Source: Cpl Connor Payne

RAF denied by in form Police

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The last game prior to the 2016 Inter Services campaign for the RAF LRT, saw them take on the GB Police team on 24 February 2016 at Thame FC.

Despite an intense week of training in Gibraltar, the RAF got off to a quick start, gaining early possession. RAF Zara Mcintosh had an early chance on goal but was denied by some quick and agile defending from GB Police number 8, Vicky Ashton-Jones. 5 minutes in saw the first real chance for the RAF, excellent link up play between Mcintosh and fellow striker Keri Haywood , followed by an excellent cross delivery from right back Sam Wylie, resulted in a narrowly missed header from Steph Lee and Cat Beaver was also unable to convert.

The 18th minute saw the next real chance for the RAF, again some excellent link up play from McIntosh and Wylie with the subsequent shot palmed away by the GB Goalkeeper. Subsequent misses on target in the first 30 minutes left the RAF feeling frustrated.

A 25 yard screamer from GB Police number 7 Emma Kerser proved too much for RAF goalkeeper Lucy Whitfield. 1-0 to GB Police. The remainder of the first half saw further solid possession from the RAF but they were unable to level the score before the half time whistle.

GB Police took confidence from their first half advantage going into the second half. 5 minutes in saw GB police number 15 Carly Davies strike a fine left foot shot from the 18 yard box. 2-0 to GB Police. A fine piece of play from the RAF, resulted in a quick lob of the keeper by Beaver. 2-1.

A handball from RAF midfielder Tara Scott within the RAF half, saw a quick free-kick from GB Police, another goal from the increasingly dangerous Davies. 3-1 to GB Police. The second half saw substitute Lauren Cassin on for Haywood. Cassin looked dangerous, adding pace and tenacity to the midfield dynamic. Further substitutes included Sam Wiggan, Rachael Rutherford and Mollie Shurmer, all bringing fresh legs to a tiring RAF team, it was not enough though to prevent GB Police scoring, through player of the match Carly Davies, who achieved her hat trick.

Final score: RAF 1 – GB Police 4

GB Police Ladies Team manager Fiona Gehring said after the match: “It was an excellent performance all around, with fantastic teamwork and link up play.

These fixtures are a great tradition and a chance to represent your service, promote football and enjoy women’s sport.”

RAF LRT Dep Manager Mike Tierney said after the match: “This was a tough but even match against an excellent GB Police squad. We take our hats off to some of their finishing today which was first class.

“Looking forward this has been the culmination of an excellent training camp which we hope will stand us in good stead for the Inter Services fixtures against the Royal Navy and the Army in March.

I would like to wish GB Police the best of luck when the represent the country at the European Police Football championships in Prague later in the year.”

 RAF Squad:

Michelle Harvey-Perkins

Cat Beaver

Rachel Griffiths

Zara McIntosh (Captain)

Tara Scott

Lucy Whitfield

Keri Haywood

Steph Lee

Robyn Stewart

Sam Wylie

Chantelle Lovell

Subs

Belinda Martin

Mollie Shurmer

Lauren Cassin

Rachael Rutherford

Daniella Bielda

Unused Subs

Hayley Laverty (GK)

Scorers

Cat Beaver

Injured

Ash Mckenzie

Rachel Howes

Laura Went

RAF Player of the Match: Cat Beaver

GB Police Squad:

F. Gehring

M. Gregory

C. Farrow

A. Manca-Wilcox

K. Kidd

V. Ashton-Jones

E. Kayser

EJ. Wells

N. Chatterly

J. White

M. Bishop

C. Davies

GB Police Player of the Match: Carly Davies

Report courtesy of RAF LRT

Photo above shows GB Police to the left and the RAF LRT to the right.