After the disappointment of our first defeat in the league last week, it was really important that we responded with a better performance this week.

At the start of the game the ball wouldn't stick and we struggled to get it under control, which didn't allow us to play as fluid as we would like. However our persistence paid off as Kylan latched onto a rebound in the 8th minute to slot home, one of four for him this morning, he gambles on the keeper parrying our shots and more often than not, he puts away the rebound as he's in the right place at the right time . There were lots of chances for us in the first half to put us in a comfortable position to play the game with a little more confidence but we failed to play that final pass on so many occasions, which cost us chance after chance to put us out of sight. In the 17th minute, quick thinking from Louis to play a short corner, he received a one-two and then caught everyone out by firing in at the near post to add to his goal tally for the season.

At half time the team was happy with the 4-0 scoreline but I knew we could play a lot better and really challenged the team to defend as a unit and keep a clean sheet, something we have failed to do all season; even when winning by more than 5 goals, we always seem to concede one which is frustrating, but credit to the team today, in the second half we really defended much better and Javan who was player of the match for me today, was so strong and determined to win the ball. 9 times out of 10 challenges he wins and he defended and held his position really well this week also. Javan started on the bench but Mark asked for his full concentration this week. When he came on you could tell he was fully concentrated on the game and the difference in his performance was night and day, he was brilliant and took the ball around 3 or 4 players from our own half before finishing off his goal, a nice reward for his hard work today. Just minutes after Javans moment of brilliance came arguably the best moment of the match which wasn't a goal, but an unbelievable slide tackle from Jess !. Like a red rag to a bull she set eyes on the ball from the other side of the pitch, darted over, won the ball superbly with a slide tackle and hooked the ball into our forwards and from that, we forged a counter attack, it's one of the best timed slide tackles I've ever seen !. Finley made some outstanding saves in goal in the first half and deservedly gets his first clean sheet in a Kirkstall shirt.

A great win in the cup and with Featherstone to play twice in the league still to come, it was a nice victory for us. They are a good team with some skilful players, a great test for us and one which will require us to be at our best, the next time we play them.

Kirkstall & Proud
Connor & Mark