BV Bengals amazing turn around after losing 9 games, to win the next 3!

Bengals 5 Aylsham Kingfishers 2

The Bengals were looking for their third successive win with a home match against bottom club Kingfishers. Our opponents have improved in recent weeks and only narrowly lost to a strong Kirkley side last weekend so it was no surprise that it wasn’t an easy start. Kingfishers bunched together and it was difficult to pass and spread the play. Leah got on the ball and began creating and Laycee fired one powerful shot which their excellent keeper saved well and fired another just wide. A series of dangerous corners from Leah just needed a touch from one of our girls, Esme missed a golden chance and Courtney had a shot which the keeper saved. Sophie was having a great game and creating loads of chances. And then a catalogue of minor mistakes in our defence let in Kingfishers who joyfully took the lead. Josey wasn’t to blame and continued to make comfortable saves when needed with excellent kicking. Well done Josey. With halftime approaching, we got the goals we deserved with Laycee firing home and then a sharp finish from Leah. Second half was much better - Ellie took control in midfield, won a lot of tackles, and used her strength, and Courtney was particularly commanding at the back. Laycee scored after being set up beautifully by Ellie and Leah fired in two superb goals for her hat trick. Laycee worked so hard today and made 2 goals as well as scoring 2. Kingfishers pulled another goal back but we could’ve easily had 10 by the end - Sophie’s goal was never offside and a bit of hesitancy occasionally cost us. It was great to have Tilly back in the team and our experienced duo of Willow and Emily were their usual ultra-reliable selves. Jesse looked more confident on the ball and made a couple of excellent interceptions. Get well soon Romy, Jesse and Tilly.

It is difficult to play really well against the weaker teams and we could’ve done a bit better at times today but we still won comfortably, created tonnes of chances, and played some lovely one-twos. Several grandparents who hadn’t seen us play for 3 months commented on how much the girls have improved and how we look a real good passing team now. Their linesman commented on Leah’s trickery, Ellie’s fine assist, and praised Sophie’s skills. 3 wins in 3 for the first time in Bengals history. We can overtake Thorpe in the table if we win our game in hand. Great work girls!