Undone in Issy [3-1]

As they travelled to face Issy, the Girondines were thoroughly determined to keep their good run going and bring home all three points. An understandable ambition: Issy started the day at the bottom of the D1 table, having suffered five defeats in five matches. And yet, those high hopes ended in disappointment and a stinging defeat (3-1), Bordeaux's second of the season. On another day, this match would have effectively been finished within half an hour. Bordeaux were totally dominant, creating chance after chance. Claire Lavogez fired first with a long-distance effort (2’). Maëlle Garbino lost two one-on-ones with the Issy keeper (4’, 21’) and Katja Snoeijs also missed several opportunities to put the Girondines ahead (20’, 24’). But the Girondines were not going to get away with it so easily. What Issy lacked in quality they made up for in strategy, waiting patiently to hit Bordeaux on the counter. Both Barclais (9’) and Zemzem (13’) missed decent chances, and a shot on target by Louis forced a big save from Anna Moorhouse (26’).  

At this point, it seemed impossible to imagine this game ending in anything but a victory for Pedro Martinez Losa's side. But then, things took a sudden turn. Competing for a high ball, Estelle Cascarino raised her studs far too close to a defender's head. There was certainly no malice involved, but rules are rules and this dangerous play earned Estelle a straight red card (29’). A turning point? Not yet. From the very next attack, Delphine Chatelin and Maëlle Garbino linked up to carve up the defence and deliver a perfect cross for Katja Snoeijs in the middle. The Dutch international promptly scored her 4th goal of the season (0-1, 33’).

But the turning point came soon enough. Just before the break, a seemingly harmless free kick fell to Laurie Teinturier, who span round to smash home a superb goal (1-1, 45’+2). The first flash of brilliance from the woman of the match. In the second half she powered past Elena Linari and dribbled round Anna Moorhouse before tipping the ball into the empty goal (2-1, 63’). She was also instrumental in Issy's 3rd goal, once again slipping past Elena Linari and firing off a shot. Moorhouse parried, but only as far as Niaro who finished the job (3-1, 89’). A thoroughly frustrating afternoon for Bordeaux, who continued to dominate possession in spite of their numerical inferiority but simply could not get past the Issy defence. Ghoutia Karchouni (68’) and Khadija Shaw (74’) both missed chances to equalise. Issy kept plugging away on the counter, and could have scored more (58’, 84’). The Girondines will have plenty to mull over after this shock defeat, and will be looking to bounce back stronger against Dijon in two weeks' time.