22/10, 2pm
The Griffin
​
After a 6-month hiatus, former members of the IMWFC XI returned to the pitch once again (shout out to Emma L, you are greatly missed!). Freshers made their debut in ICSM colours and the formation was a classic 4-2-3-1 with our freshers concentrated in midfield. Anticipation and excitement filled the air.
​
In the first half, IMWFC took hold of the early opportunities created and were electric as Alisha (back from the summer and back of the score sheet) and Blanca (who scored on her debut!) fired them into the lead with some pretty impressive goals. Alisha scored the first goal of the campaign in just a few first-half minutes. ​Krish (GK) made some spectular saves but eventually was beaten as GKT scored their only goal in the first half.
​
The second half resumed and although IMWFC were winning 3-1, they adopted a new experimental and slightly more aggressive formation, 3-2-3-2. Good football was being played by both sides as IMWFC dominated the game in large swathes early in the second half.
​
IMWFC conceded a controversial second goal, with the opposition player, who scored, being a couple of yards offside when the ball was released and passed to her. It is possible that the ref did not have a clear view, however, that is the issue with not having linesmen, which is particularly seen in women's university football games. Linesmen are important in determining when a player offside as they often have a better view due to their positioning on the sidelines. Having a linesman may have made any decision made less controversial.
​
In final throes of the game, IMWFC conceded a penalty after a clumsy tackle and, as contact within the penalty box often does, it yielded a penalty. Given the opportunity to score, GKT were composed in the finish and the ball hit the back of the net. What a turnaround from GKT 2nds. They had salvaged an equaliser and brought themselves right back in the game...
The ref blew the whistle signalling the end of the game. IMWFC had let the win slip. The comeback from GKT was admirable and IMWFC were forced to settle for just the point. After a great start, it was a upsetting result. A lack of exposure to and knowledge of that new 3-2-3-2 formation seemed to have been a contributing factor.
​
However, this game had entertainment, controversy and goals galore and would have been a entertaining game to watch. Sky Sports, BT Sports, BBC, I hope you're watching....
Don't you just love LUSL?
​
Final score: 3-3 GKT 2nds. Draw
28/01, 2pm
Hackney Marshes
​
First game of the new year and a very welcomed match by the ICSM ladies after playing only 3 games in the first half of the season.
​
Just a reminder, IMWFC played a new formation of 4-4-2 this week. They had 12 players (rolling subs), though 3 players were unwell. Early morning rain meant that the original pitch had been too muddy to play on and they moved onto a more suitable pitch on the far side of the marshes. The drizzle that had started this morning had been transient and the sun began to provide a little bit of warmth as it peaked through the clouds. Now, let's get started.
​
IMWFC were looking to get their first win of the season, and avoid a 3-game-on-the-trot-loss, important for maintaining morale and self belief after previous 2 losses. UCL started with some good play from out back, using short passes from the keeper to defence to build up the play (by the end of the match, IMWFC has definitely clocked on to this!). ​Krish made a particularly stunning save, diving low to use her palm to divert the ball outside of the far post. Vincenza also made a very good sprint back into their half to make a last-ditch, successful and important defensive challenge. Eventually, UCL scored. 1-0.
​
The second half featured many interesting positional changes.​ UCL scored another goal in the first 10-15 minutes as there was a 3 v 1 situation with the keeper. Defenders rushed back to get into position but even they could foresee what would unfold... Shot. Goal. 2 - 0. Unfortunately, it was a defensive error on IMWFC's part, maintaining too high a line, leaving space in behind, that allowed for the opportunity and conversion. Two nil up (at home) and when the final whistle blows UCL win this match , but we know all too well that this is not always the case.
IMWFC seemed to wake up as Blanca and Georgia scored two goals. 2-1. 2-2 These goals had been coming as warning shots that whizzed close the bar became more and more frequent. Georgia, in particular, showed flashes of brilliance, perhaps invigorated by the half-time break.
UCL scored another goal (3-2) against the run of play.
