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Cottage Farm Ladies

The Ladies train on Mondays and Thursdays at Belgrave High School starting at 6.00pm in summer months, and at 8.00pm on Thursdays at Queen Elizabeth Mercian School in winter months.

Reports:

01/05/2005 - Willenhall 3 - 1 Cottage Farm Ladies

The Ladies went down 3 - 1 today, in their final league game of the season, to a Willenhall side sitting 3rd in the league and with a slim chance of still being promoted. The score line did not reflect the game though, as the Ladies gave them no time to settle. The game was a very even one, with chances going at both ends. Willenhall played high up the pitch , which gave the Ladies problems trying to beat the offside trap. On balance, a fair result would have been a draw. A marvellous individual goal from Tina Hands, gave Willenhall the lead, further goals from Jo Byrne and Abby Riley sealed the game. The Ladies got a late consolation goal from player of the match Kate Harker. Everybody played well again today and hopefully, this will show the team that they are capable of playing a lot better next season.

The GAFFER and Mr KEV would like to thank ALL of the Ladies team for their hard work during the season, we are both so very PROUD of all of you, you have been a credit to yourselves, the Team and the Club. A final note....Thanks to all of you for Saturday !!!!!!!!

24/04/2005 - Cottage Farm Ladies 1 Darlaston Town 0

After a good run of results, this weeks visit from Darlaston was always going to be a big test. Again the Ladies have been plagued by injuries and work commitments, leaving just 10 fit players. What a pleasant surprise it was, when we carried on from last weeks great win, as if we had a full strength side. Darlaston were restricted to shots from outside the penalty area for most of the game as the defence was well marshalled by Steph Parker. We even managed to break through Darlaston's defence on a number of occasions thanks to some hard work by Anna Kelly and Zoe Pugh. The goal came deep into injury time in the first half. A long corner from Zoe Pugh seemed to be going harmlessly right through a ruck of players, when Loz Griffin diving full length, managed to head the ball passed a stranded goalkeeper into the roof of the net. Darlaston pushed a lot harder in the second half, but the Ladies held firm, to earn a deserved victory. The Ladies deserve a lot of credit after all the hard work they have put in, they are now beginning to reap the rewards. Well done, let's keep it going! Players of the match: Anna Kelly and Steph Parker

17/04/2005 - Cottage Farm 2 - 0 Dudley Utd

In the return fixture from the previous week, the Ladies knew they would have to improve and they did. As the League table suggests, this was a very even game but one that the Ladies were up for. From the kick-off the Ladies started very well and got their passes moving and were finding their targets, they were also getting closer to their opponents and not giving them time to play. The attack was lively and threatening, the midfield worked hard and kept their shape and the defence looked very solid leaving keeper Alex Dockray to collect over hit through balls. The support play was much better too. Although the half time score line was 0 - 0, the Ladies had had some good chances but a combination of excellent goalkeeping, good defensive work by Dudley and some bad luck kept the Ladies out. The second half saw the breakthrough when a superb strike from 25 yards from Kate Harker flew into the top corner (the extra training paid off Kate!). Dudley never gave up and a good spell later on in the half saw them have a couple of chances but keeper Alex Dockray and Steph Parker kept them out. The Ladies wrapped it up with about 10 minutes left when Anna Kelly met a Claire McGarrigle near post corner to nod the ball home on her comeback. A very good performance from all 13 players used, keep it up! Players of the match: Emily Cotterill and Kate Harker.

10/04/2005 - Dudley Utd 1 Cottage Farm 1

The Ladies knew they would have to perform as well as last week to get any kind of result at Dudley, and while they played well in patches, they were a little disjointed. However, in a very high tempo game, they just about edged the first half. Second half, the Ladies managed to up the tempo even further, which eventually paid off, with another superb solo goal from Zoe Pugh, LEFT footed, yes I said LEFT footed. Unfortunately, they then switched off completely, to let Dudley back into the game. The game finished 1 - 1.The Ladies will have to up their game for next weeks return fixture, outstanding performances this week though from Leanne Crawford, Susan Blabey and player of the week Nat Davis. The front pairing of Emily Cotterill and Zoe Pugh, seems to be paying dividends at present, hopefully this will turn into a few more goals. The game was however, marred by a serious neck injury to one of the Dudley players, and all the Ladies wish her a speedy recovery. This was a great game to watch and again played in a marvellous spirit.

