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In 2019, Aston Villa Ladies find themselves unbeaten and looking a real unit on the pitch. This is exactly what they’ve been working towards.
Words by Adam Nunn (@AdamReapa)
Edited by Regan Foy (@FindFoy)
Aston Villa Ladies have had an unbeaten start to 2019, which all started with an away trip to Durham on January 13th. The game took place under windy conditions, and after falling behind, the ladies struck right back with a goal from starlet Jodie Hutton.
A wonder goal from club captain Kerri Welsh gave Villa the upper hand, but the home side equalised to finish the game 2-2. The side that started the season may have crumbled, but the girls managed to keep Durham at bay and walk away with a point against one of the front runners in the Women’s Championship.
Next up was the big game at Villa Park that saw Aston Villa Ladies break their attendance record in a match that neither side really turned up in – but the home side were lucky to come away with a 0-0 draw and a point.
From there, the Ladies travelled away to Stoke City in the Women’s FA Cup, a game that Villa fell behind in, to an early goal. The side showed the unity they have and managed to turn the game on it’s head, and walk away 2-1 victors.
On February 17th, the Ladies had another cup game against Sheffield United. With a 3-1 deficit to overturn and only ten minutes remaining, it looked like the Ladies were bowing out. But, you can’t count the Ladies team out, at any point. Jodie Hutton showed her class, bagging a hat-trick and seeing the game to penalties, in which she scored the winner after a Sian Rogers save.
The final game of late came against Charlton, in which the Ladies dominated – playing some of the best football they’ve played this season, and winning strongly 2-0, even with only 10 players on the pitch.
Football is a squad game, and this couldn’t be more true for the Aston Villa Ladies. Think back to the 12-0 loss against Manchester United at the start of the season, and compare that with now.
Ashlee Brown is one player who has impressed, and has really taken the bull by the horns this year, so to speak. She’s perhaps one of the most improved players of 2019.
Jodie Hutton received a ‘Player of the Round’ award for her performance against Sheffield United.
Asmite Ale, who like Jodie Hutton has received England international youth call-ups this season, is another improving player.
Believe that there’s a lot more to come from this side as they’re growing and bonding as a unit. It’s difficult sometimes as a fan, as you see so much potential in what is a very young team still finding its feet.
The next two games will be a huge test at Boldmere as the Ladies take on Tottenham Hotspur who sit near the top of the table, followed by a FA Cup Quarter Final game against top division, full-time West Ham United, who will be bringing starts like Adriana Leon, Alisha Lehmann and Jane Ross.
