On 31st August, Burnbridge took on Portishead at home for their final game of preseason. Whilst preseason has been tough for a number of different reasons, this game was a clear reminder to myself as to why I decide to coach these amazing and talented group of girls. Despite the result not going our way, every single member of the team gave a great performance to build on during this oncoming season and the loss does not phase me at all.

Special mention to everyone who played in defence this game. Me and Josh decided on the starting backline moments before kick off and was slightly nervous on the outcome of it but to come away at half time with a clean sheet was exceptional.

Summer carried on her great form from last season, making crucial saves despite not being tested by the toughest shots today (as Portisheads star striker has recently left) but sometimes this can be just as tough. She remained focused all the way through the game and was unfortunate to concede the two goals. Her kicks from her hands remained an ever present threat throughout the game and I'm expecting a great season from her again, no pressure though ;)

Bea was solid at the back, chasing the ball down whenever their pacey wingers attacked. She never gave up and completely gave it her all out there. What made me most happy about Bea's performance today was her shouts and communication (which was also great throughout last season), this is such a vital part of any players game and as a team sometimes we struggle but I can always guarantee that Bea will be there helping her teammates as much as possible, whether it's through her voice or her important clearances and tackles.

Ashton - WOW! What an incredible first game not just for Burnbridge but EVER! She played in defence, as we were low in numbers for this game, she did awesome and made some really important stops to oncoming counter attacks. Once we decide a clear position for Ashton that she feels comfortable in, there is nothing stopping her and I cannot wait to see what else she can bring to this team!

A surprise for Eliya this game as she had to play centre back and honestly exceeded mine and Josh's expectations. She was completely composed on the ball and did not panic when their attackers came charging at her. When speaking to her after the game, it was clear that she still loves the role of a defensive midfielder a lot more, but to know that she is an option in this position is a major win for us and shows she is a real team player for going with it and not complaining once.

Another cracking performance from Alexis that we've all become so used to. She came on and showed everyone in attendance what a great defender she truly is. Her greatest strength that we saw a lot of during this game was her calmness on the ball. Her composure and ability to find the right pass is exceptional. Her connection with Frankie on the left side is very strong and their link up play is a great threat for us. If this is her last game for the club, she ended on a high note and it is clear to see that not only her ability will be hugely missed but her great personality as well.

A strong game for the skipper, Mills, today. Despite wanting to play up front, she had to settle for centre mid as we were missing Pheebs and Eliya had to cover in defence. She had a great first half, not messing up and constantly battling in the middle of the park. In the second half, it happened to be a lot more eventful. She had to come off close to the end of the game for, in her words, a "chill pill" but then came on for the last 5 and got us a goal back, ruined Portishead's clean sheet and silenced the opposition.

As most know I am Frankie's harshest critic so writing this is a bit odd. But this game I saw more aspects of her game improving. Her defending and tracking back has improved dramatically, making some big blocks in the second half. Throughout the game, Frankie also seemed to find loads of space and was always an option on that left side. Her supply into the box was great and accurate and I can see us getting some goals through her crossing this season.

Yet another superb game from Leila. In the first half she was our biggest threat on that right hand side, making a number of dangerous runs. These runs were an issue for our opposition's defence and they had real trouble trying to stop her. In the second half, it was a bit more of a different game as a lot of the play occurred on the left side. Leila adapted her game and was told to go more central to stay in the game which I believe could turn out to be a huge threat throughout the season.

There was so many things that Elsie done during this game that I was super proud of. She came on to play striker alongside Lexie and was a perfect outlet to the team. Her positioning was great throughout the game and had to move back into the middle of the park and battled ridiculously well against players twice the size of her and managed to get the ball the majority of the time which is super impressive. This could be Elsie's last time playing for this team and, like we already know from before, will be a huge miss, her energy on and off the pitch is infectious and is an extraordinary player on top of that.

Kaycie, like every time she plays, gave her absolute all to this game. Her determination to never give up chasing and waring down the opposition is unreal. We had a chat today about how far she has come since starting last season and the vast improvement is scary. She has come into a position where there is a lot of pressure and she handles it very well. I know this season Kaycie is going to get some more goals and will definitely continue improving on her game.

Lexie, whether she thinks this or not, had a great game. She found the perfect positions and created a lot of chances for herself. She came up against an incredible keeper and was very unlucky not to score today. Once we get into the full swing of the season again, I am certain that Lex will continue her super scoring streak from last season.

Harli had a lot of pressure on her shoulders this game, she was an integral part of the game plan as we were wanting to play a 4-4-2. Being the only true centre mid available, we needed her to play as much of the game as possible. She did not disappoint at all, giving us a standout performance that she should be proud of, her continuous passes through the middle up to the strikers were a massive threat throughout the second half and we ended up scoring via one of them. She was very unlucky not to get the 'Slay'er of the Game but if she continues improving on from this performance I am sure she will and hopefully get a cheeky goal as well.

And finally on to our 'Slay'er of the Game, similar to Harli, Lily had a lot of responsibility this game. Due to us missing many of our defenders she had to take on many roles such as holding the line, taking goal kicks, taking free kicks, helping Ashton and Eliya get used to defence and she lived up to all of this and also played one of her best games in a Burnbridge shirt. She judged all the bounces perfectly and was an ever-present calm member in our team which I expect her to continue to be this season. Most importantly, I asked the girls to have fun today and I could clearly see that Lily was having a right laugh, I genuinely could not have asked for more from her this game.

ONTO THE NEXT! UP THE BRIDGE XX