Great Britian's head coach George McGowan selected 25 players for a training weekend in a quiet place near Gloucester, with a group of new support staff: assistant coach Tony O'Donnell, physiotherapist Karly Dunmall and masseur Dina Nolan. There were plenty of newcomers looking to impress and there was strength in depth in all areas of the team.

After 1 minute's silence to remember Sarah Davies, the GB girls were raring to play and wanted to dispel the memories of the defeat against the strong Cambridge Utd Ladies FC in August.

George opted for a mixture of experience and youth in the starting line up and soon GB made a fantastic start, attacking the goal at once and soon 2 chances went begging in the first 5 minutes. But soon the first half started to frustrate the GB players, they were unable to penetrate the resilient Ellwood defence. The GB bar was soon rattled after the goalkeeper made a fine save from a blazing shot from Ellwood's experienced forward. Ten minutes from half time, a GB striker did a solo run, lobbed the ball over the opposition's goalkeeper and scored a fine goal from outside the box. It was what GB deserved after wasting many good chances in front of the goal.

In the second half, George made changes in the whole of the midfield. This was a chance for the newcomers to prove themselves as well as experienced players playing in different positions. Soon after the restart, GB scored a second goal to extend their lead, until a communication breakdown in defence allowed Ellwood to sneak in a goal against the run of play. But GB did not let that affect them and soon the floodgates opened for GB, they scored three more goals towards the end of the match.

Result: Ellwood Ladies 1-5 Great Britain Women

We would like to mention a big thank-you to Errea who donated the match balls and to Martyn Roberts who organised the whole weekend. Last but not least many thanks to Ellwood Ladies FC for providing us a good game.