Josh's panglossian writeup

Cardiff's second game of the league season was against Horfield, who demonstrated the progress they have made since last year by being able to field a second team that wasn't hugely different from their first team of last season. City showed what progress they had made by moving smoothly into a 2 goal lead through Lee's running in shot and then Cally's goal. This end, also including Pam and James, proceeded to defend very comfortably as City sought to build on their lead. The other end was more evenly matched however, and it took a while for chances to be made. Ian was a consistent threat though, and twice beat his marker to give City a 4-0 half-time lead.

However, football isn't the only game of two halves, and with both sides making substitutions at half time the balance of the game changed. Horfield brought on their two best girls which greatly improved the balance of their side, while Cardiff's decision to take off their two most experienced players threatened to backfire as Horfield grabbed two quick goals back. The game then became tense as Cardiff continued to put up a good number of shots with Katherine and Zoe both very unlucky not to score, and Neil won plenty of collects. The defence, now reinforced by Aidan and Kate still looked solid though, with Lee outstanding, and it took an excellent Horfield long shot from one of the back corners to break through. Now the tension really began to take hold as good interceptions were followed with wayward passing. A missed penalty only heightened the anxiety. Then Katherine beat her marker yet again and was fouled for a second penalty. This time Ian made no mistake, and completed an impressive hat-trick.

Now facing a two-goal deficit, there was still time for Horfield to come back, but although they did manage to get one more goal, City's defence was able to resist any more. A very satisfying 5-4 victory for the City seconds, who looked more and more comfortable as a team.

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