Last night, we played our Cup Semi-Final against Curzon Ashton that had been postponed on Sunday. To be honest, we were not at our best -- the midfield was inactive and out of shape defensive and not bright and dynamic in possession. The front line was too narrow, and we weren't able to get effective possession in the final third. However, we won the match, ultimately fairly comfortably, 4-2, and the scoreline is about right as a reflection of the game.
The difference between last night and against Rochdale two weeks ago is that last night we showed a bit more of an edge, a bit more ruthlessness. Perhaps because we weren't quite as sharp, the player knew they had to win their tackles, and finish their chances -- the margins were too slim to get another chance. The tone was set the first time the ball went into a Curzon forward and our center back -- getting her debut as a first team starter -- flattened her. We showed some fight last night, and we needed it when we went 1-0 down just before the half hour mark giving up a goal off a corner. (The second half goal was from a set-piece as well; from open play I believe the back line allowed only three shots all game.) It was then we dropped the hammer, scoring three unanswered before the break. None were pretty goals, all coming from graft, hard work, and cool heads.
Obviously, in a cup-tie, the win is what you need, as anything less and you are out of the competition. However, the manner of certain wins are important for teams, and I think this was a big one for us. Perhaps we haven't quite been tough enough, determined enough, in the early part of the season. Perhaps we weren't fighting as a team, but as individuals. Last night, even though our elegant passing game just wasn't on, we showed a willingness to get dirty and seize the game. It was clear after we drew the match level that there would be only one winner. The goal celebrations were fairly mute. I don't know if anyone on the pitch said it, but the message was clear and we trotted back to the halfline as the ball was being picked up out of the net.
"We'll be back."
