Hinckley Borough Diamonds proudly sponsored by Impact Retail, MJB motors, and CPS group traveled the short distance to Croft to face the sapphires for the second time in 7 days looking to improve on last week's draw. Straight from the kick-off, Amelia went on a mazy run down the wing before cutting in and whipping a terrific shot across the keeper and into the far top corner to give the diamonds a dream start. As last week's game showed Croft would pose a threat by playing more direct and looking for their pacy midfielders to pick up second balls and in the early exchanges Lacey, Milie and birthday girl Anna had a battle on their hands to get the upper hand in this key area.
In the 10th Isa decided she would take matters into her own hands and won the ball in midfield before outmuscling two defenders and threading a quality ball through for Amelia to run clear and then produce a wonderfully chipped finish to double the Diamonds lead.

Croft was never going to lie down though and their direct approach and aggression were beginning to put some pressure on but Bethan, Emily, and Alara were very composed at the back today, and with Lexi B returning behind them in goal being assured the Diamonds were dealing with anything that came at them comfortably.

midway through the half Ellie T, Ellie O, and Violet were introduced and immediately Ellie O had an impact with her pace causing problems and only some fine goalkeeping kept the score at 2-0
HT 0-2

At half time the girls were asked to be more assertive with and without the ball and win more of their individual battles, Lexi U was brought on for the impressive Alara to add a more physical presence. The half began again with the Diamonds dominating territory but the Croft goalkeeper was having a fine game and pulled off numerous saves. a lovely short corner routine between Amelia and Ellie T almost resulted in Isla scoring but for a good block and Amelia then almost produced another wonder goal cutting in on the left-hand side and her curling shot beat the keeper only to rattle the cross bar.

Croft were hanging in the game and their pacy wingers were looking dangerous on the counterattack. With 10 minutes left their left winger somehow managed to get clear and smash her shot into the near post.
Now it was all hands to the pumps to keep Croft at bay and every girl was making tackles, clearances, and blocks to keep them at bay. Violet then ran the length of the pitch down the left and delivered a wonderful ball into the middle for Ellie O, only for the keeper to make another fine save as the final whistle went.

FT 1-2