03/04/2005 - Cottage Farm 4 Atherstone 0

2 Goals by top scorer Zoe Pugh in the first half and 2 more by Emily Cotterill in the second, saw the ladies comfortably home in this local derby. 4 - 0 sounds comprehensive, but this match was very evenly balanced for long periods.
The difference on the day was we were on target from our 2 attackers. Atherstone, had 3 clear cut chances to score, but were unable to capitalise on them.
Also some excellent defending by Vicki Roe and stand in full back Susan Blabey stemmed the tide and allowed to us to keep another clean sheet.

13/03/2005 - Cottage Farm 3 Coseley Town 0

The Ladies were back to winning ways today, with another excellent team performance. The score didn't do justice to the work rate put in by the Ladies. Although Coseley never gave up, there was only going to be one outcome. The Ladies pressured the Coseley goal from the start, with Zoe Pugh and Emily Cotterill going close, before Zoe Pugh scored the opener, wrong footing the keeper.
The second half followed the pattern of the first, with Nat Davies and Kate Harker also having shots saved, until Zoe Pugh scored her second after a long throw from Steph Parker was nodded on by Emily Cotterill, for her to hit home from 15 yards. The goal of the game came just before the end from Nat Davis. A loose ball came out to the edge of the area, and Nat volleyed it left footed into the left corner of the net.

27/02/2005 - Cottage Farm 0 - 1 Cannock

Playing against top of the table Cannock on a pitch that was 2 days ago under water, it was remarkable the game was played. But played it was, the pitch was very soft in places but good in general. It turned out to be a very good, close, keenly fought encounter between two in-form teams. Both teams competed well but in the first half hour both defences were on top and chances were few and far between. Cannock were probably playing the better at this stage as too many Cottage Farm passes were going astray. But the hard work being put in made the Ladies difficult to break down. Cannock eventually got the breakthrough when one of their attackers turned their marker to get in on goal and produce a good finish as keeper Alex Dockray came off her line. The second half saw Cottage Farm play some better football as they started stringing passes together and on more than one occasion they had the chance to equalize, but it wasn't to be. In truth the game became more open and there were chances at both ends, but try as they may Cottage Farm could not

level the scores even with the pressure they managed to produce. Player of the Match: Letty Turner-Rowley

20/02/2005 - Bustleholme 2 Cottage Farm 1

We travelled to Bustleholme, expecting another difficult encounter. What a surprise, although perhaps Bustleholme did not play as well as they could, the big difference was the attitude of the Ladies. Right from the start, we wanted the ball and did not allow the opposition time to play their normal game. Bustleholme were restricted to 2 or 3 shots on goal in the first half, and they managed to score an excellent goal from one. This seemed to lift the Ladies, who then put a series of attacks together, which knocked the opposition out of their stride. The pressure told just before half-time, when Nat Davis turned passed 2 defenders and placed the ball in the top right corner from an acute angle.

Second-half was much of the same, the Ladies pressured for long periods, and should have gone ahead on 2 or 3 occasions. Bustleholme weathered the storm and after a very good passing move, scored their second.

This was by far the Ladies best performance of the season, we actually played team football and it nearly paid off. Its at times like these, when you feel proud to be associated with the Ladies. Everyone played well, but especially our new centre forward, Miss G Horsefield!!!! Player of the match: Nat Davis

06/02/2005 - APS 1 Cottage Farm 1

The Ladies travelled to Stoke this week against bottom of the league APS. They were surprised that the game was actually on, seeing the state of the pitch, but the referee deemed it to be OK. Any thoughts of playing football were quickly thrown away, as kicking the ball more than 5 yards became a major exercise. Although the Ladies were playing the better football, APS took the lead through their kick and rush tactics, with only their third attempt on goal in the first half. The second half saw the Ladies totally dominate, without any return, until after their 9th or 10th consecutive corner, the ball came loose and Emily Cotterill managed to get the ball into the net, with only 60 seconds left on the clock. Another day, we would have scored 6 or 7. A good team effort in the conditions, with the youngsters Leanne Crawford and Susan Blabey doing exceptionally well. In midfield, Claire McGarrigle was outstanding in her new role alongside Nat Davis. Player of the week: Claire McGarrigle

