We travelled to Woodley United following a good overall performance against Sholing the week before. Unfortunately, we've been hit by what can only be described as an injury crisis. With long-term absentees West and Kelly-Stoner still out, and despite the additions of Jefkins and Evans over the past couple of weeks, we were also missing several other players due to availability and suspension, most notably our goalkeeper.

|Credit: McGuffin Media| Thaxter made her third appearance for the club.

Kira and I worked hard during the week to recruit, turning to our friends at nearby Brighton, The View, from whom we borrowed three players. Thaxter had played for us before, but we had Donoghue deputising in goal, with Collins on the bench.

We started the game poorly, giving the hosts far too much respect, and found ourselves 2-0 down within 10 minutes after conceding some disappointing goals. Whether this was due to the enforced changes or down to our preparation, it's difficult to say. We slowly gained a foothold in the game, looking much more positive after the first 25 minutes. Wheatley looked dangerous out wide, with Childs providing a similar threat on the other wing. Considering the bobbly pitch, we showed some good patches of passing play.

|Credit: McGuffin Media| Childs battled well with the defenders throughout the first half.

Following some direct instructions at half-time, we were much improved for most of the second half. However, this is where we need to start capitalising on these periods of dominance. We consistently exploited Woodley's wide areas, with Selvester and Thaxter looking likely to get in behind their back line. Our problem is often the final pass, or the strength and placement of the shot. G. Morris went close when she went through on goal, but many of our crosses were dealt with by the home goalkeeper, and a goalmouth scramble from a corner was eventually cleared by Woodley.

|Credit: McGuffin Media| Walford returned to the squad following a short spell with injury.

If we are to change our fortunes, we must start converting these chances. Unfortunately, they scored a third goal with five minutes remaining. This was a testament to the way the team had played, as they had limited Woodley's clear-cut chances. After Sanderson had another shot on goal, a long ball from the Woodley goalkeeper wasn't dealt with, and Woodley's number 7 smashed the resulting lofted ball into the top corner.

We have a week off with no game scheduled this weekend, but we look to put in an improved performance when we face Reading at the Seal Bay Resort Stadium on 2nd March. Kick-off will be at 2 pm.