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AWFT v Middlesex

ARMY START SEASON WITH MIDDLESEX WIN
The Army Women’s Representative Football Team started their 2016/2017 season with a 2-1 win over...

It was the visitors who got proceedings underway at the Aldershot Military Stadium, kicking towards the Pavilion End.

Seven minutes in, and the ladies in red had the first real opportunity of the game, as a long-range clearance from Gnr Jess Horsley dropped at the feet of Cfn Kelly Aldridge, who fired from just outside the box a shot that went just wide of the post.

This started a frenzy of efforts, with both teams coming desperately close to breaking the deadlock.

On 26 minutes, Cpl Zoe Stewart came within a whisker of scoring, as LCpl Olivia Dixon went on a mazy run past several Middlesex defenders, before crossing to Stewart, who clipped the outside of the post with her effort.

Middlesex kept the pressure on the hosts, delivering several dangerous crosses into the area, but these were confidently dealt with by Horsley.

Finally, on 36 minutes, the Army made their persistent attacking pay off, as a corner was poorly cleared to WO2 Krissy Wright on the edge of the box, who chipped the ball over a hoard of players and into the top-left corner of the goal.

Team Army continued to press, as Aldridge had an effort just before the break.

As the half-time whistle sounded, there was a collective sigh of relief as the Army were thankful to be leading at the interval, but knew they should be further ahead.

HT: Army 1 Middlesex 0

Barely 60 seconds into the restart, and the visitors were nearly level, as a header was placed inches wide of the post.

Seven minutes later and the crowd held its breath as a Middlesex effort was fired towards goal, with Horsley making a point-blank save. It mattered little as the offside flag was raised, but it was another splendid save from Horsley.

With less than 20 minutes to go, Middlesex levelled it up as a low cross fizzed through the penalty area to find substitute Helen Capewell, who fired past Horsley.

Middlesex came close again minutes later. But just five minutes after relinquishing the lead, the Army had it back again. Aldridge’s persistence paid off, as a one-on-one with the keeper resulted in the striker firing past the keeper and into the back of the net.

Middlesex were refusing to lie down, and minutes later a goalmouth scramble nearly resulted in another equaliser for the visitors.

The Army collected their first three points of the season against a Middlesex side which has often been a difficult one to beat.

FT: Army 2 Middlesex 1

Player of the Match: LCpl Terri Trowbridge

Coach’s Comments: “We struggled to get to grips with their formation, but once we did we grew with the game. This was a great three points to start the season off!” – WO2 Mags McAteer

The Army Women’s Representative Team next travel to St. George’s Park for the Game of Remembrance against the German Armed Forces team on November 16. Kick-off is at 14:30 and admission is free, plus there will be exclusive live text commentary on the Army FA Twitter account.

For more information on the Soldier’s Game, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or go to www.armyfa.com

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Squads

ARMY

1. Gnr Jess HORSLEY (GK) (RA)

2. LCpl Terri TROWBRIDGE (AGC)

3. Lt Emma ASKINS (REME)

4. SSgt Juliette BROWN (RLC)

5. WO2 Krissy WRIGHT © (AGC RMP)

6. Cpl Jess TREHARNE (RLC)

7. Cpl Zoe STEWART (AGC SPS)

8. Cpl Hayley SLOAN (AMS)