30/01/2005 - Cottage Farm 1 - Wolverhampton Utd 0

This match was played with a strong wing blowing straight down the pitch which was heavy with clinging mud. Despite this however, it turned out to be a very even, close and entertaining game played with a very good spirit and very well refereed by Tony Treadwell. Kicking against the wind in the first half, Cottage Farm were always under pressure as it was difficult to clear the ball. The defence of Vicky Roe, Natalie Davis, Emily Cotterill and Leanne Crawford were up to the task and restricted Wolverhampton to long shots, and the midfield in front of them worked extremely hard to stem Wolverhampton's attacks. On the limited number of times when Cottage Farm broke out, they never really managed to trouble the keeper.

The second half was a whole new ball game, where, with the wind at their backs, Cottage Farm enjoyed the lion's share of the attacking and created a few chances. The football was not as good as it could have been as a number of passes went astray in the mud and the wind, and a little more composure and better support play would have brought better rewards. Cottage Farm did deliver the killer blow when Kayleigh Hewitt latched on to a through ball to roll it past the advancing keeper to wrap up the three points for the home side. Every player deserves a pat on the back for the effort they put in in the conditions and this effort probably just shaded it for Cottage Farm. Player of the Match: Emily Cotterill.

16/01/2005 - Cottage Farm 1 Tamworth 1

This was by far the best performance of the season, so far. Even though a couple of players were not 100 percent, everyone gave their all. With a bit of luck we should have had all 3 points, but that doesn't detract from an excellent performance. Vicki Cobb put us 1 up after only 30 Seconds and the Ladies looked fairly comfortable right through the game. Only a penalty after 35 minutes gave the visitors any joy. The whole team performed well, with 3 outstanding performances, Nat Davis, Susan Blabey and Kate Harker all of whom were playing out of their normal positions. Well done, but keep it going next week please!!!!!

09/01/2005 - Cottage Farm 8 Hednesford 0

The Ladies played some very good passing football this week, especially from midfield. Hednesford never got to grips with the weather conditions and after 5 minutes the Ladies were 1 up and took control from this point on. A superb Hat-trick from Zoe Pugh, 2 from Joe Fowler and goals from Kayleigh Hewitt, Kate Harker and Vicki Cobb sealed an excellent game. The whole team played well this week, with outstanding performances again from Sue Blabey, Joe Fowler and player of the week Zoe Pugh. This was a big improvement on previous games, keep it up!!

19/12/2004 - Cottage Farm 0 Bustleholme 5

This was always going to be a hard match, even with a full squad, but with 2/3 key players out, it made it all the more difficult. However, tha Ladies showed a creditable battling performance in the first half, and although the visitors had more of the play, they were restricted to long range shots. Only a mistake just before half time, let in the visitors to score a well taken goal. The second half started with Bustleholme given a goal, which should have been ruled out for a foul on the keeper. The ladies never picked up the pace from here on in, and 3 more goals were scored before the end. If not for an in form Alex Dockray, the score could have been more. We did make chances through the game, with another improving performance from Susan Blabey and Nat Davis in midfield and our lone striker Claire McGarrigle, but this was not going to be our day.

Players of the week: Alex Dockray and Nat Davis

28/11/2004 - Coseley Town 2 Cottage Farm 4

This was a much improved all round performance, which shows we can play football when we try. With bit more self belief, who knows what we can achieve. The team had confidence, which spread from Alex Dockray in goal, right through the side. First half goals from Zoe Pugh and Nat Davis saw us 2 - 0 up at the break. Second half saw Coseley make more of a game of it, and with a lack of concentration from a corner, we let one in. Then, following another right sided attack, Zoe Pugh scored a great third on the volley into the corner of the net. Then from one of the few misunderstandings from the back four, Coseley pulled another one back with 15 minutes left. We picked up the pace again, and with 5 minutes left, were given a penalty after Loz Griffin was brought down. Loz duly scored to make it 4 - 2.

