Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
In the latest round of matches in the GulfWeekly-sponsored Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain Ladies League, the top two faced each other, while last year’s champions Venus tackled an ever-improving young Arsenal squad.
In the battle at the top, with both sides boasting 100 per cent records, Joga TFA and Arsenal, played in what could be the championship decider … and what a game it turned out to be.
Someone’s hearts and record were set to be shattered.
Both teams play tidy football and despite the pressure to get a result, they continued to play in this style.
An early Rama Salem goal settled the Arsenal girls nerves when she brilliantly hit home with a first-time shot after some determined effort from Alana McConalogue on the right flank.
Joga did not give up, however, and fought back with several chances of their own, with impressive midfield performances from Eman Ramadan and Sara Aali.
Just on half time, Arsenal nearly doubled their lead when a fierce strike from Lamees Saqqa rattled back off the Joga crossbar.
In the second half, chances were far more frequent, as Joga pushed for the important equaliser, while Arsenal looked for the decisive strike that might settle the game.
It was Joga who grabbed the important goal, with a great effort from Alaa Al Dirazi.
Arsenal continued to push for the winner, but so did Joga on the break, and only a great save by the legs of Natalie Harake in the Arsenal goal, and superb defending by girl-of-the-game Janet Kellagher kept the scores level.
With eight minutes to go, the winner was scored by Sam Rule, with a shot into the corner to give the three points to Arsenal and a 2-1 score-line.
Since joining Arsenal this season, the British School PE teacher has the amazing record of scoring in every game in which she has started – a good effort from a midfield player.
The second game was equally as close and exciting, with the young Arsenal team shocking the Venus Ladies by taking a well deserved lead through Teddy Walton after she beat two players and calmly slotted home.
What was most notable about the goal is that Teddy is still only 12 years old! Both teams had good chances to add to the score, but half-time came with the score at 1-0.
In the second half, Venus drew on their experience and upped their work rate and despite good performances from Lauren Moir and Jennifer Loveland Rose at the back, and another fine match by Eleni Tsappis in midfield, Tala Bashmi capped a fine performance with a goal from the penalty spot after a handball in the area.
The youngsters continued to push forward, but suffered an unfortunate own goal when attempting to clear, and Fatima Dashti completed the comeback with a headed goal two minutes later, for Venus to run out 3-1 winners.
Currently Arsenal Ladies top the table with 9 points, while Joga and Eastern Flames are only separated in second place on 6 points by goal difference.
Next week the Cup contest resumes with the Eastern Flames playing Arsenal U21 Reds, and Arsenal U21 Yellows are up against the Arsenal Ladies Whites. Following these matches the draw will take place to see who joins Arsenal Ladies Reds and Joga in the semi-finals.
