First win for the whites

MATCH REPORT: BURGESS HILL PHOENIX WHITE VS RINGMER AFC | 22/11/24

FULL TIME: 4 - 2

Fixture 2 of the Flex Ultra League Division 2 saw the Phoenix White Team put in a confident performance against Ringmer AFC. We planned to take hold of the game from the start, pressing and pushing up for some early goals and we did just that.

We won the toss and kicked-off first, immediately getting the ball through their midfield and having an early shot on target, we kept the pressure on with Rachael and Jo having a couple more shots that were saved by their keeper and after a strong first 10 mins all in the Ringmer half, Jo smashed the ball at the net and one of Ringmer’s defenders knocked it in –  happy days, we were off 1-0!

Five minutes later, Rachael had a chance and rolled the ball into the back of the net, 2-0 – the sideline went crazy.

Midfielders Jude and Holly kept winning the ball back helping keep Ringmer at bay, they did make it through a couple of times with some nice balls, but they were quickly swept up by our defensive line – Sophie, Hanna and Chloe R cleared the ball calmly up the wings to our starting wing backs, Nikki and Helen who did a sterling job collecting those balls and whipping them away up the pitch creating more chances for us. 

Our third goal was a cracker assisted by a Chloe R throw-in deep inside Ringmer’s half – it flew straight to Jo who smashed it home, 3-0!!

We brought on some fresh legs by way of Mary, Sara and Carolina which added new energy and strength in midfield and defence.

Despite much excitement we kept our heads and continued to work the ball up the pitch, creating more chances.

Ringmer started to build a bit of momentum and managed to get a few balls through which were expertly saved by Roxxi who was on fire, commanding her area and instructing her defence, but shortly before the end of the first half they did manage to get a ball just over the line – and I mean just!

Half time we were 3-1 up, and eager for the second half. We started the second half with Lauren up front and continued to get the ball up the pitch, making those chances and maintaining our plan of pressing and putting the pressure on.

Ringmer also came out strong in the second half, creating a few chances which again Roxxi handled confidently making some excellent saves and scooping that ball up quickly. A second goal did come for Ringmer though, via a powerful shot deep in the corner, 3-2 – eek, we all held our breath, this was too close for comfort, but everyone kept their heads up and stayed positive.

More passing and moving the ball up the pitch willing another goal, then boom! Chloe H slotted one in the back of the net - 4-2!!

Everyone relaxed and we switched things up bringing Tash on up front and changing positions a little. With some strong midfield and defensive work we continued to press and create chances right up to the final whistle and saw out the game with a well-deserved first league win. A great team performance where everyone played their part. 

Ringmer were a tough opponent, who made us work hard for those goals – looking forward to the return fixture.

Huge thanks to everyone who came to support on a very cold night, it really did make a difference.

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