Players of the week: Emily Cotterill and Susan Blabey

21/11/2004 - CFRFC 1 Knowle 0

What a difference a week makes. The only complaint this week was, why didn't we score more goals??? This was a much improved TEAM performance. Passing was more accurate, with Jo Fowler and Nat Davis taking more control in the middle of the park, and we closed Knowle down a lot better than of late. We should have probably gone in at half time 4 or 5 to the good, but were held to 0 - 0 by some very good defending. However, we made many attacks with just 1 on 1 with the keeper, but were not able to convert the chances. Second half was much of the same, missed chances, until Nat Davis picked up a loose ball from a corner, flicked on by Vicki Roe, to put us 1 up. That's how it finished, but all credit to Knowle, who never gave up, and were unlucky at the end not to sneak an equaliser.

Players of the match: Nat Davis, Leanne Crawford and Jo Fowler

14/11/2004 - CFRFC 1 Coleshill 3

Although we showed in patches what we are capable of, we just didn't work hard enough in this game. We gave the ball away far too much and allowed Coleshill too much space. Only outstanding performances from Vicki Roe and Emily Cotterill at the back, kept the score down to just 3, it could have been worse. A big improvement will be needed for next weeks County Cup game from the whole team. Player of the Match: Vicki Roe.

07/11/2004 - Cannock 3 Cottage Farm 0

This was a dissapointing result, as the ladies had more or less matched Cannock for most of the game. A good first half, saw an improvement in our game, even though the Management saw fit to change the back 4 again. half time should have been 0 - 0, but for a mix up on the goal line, giving Cannock the lead. The second half saw us drop our pace slightly, which allowed Cannock more time on the ball, which they made the most of with 2 further goals. Individually, we have good squad, but we must start playing more as a team, for the results to change. Excellent individual performances today from Leanne Crawford, Alex Dockray and an outstanding performance from Vicki Roe. Player of the week: Vicki Roe.

31/10/2004 - Cottage Farm 1 Bustleholme 4

Strange as it may seem, we improved again this week, although the score doesn't reflect it. With so many players having injuries over the last few weeks, it will take a while to get the balance right. A fairly even first half with good chances at both ends with Bustleholme just shading it with a goal just before the break, but for 3 excellent save from Alex Dockray, it could have been more. Second half saw us sitting too deep in defence, which allowed the visitors to make ever telling attacks. Mid way into the half Bustleholme scored 2 quick goals, which again as last week seemed to wake us up. The next 10 minutes saw us take the game to them and after some excellent work from Vicki Cobb, the ball came back into the centre for Jo Fowler to hit the target from a full 30 yards. We then lost concentration to let in the 4th. Overall performance is encouraging with some very good individual performances, especially from Vicki Cobb, who managed her first full 90 minutes since coming back from injury and Nat Davis, who is also not 100% fit yet. Players of the week, Nat Davis and Alex Dockray.

24/10/2004 - Atherstone 5 Cottage Farm 2

Still missing several players, including both centre backs, this was a tough task against the league leaders. Playing down the slope in the first half, Cottage Farm played some good football and looked solid in defence in a very even contest. On more than one occasion, the Ladies created some good openings only for either good goalkeeping or bad luck preventing a score. Atherstone had their moments too before one piece of slack marking allowed Atherstone in for the opening goal. The start of the second half brought an upturn in fortunes for Atherstone as Cottage Farm seemed to fall asleep and allow three goals to be rattled in in quick succession, all of which were preventable. This seemed to wake Cottage Farm up and two good through balls to Claire McGarrigle allowed her to slide the ball past the onrushing keeper on both occasions. Two other good chances fell to Kate Harker and Nat Davies but these weren't taken before a fifth goal from twenty-five yards wrapped the game up. Too many mistakes marred a decent performance against a good Atherstone team. The stand in defence held up well in general with Vicky Roe again commanding, and some good chances were created. Players of the Match: Claire McGarrigle and Susan Blabey.

