Buoyed by last week's victory, our Ladies 2s gathered under the grey, soggy skies of Bicester feeling positive and confident. Following an encouraging team talk given by our captain Kirsty Mckenna in the changing rooms, and a quick grammar lesson by our resident English teacher, we took to the pitch with our heads held high.
However, Oxford had not read the script and having won the ball early, scored off a deflection from a short corner after 3 minutes. Bicester swiftly got back into the game, having lots of possession and creating some good chances in front of goal. The Oxford keeper was having one of those games, throwing herself around and blocking our attempts on goal, so try as we might, the goal just did not come.
There followed a near repeat of Oxford's first goal and somehow we found ourselves 2-0 down. Not to be disheartened, Bicester's players showed true resilience - Dame of the Game Mione Romain leading the way with some spirited tackles and chasing down the ball at every opportunity. With the first half coming to an end and as Oxford's confidence grew, Bicester's defence held firm, and Captain's Player Immy Thripland - currently seeking additional income for next week's fines - doggedly kept their shots on goal to a minimum.
As the second half started, Bicester were determined to find the back of the net and capitalise on their possession. Nicolene Willers Cameron found herself with opportunities to score in Oxford's D, but their keeper seemed to be a one-woman wall keeping the ball out. At the other end of the pitch,Chloe Mays was rock solid in Bicester's goal - an outstanding triple save being the highlight of an impressive display from our keeper in the second half.
As the minutes ticked by, it just felt like one of those days! Some medieval-style stick jousting between Sam Scott and a member of the opposition provided some additional entertainment, but heavy legs were taking their toll and for all of our running and possession and short corners and expletives, the score remained 2-0 at the final whistle.
As Kirsty Ann Mckenna put it - lots of positives in our game and lots to work on at training. Next week brings league leaders and local rivals Banbury Ladies 3s to Bicester - bring it on!