Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Eastern Flames took on Joga TFA while the Arsenal Ladies clashed with the pretenders to the throne, the Arsenal U21 team in this week’s GulfWeekly-Citroen Arsenal Bahrain Ladies League first division matches.
The second division featured games between the young Arsenal teams – the Gunners and the U18s, and the first game of the season for the RCSI team against Seef Dental.
In a tough match, high-flying Joga TFA defeated the improving Eastern Flames 3-1.
The teams’ playing styles contrasted greatly, with Joga playing some intricate passing football and trying to create chances, while the Flames relied on a more direct approach.
The only goal of the first half came from a free kick from Sara Al Aali following a clumsy challenge on the edge of the area. In the second half, they scored again with a well taken goal from Alaa Al Dirazi, but the Flames struck back when the ball cannoned off a defender from a long ball forward and went into the goal. Their hopes of a comeback were shortlived, though, when Ashwaq Ebrahim slid in at the back post to finish off another excellent passing move.
In the newly-launched lower division, the Arsenal Ladies continued their winning run with victory over their U21 team. While they treated their younger club mates with respect, they showed them no mercy and ran out 8-0 victors. As well as an own goal, Lucy Hogg, Sam Rule, Rama Salem, Reema Al Qassab and Carala Jellema scored with the last two getting a brace each.
RCSI had a tough opening league fixture against leaders Seef Dental. Amanda Richie opened the scoring for Seef, and an own goal doubled their lead before half-time. The RCSI team fought back and grabbed a goal through Aseel Alhermi with a couple of minutes left to play, but they were unable to score again to take a point from the game.
The clash between two young Arsenal teams proved to be an exciting affair too, with the less experienced Gunners taking the lead when Kia Hanahoe netted in the first minute.
However, the U18s recovered their composure and took a comfortable 4-1 lead into the break, with two goals each from Latifa Al Khalifa and Leni Tsappis.
The Gunners came roaring back after half-time, and fought back for an unlikely draw, with goals from Anika Vallejo, Gabby Schultz and another from Kia. Coach Andy Collins was delighted with his team’s fightback, and was particularly pleased with the performance of his youngest players, Gabby, Maggie Stephens and Leila Hepworth.
He said: “For these three girls playing in their first competitive Ladies League match to perform so well exceeded my expectations and is really encouraging.”