​
IMWFC laid on the pressure, forcing a disastrous error for an unlucky UCL defender, who committed a handball. IMWFC players were not very eager to offer themselves up to take the penatly but after much discussion, it was our fresher, Blanca, who stepped up to the plate. Feeling nervous, after having missed a penalty at the beginning of the season, she slotted this one in calmly into the back of the net. 3-3!!!!
UCL players, who had anticipated that they would win the match during the break, especially after IMWFC's first half performance, will wonder how this all happened. IMWFC players, however, will find that there is joy in all the chaos. Savaging a point has never tasted so sweet.
​
What a 45 minute flurry! I'm out of breath just writing this so imagine how the players were feeling!
​
p.s. if anyone can figure out how to make an 'S' with their arms (ICSM!) and could let me know as it would be much appreciated. Cheers.
​
Final score: 3-3 UCL 3rds. Draw.
04/02, 2pm
Heston​
The cold wind has become something of a main stay whilst playing football in these winter months and the wind was awake and roaring on Saturday afternoon. Something of note was that the match was 80 minutes rather than the typical 90 minutes, due to the lack of players on the pitch.
​
This game was a bit unconventional with players being played out of position (but could work out to be an important learning experience). Fran was placed in goal for the first half with Isabel taking over in the seond half. IMWFC started the match on the front foot, using the width of the pitch to their advantage and to tire out their opponents. Barts opted for more of a 'barcelona tika-taka' which, whilst beautiful, was not always successful.
​
In the first half, IMWFC were on a mission and were absolutely rampant in the attacking third​. More fluency, more chances. And yet, upon reflection and in comparision to previous performances, they had yet to move out of 2nd gear. The first half ended with 4-1 with 2 goals from Blanca, who was absolutely on song, and a goal each from Alisha and Georgia. There were some worrisome moments in the first half, lapses in concentration, which reminded IMWFC how easily the lead can be snatched from their grasp.
​
There were some brilliant displays of defensive work from both teams. In particular, there was absolutely stunning goal line clearance from Barts at the beginning of the second half ,which stopped IMWFC from bagging another goal. Barts lost a player due to an ankle injury and it was a bit touch-and-go for a while but Bart's opted to continue and finish off the game. The wind and sleet became more and more agressive, contrary to the attitude of IMWFC in the second half. However, IMWFC still managed to sneak in a cheeky last minute goal courtesy of Alisha.
​
The game ended with good spirits from both teams. Barts should be congratulated. They braved the wind, rain and injury to field a team and persisted to the end. They should be proud. IMWFC ladies, you should be proud. First competitive win of the season is an achievement. You've had a difficult run up to till now and so let's hope that this is an upwards trajectory.
​
Final score: 5-1 Barts 1sts. Win
14/03, 2pm
Heston​
Pre-match the team capitan stated that this was a MUST WIN match for IMWFC. And win it, IMWFC did, in beautiful style.
​
The squad adopted a different game plan to that used in their last, 6-0, loss against RUMS 1sts at Hackney Marshes. At home, rather than loafing long balls over the midfield, IMWFC used short passes to draw their opponents into unfavourable positions and punished them through the space that was left empty.
​
However, after a blistering start from IMWFC, it was RUMS who scored that first goal. The ball was turned back to the IMWFC keeper (for whom it was her first time in goal) who distrubted the ball out, away from the goal. The ball did not travel as far as the goalkeeper, presumably, would have liked, with RUMS using the opportunity to slot the ball into the right hand corner within the first 20 minutes. The goalkeeper did get a hand to the ball but it was not strong enough to keep it out. The goal was completely against the grain with IMWFC having multiple chances to be 2, even 3-0 up. However, this goal, though disappointing, kicked IMWFC into gear.
​
Using space out wide, they stretched the opposition. The first of IMWFC goals coming about in a tense frenzy at the RUMS goal line. Several hands and feet got to the ball but Blanca Pamias was the one to turn it in. Just before the half concluded, IMWFC scored another. It was a good way to end the half, but IMWFC knew that they couldn't be complacent - they had lost a lead like this before...
​
The second-half resumed. It appeared to be a much easier ride, less tense, less of a contest, with 5 more goals being scored. This half of the game, was less wasteful and more clinical and all in all, constituted a job well done.
​
​
Final score: 7-1 RUMS 2nds. Win