BUCS Trophy debut for 2s

Yesterday saw history made for EUWAFC 2s as they played their first BUCS Trophy match. They entertained Leeds Beckett 2s on a sunny but cold afternoon at Peffermill. The game was played on the Stadium pitch after the 1s game was cancelled.

The game was started strongly by Edinburgh, who created a lot of early chances. Rachel Thomson hit the post early on after a wide freekick was looped over the Leeds Beckett goalkeeper by Amy Gilroy. Soon after, Edinburgh broke the deadlock with a clean finish by Katie Kennedy after lots of pressure from the home side. Not long after there was worry for Edinburgh after goalkeeper Katharine Grant was injured and received some treatment, while Leeds Beckett finished off which was then disallowed for offside. The game was very end-to-end for long periods, with Leeds Beckett favouring the long ball through to their striker.

A few minutes later, after heavy pressure from the away side, they equalised through a free kick which lofted into the net. Grant made some excellent one-on-one saves, but Leeds went 2-1 up after a double save was rebounded in.

Half time score: Edinburgh 2s 1-2 Leeds Beckett 2s

Five minutes in to the second half and Edinburgh equalised through an incredible strike from captain Jodie Ovens. She met a diagonal ball with a first touch nutmeg before finishing from 25 yards with a rocket into the top right hand corner. The score was now 2-2.

Exchange student Julia Warner replaced striker Amy Gilroy, and there was a break in play due to a Leeds Beckett injury. Soon after, it was the English side who took the lead, with one of their players fouled in the box, and the number 9 finishing the penalty off well, with a strong strike down the middle.

A minute or so later, the away side increased their lead with a through ball and a cool one-on-one finish. Edinburgh threatened thereafter, but it wasn't enough to change the game.

An exciting game for the neutral, on a big park which EUWAFC 2s used to their advantage, but unfortunately it was not enough to confirm their place in the last 16 of the British Trophy.

Full time score: Edinburgh 2s 2-4 Leeds Becketts 2s

This result means that Leeds Becketts 2s will play our 1st team in the last 16. The match is to be played down in Leeds on the 15th February 2017.

Man of the match: Jodie Ovens, for a spectactular strike which is undoubtedly one of the best goals EUWAFC has ever seen, and a brilliant all round performance as captain.