After having only two training sessions with the girls we embarked upon our first game of the season against a team that have been together for three years.
We were, of course, a little apprehensive.
We started off without a proper goalkeeper and Belinda Jackson had bravely taken on the role, having no desire to make it her own.
Also, having only seven players currently registered we also started without subs, but with a positive attitude.
Kick off went to the opposing team and they were quickly off the mark as we tried to find our feet.
There were some excellent clearances made by Stacey Greaves throughout the game and also some really good skill on the ball by Akvile Gerbenyte as hreflected in her 'man-of-the-match' award. There was some fine movement and skill shown on the wings with both Abbie Weatherstone and Lottie Bates and a tenacious debut from Hannah Dunderdale in centre midfield where she bolstered both attack and midfield with equal enthusiasm.
The side did fare a little better with a change in Goalkeeper in the second half. Poppy Hallam came in from defence and made some splendid saves, whilst Belinda made the difference in defending against the tall Sleaford attack.
We had some chances of our own and their 'keeper had to make some top quality saves to keep a clean sheet. We were unlucky not to score on two or three occasions.
I felt that the opposition were a little aggressive and employed some gamesmanship more attributable to a mens team.
Although we lost 9-0 - (I think that's what was reported by the hreferee), we have taken the positives from the game, and as shown during the second half we began to play more as a team. I was pleased to see that our heads had not dropped and we kept playing to the end.
Next weeks, training should see some new faces and perhaps that elusive goalkeeper will be found?
