The Blues battle through the storm

MATCH REPORT: BEXHILL UNITED VS BURGESS HILL PHOENIX BLUE | 23/11/24

FULL TIME: 1 - 4

Fixture 4 was a hard-fought battle against wind, rain and a tough opponent, that saw Burgess Hill come out on top to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Despite the weather we got stuck in straight from the kick off. Trying not to let them settle on the ball and chasing down every player but it was tense and cagey. However the wind was a huge factor with the ball blowing all over the shop. Naomi played a through ball to Fran cutting through the defence and Fran was in 1 on 1 with the keeper - just missed, on a less windy day this probably would’ve been a goal.

Skilton was putting the pressure on, running through the middle and combining well with balls sent up to Fran, Naomi and Rachael. Sam was running hard on the wing trying to create an opportunity. Chanelle was busy on the right as most of their play in the 1st half was down that side (probably due to the wind) but had her attacker under control, cutting out attacks and combining well with Rachael to set up attacks.

Becky and Monse combined well to cut out balls coming through the middle giving George a chance to get higher up the pitch. Bash was coming out to cut out balls and commanding her area, making sure the Bexhill strikers didn’t have a clear cut chance. Also holding up the ball well to give the attack a chance to settle and to get a feel of the wind direction.

Sheena was combining well with Sam to try and put the ball into the box but with the wind seemingly against us we made a tactical change. Bringing on Chloe and moving Rachael to her favoured left side. Chloe had a chance almost immediately played in by Skilton and was unlucky not to score. Bexhill kept up their intensity and had a few half chances. Then the ball was played out to the left, Rachael cut in and buried it 1-0 whoop whoop!!! The goal took the pressure off a bit and we started combining with some one-twos, particularly between Chanelle and Skilton on the right. Naomi played a little headed through ball to Fran and she was unlucky not to score.

Half time

Nyssa came on and was absolutely owning it immediately, some nice Cruyff turns and combination play with Chloe to set up a sequence of attacks. Then a beautiful little ball into Naomi from George just outside the box. Naomi hit it on the turn first time, it hung in the air and floated over the keepers head💥 2-0 game on!!

Mel came on for Chanelle and started cutting balls out and putting passes in straightaway. We won a corner, Fran shot saved, Skilton played it in, Naomi shot - miss. George ran in through the middle and had a good chance saved. Skilton played in by Nyssa had a good chance saved. A few corners and some combination play from Mel and Chloe but we couldn’t find a third goal. Becky and Sheena working extra hard at the back on the left due to wind direction. We kept pressing but Bexhill put a ball into the box and their striker connected with it well 2-1.

Sam came back on and combined well with Sheena. Sheena blocking and passing up to Sam and Sam taking the game to them! Bash continued to command her box cutting out the balls Bexhill floated in. Nyssa provided some much needed height and along with Skilton (whose heading game was on point) cut out some potential dangerous crosses. We kept the pressure up but again it was tense - 6 minutes to go. Phoenix win a corner, George swings it in beautifully Chloe hits it on the volley - 3-1

Bexhill kept up the pressure and won a corner - 3 minutes to go. We all scream at everyone to get back. Our whole team is in our box, ball cleared to Fran on the edge of the Phoenix box (2 minutes to go) Fran goes on a run - up the entire pitch, completely unopposed - she’s too fast - 1 on 1 with the keeper, smash - bottom corner 4-1

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