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UBWFC 4s vs Cardiff University 2s - a disappointing result but strong performance

A report of Bristol 4s football match against Cardiff 2s - my first BUCS match and official match for the team.

Image courtesy of University of Bristol Women's Football Club

By Weronika Lecka, French and Spanish, First Year

On 22nd January 2025, Bristol 4s football team had their first BUCS match of the year away to Cardiff University 2s. Despite losing the first 2 matches of the season, there was lots of positivity from everyone to show a strong performance against Cardiff. However, with the score finishing 5-0, it was a very disappointing result that didn't reflect the strong and determined performance that we all showed during the 90 minutes.

Image courtesy of University of Bristol Women's Football Club

We took the coach from Richmond Building at 12pm and got to Cardiff University's sporting complex right after 1pm - which meant that we had plenty of time not only to get changed and warm up before the match but to also catch a bit of the University Men's 4s Football Team play vs Cardiff 3s.

Image courtesy of Weronika Lecka

We also all participated in the Rainbow laces campaign that the club was promoting this match day by purchasing and wearing rainbow laces for this match. The £3 donation was meant to support the charity Stonewall, an LGBT rights charity in the UK. This charity is continuously supported by the Premier League and multiple football associations (The FA) across the country including the Gloucestershire FA.

Image courtesy of University of Bristol Women's Football Club

We struggled a little at the beginning of the first half by going 1-0 down and then a little while after going 2-0 after some nice goals from Cardiff. However, for the rest of the half we were able to match their ability and intensity by creating some attacking chances and controlling the midfield. We had some nice opportunities in the box, however we found it difficult to test the Cardiff goalkeeper and get some shots on target. From the beginning of the match, our goalkeeper Grace had a fantastic performance as she saved many of Cardiff's chances and swept up many 1-on-1 through balls. Additionally, she made some good passes from drop-kicks to progress the ball, which at times I should have done better to control. Cardiff adopted a very high defensive live which was difficult to break and pass through and at times managed to find space to pass the ball.

We were able to keep the score at 2-0 until half-time and had a short break before starting the 2nd half - we used this time to huddle up again and discuss the things that we have been doing well and that we needed to improve such as intensity and pressing of the Cardiff defence. After the break, I felt ready to play with more intensity and press the Cardiff backline and goalkeeper more, but unfortunately I was substituted off a few minutes in and didn't contribute more which I was disappointed about.

Image courtesy of University of Bristol Women's Football Club

However, we still had some good chances in the second half, getting closer and closer to the Cardiff goal with some great dribbles from Sasha and Cherrie but unfortunately we weren't able to put any of our chances away. There were also some good midfield battles from Eve and Kamila, who used their strength to battle for the ball and pass it forward to the attackers, which was very promising to see. Emanuela also had some nice passing and dribbling of the ball into the final third. Our captain, Phoebe, communicated well throughout the match, dictating where we should be positioned and letting us know that we should be going for the ball after a drop-kick/goal-kick etc. Defenders Deyna and Eden also did a great job chasing down the Cardiff attackers and keeping a high press. After being substituted off I stepped up as an assistant referee, helping with offsides and throw-ins as well as trying to encourage the team from the side lines.

Image courtesy of University of Bristol Women's Football Club

Unfortunately Cardiff were able to score 3 more goals late into the game, but as a whole we were able to keep our heads up and played our best until the final whistle. Even if the score line finished 5-0, we left Cardiff feeling proud of ourselves and knowing that we have the potential to win the rest of the games this season, since we showed a good performance against the team on top of our BUCS league. We left Cardiff by coach and were dropped off at the Richmond Building back in Bristol, looking forward to the bowling social that we have organised for the next day.

My personal man of the match was our goalkeeper Grace who had an excellent game, producing great saves to prevent Cardiff from scoring and being dominant in the box. Her delivery from drop-kicks were also excellent and will definitely be an asset in future games if I learn how to receive them well and drive forward. I would also nominate Kamila for her strong battles in midfield and determination to win the ball and progress it.

Image courtesy of University of Bristol Women's Football Club

Our next match is Bath Spa away, and we are hoping that we can show a similarly strong performance to bring 3 points back to Bristol. We are feeling positive and motivated that we can play our absolute best next Wednesday and all the matches after that to have a strong season. Additionally, we are bonding well as a team after having a few socials together already and sharing many journeys together to and from Coombe Dingle. Here's to more strong performances and wins for the Bristol 4s!

Thursday's Bowling social. Image courtesy of Weronika Lecka

Featured images: University of Bristol Women's Football Club and Weronika Lecka

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