17/10/2004 - Darlaston 4 Cottage Farm 1

This was always going to be a difficult game, with so many players missing, in fact we just had the bare 11. First half we made heavy going with too many passes going astray and with a completely new back 4, it was always going to be hard. Kicking up the slope and against the wind, we were caught too flat footed at the back, letting in 3 goals without reply by half time. Second half saw a more determined effort, and after 15 mins we pulled 1 back, with another great goal from Zoe Pugh. Almost from the kick off Darlaston put another attack together to make it 1 - 4. After this we improved again, with chances from Zoe Pugh, Loz Griffin, Claire McGarrigle and Jo Fowler, which on another day, would all have gone in. Only excellent goal-keeping from Darlaston held us back. A better performance, but still plenty of room to improve. Two outstanding individual performances today from Vicki Roe as stand-in Centre Half, and Leanne Crawford who stepped in as an emergency Left Back.

Players of the match; Vicki Roe and Leanne Crawford.

10/10/2004 - Cottage Farm Ladies 3 APS Rangers 1

This match was always going to be about who controlled the windy conditions. The Ladies played with the wind first half and managed to make the best of it, with another classy goal from Zoe Pugh after just 4 minutes, followed by a Jo Fowler solo effort and a Kayleigh Hewitt Beckham special. Half time 3 - 0.

Second half saw the Ladies take their foot off the pedal and allowed APS to score after 15 minutes. The Ladies were always comfortably in control of the game, but failed to capitalise on their chances, of which there were many.

Players of the Match; Vicki Roe and Letty Turner-Rowley.

03/10/2004 - Wolverhampton Utd 0 - 1 Cottage Farm

A good, solid, hard-working performance by the Ladies in unpleasant conditions and on a very heavy pitch. The Ladies still have one or two injury problems, but the situation is improving slowly. Wolverhampton started quickly with the elements in their favour, and put Cottage Farm under pressure for the first ten minutes, but Cottage Farm weathered the storm and then started to play some football themselves in a very even game. Defensively, Cottage Farm looked very solid as they maintained their discipline and shape against the Wolves attack. When going forward, the ladies were at times guilty of giving the ball away too easily, but when they got their passes forward early, they did look threatening and caused the Wolves defence some problems. The second half continued in much the same vein with both sides trying to break the deadlock in a very even contest. the hard working Zoe Pugh got the all important goal as she broke through onto a defence splitting pass to tuck the ball under the advancing keeper to give the ladies the three precious points. Not exactly an exhibition of free flowing football, but the conditions from above and underfoot didn't allow that, but the whole defence played well, and the forwards always looked dangerous going forward. Player of the Match: Letty Turner-Rowley.

26/09/2004 - Cottage Farm 1 Willenhall 2

After last week, the Ladies needed to pick up their game. With injuries still a concern, we just managed 12 available players (Not all fit). First half saw us slow to get going against a lively Willenhall, especially in attack. With just a few minutes to half time, Willenhall broke through to go in front. Second half performances were a lot better, with more accurate passing. Unfortunately, we were caught a bit flat at the back, letting Willenhall in for their second. This seemed to spur on the Ladies for the last 25 minutes, taking the game to Willenhall. With 15 minutes left, Loz Griffin chased another lost cause, making the keeper miss hit the ball. Jo Fowler picked up the rebound and lobbed the keeper from 30 yards. The Ladies should have drawn level 5 minutes later after a scramble in the Willehall goalmouth, Loz Griffin, Kayleigh Hewitt Zoe Pugh and Vicki Cobb all had shots blocked. A generally better game all round, but still plenty of scope for improvement. Players of the match: Loz Griffin and Jo Fowler.

19/09/2004 - Tamworth Ladies 3 Cottage Farm Ladies 0

After last weeks result, hopes were high for this local derby. Unfortunately, the reverse was the case. After some reasonable football for the first 15 mins, first Vicki Cobb had to be substituted (thigh strain), then Natalie Davis (strained side), seemed to take the impetus out of the ladies game. Although subs Kate Harker and Susan Blabey ran their socks off, the teams shape was never right. After Tamworth took the lead, the Ladies heads dropped, and they never looked like regaining any foothold after that. Second half changes in certain positions did little to help the situation, as Tamworth took control and scored twice more. Players of the Match Emily Cotterill and Leanne Crawford.

12/09/2004 - IHednesford Ladies 1 - 3 Cottage Farm Ladies