=
Churt Satellites progressed to the 2nd round of the league cup with an away win over R&R, who play in tier 2.

The Satellites came into the game hungry for their 1st goals of the season, having been unable to score past KPR in last weeks’ game. The team made several strong attacks during the 1st few minutes, with Amy Thompson making several impressive breaks down the left side of midfield and attempting a couple of shots at goal. This was shortly followed by pressure from Amy on the opposition goaly / defence at a goal kick, and under pressure the ball fell kindly for Hannah Watts who dispatched the opportunity with ease. 0-1 to Churt.

R&R fought back strongly, however, and the relatively new Satellites’ defensive combination of Alex, Emily, Lula and Amy O were kept busy with several decent attacks. Despite the pressure the defence were able to keep Jamie untroubled in the early stages of the game, although they made good use of the goalkeeper with several good pass backs, to help the team maintain possession.
Most of the play was in the opposition half with both Phoebe and Martha ensuring that Churt won the central midfield battle. Hannah capitalised on this dominance and made the score 2-0 in the 15th minute with a strong turn and run behind the R&R defence, cooling slotting the ball past their goalkeeper.

However, R&R kept their spirits up and continued their attacks. Despite very strong defending from both Lula and Emily, both full backs (Amy O and Alex) had to make crucial covering tackles to prevent R&R having a break towards goal.

Ruby and Ella entered the fray on the 20th minute for Lily and Phoebe, both keen to add to the goal tally. Ella made an impact in the 25th minute; following some strong passing from the Satellites, she made a low cross across the penalty box, and the incoming Liv, made a great 1st time finish to smash the ball into the net. Ruby then made an impact shortly before half time; she won the ball in midfield, and then with a turn of pace, dribbled past at least 3 opposition players before cooly slotting the ball into the corner of the goal; 4-0 to Churt at half time.

The Satellites agreed at half time to improve the quality of their passing and movement for the 2nd half, to enable them to take better control of the game, and as practice for their upcoming league games. This aspect of the game improved significantly in the 2nd half; the passes were kept shorter and the team were able to better control the game and create further chances.

Ella moved into the unfamiliar CDM role for the 2nd half, with Martha having to leave the game early; the team stuck with their 4-4-2 formation for the 1st 20 minutes of the 2nd half before moving to 3-5-2 to allow some of the defenders to have a rest.

Hannah completed her hatrick in the 43rd minute. Amy O, having another tremendous game at right back, lofted the ball forward over the defence. Hannah was 1st to react and smashed her 3rd goal of the game into the net. Ruby scored a further goal shortly after this, running onto a lofted pass from Emily over their midfield, before beating a defender and slotting home the goal.

R&R continued to attack and deservedly scored in the 52nd minute, when the away team were unlucky to concede a penalty for accidental handball. The R&R player smashed the penalty straight down the middle of the goal, with Jamie unable to react in time to stop the goal. This goal spurred R&R for further attacks, and Jamie produced a terrific save in the 58th minute with a flying dive to her left to turn the shot around the left post.

The away team further extended their lead in the 60th minute. Hannah and Lily were a continual threat upfront for Churt for the whole of the 2nd half and they combined well with Lily taking a great touch and shot to finish off a low cross from Hannah.
The Satellites dominated the game from this point, with the home team starting to look tired; R&R contributed to a really good competitive game up to this point but the away team’s better fitness was noticeable for the last 20 minutes of the game. Most teams will struggle to compete against the running and fitness of Phoebe, Liv and Amy T in midfield, particularly in the closing stages of a match.

Ella scored her 1st goal of the season in the 70th minute; she received the ball from Ruby just outside the box, and then with a turn of pace, dribbled between a couple of defenders and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. This was shortly followed up by a 4th goal for Hannah following a great through ball from Ella.

Ruby finished the goal rout off in the 79th minute with another solo goal following a pass from Phoebe, completing her hatrick as well.
All in all, this was a great team performance from the Satellites. The team were really strong in all areas of the pitch and really played as a unit.