England Colleges' Special

Lauren Binfield, Naomi Robinson and Lucy Somes travelled to Filton College to represent the South of England v North of England in the final stage of trials before the final England College Squad was picked. With all three starting for the South they had a good chance to push their claim for a place in the final squad. Binfield starting in goal impressed before eve the game had begun when working with the goalkeeping coach during the warm up showing her athletic ability and her shot stopping.
With Robinson starting at right midfield and Somes starting up front the game started at a fast pace with the North quickly gaining control of the game. This gave Binfield plenty to do in the South goal making a couple of early saves down low. As the game went on the South slowly got themselves into the game with Somes hold up play being a big feature of the South’s play.
After 25 minutes the North broke the deadlock when a forward from Gateshead College broke through and finished passed a helpless Binfield who had no chances of saving from the advancing forward. Robinson was working hard on the right helping out the overwhelmed South right back and was also providing good width when the South got on the ball. Despite the hard work from both outfield Worthing players the North were showing a great dominance and ability on the ball creating several chances. The inevitable 2nd came when again the struggling South defence allowed the same Gateshead forward to go clean through 1 on 1 and finish from 12 yards.
Half time 2-0 to the North all three Worthing players had given a good account of themselves.
The 2nd half saw some changes in both sides with Robinson dropping to the bench. The 2nd half started in much the same vein but quickly the South improved with Somes dropping deeper to help the 2 centre midfielders and linking up well with them. This allowed the South to get higher up the pitch and have more controlled possession of the ball. Somes impressing with her work rate and hold up-play in particular. After 60 minutes the game again saw some changes. Binfield being removed for another goalkeeper and Robinson being reintroduced this time on the left.
The final 20 minutes saw the best of both Somes and Robinson with both being heavily involved for their side in nearly everything that was good for them. Robinson linking up well and providing constant danger whilst Somes was continuing to work as hard as anyone on the pitch and show flashes of quality when in possession.
The game finished with all three players having individual praise from all the watching scouts during the game Binfield for her athleticism, Somes for her work rate and hold up play and Robinson for looking one of the most dangerous players on the pitch in the final 20 minutes.
All three were a credit to themselves and the college and have giving themselves a great chance to be picked for the full squad, even with such a high level of quality around them.
They should find out this Friday good luck to all three.

Mike