long ball over the top, which left Ana as the lone striker with a great amount of work to do. At one time, in trying to shut down three players deep in the Hutsepot half, Ana simply could not keep up.

Hutsepot didn't have everything their own way though, and they were left with limited chances as Rachel and Jackie dominated and cut out Bevel through balls. The away team were frustrated all over the pitch and anger boiled over when the referee awarded a free kick in favour of the British, leaving two their players in his book.

Hutsepot did have a great chance as a result of a corner near the end of the first half. The out swinging corner was half cleared by the United defence, but a lovely floated ball back to the far post was headed over from two yards by a Hutsepot player who had got clear of her marker. There was a big sigh of relief from the United players.

An even bigger sigh of relief was heard not long after, as a seemingly easy ball though for Franchie to collect was attempted to be hacked away by Jackie. This one 'moment of madness' from an otherwise solid and commanding display from Jackie, which earned her 2nd place in Man of the Match, resulted in a quick and powerful shot being taken by a Hutsepot player. Thankfully the safe hands of Franchie got behind the ball well and the danger passed with Hutsepot ruing their missed opportunity.

At the other end, United had a good chance to take an unexpected lead, when a ball over the top was met by Ale, who then opted to shoot. Unfortunately her effort was easily saved by the Hutsepot keeper, and so as the half time whistle went, United felt that a good half had been played, and they definitely deserved to be on even-terms with Hutsepot.

Kicking off in the second half the sun blazed down into the eyes of the United defence, creating problems in distinguishing between United and Hutsepot players. This didn't stop United though, who continued to work hard. Captain Caz especially tried to push forward more, and despite playing in the unfamiliar position of right back, grew in confidence as the game went on.

Midway through the second half, Hutespot decided to bring their goalkeeper out and swapped her with an outfield player who was slightly injured. It was this change that resulted in United hearts being broken, when the well constructed Hutespot team finally broke through the British defence. A lovely through ball split the United defence, and although there was a good call for off-side, the ball was played square to the on-rushing former goalie to slot home easily. These fresh legs were able to sprint the 50 or 60 meters needed to meet the ball, and ultimately changed the face of the game.

Being 1-0 down, United were left with little option than to then attack. Fabbie and Caz both pushed forward well, while Rachel played some lovely balls out to the midfield. Tempers spilled for one Latino though who saw yellow from the referee. When a throw in was award against Ana, following the lead set by Fabbie, swore at the referee in true Italian style. Not bad for being Spanish.

The last minutes of the game saw mostly United possession, as Hutsepot were pushed deep into their own half. Caz and Hils hooked up well creating chances from the right, while Maaike tried to drive further forward.

Eventually though there was no way through for 10-woman United. Every single player put in 110% effort and all were agreed that the team performance was one of the best of the season, especially given the circumstances coming into the game. Any one of the 10 players could have been awarded man of the match, but Rachel, Jackie and Ericka were picked out due to their excellent performances. If United take the same passion, work ethic and desire into the upcoming games, the team will no continue to improve and be a threat to any team in the league.

Back in the pub banter was at a premium. Ana informed the missing members of the team of the score, asking whether they deserved to be loved, whilst also exchanging expletive messages with poor Sook. Gibbo requested that her hangover was kept secret from Caz, but as is so often the case with Ana, it was too late, the secret was already out!