SHC Sages 1 - 0 Ashford Women O45s (H)
By Philippa Lynch
On a miserable cold and blustery Sunday, what could go wrong in our last fixture before Christmas? The Whatsapp was hot with ‘running late’ messages – “car trouble, might not make the first half” and two “have to return home….”. Thankfully, the Ashford keeper was also late, so we were able to start with a full 11 on pitch, with myself and Emma Dempsey arriving as subs in the first few minutes. Note to self – check which shoes you are wearing before leaving the house so that you have your astros on. I don’t regret returning home as proper shoes were needed – that must have been the wettest, coldest, windiest match of the season.
So back to the match report… 13 hardy Sages turned out on a miserable Sunday afternoon when they could have been Christmas shopping from the sofa or in a warm shopping centre for a top of the table clash. Sinead has continued to scout for players and this week Claire Thomson made her Sages debut!
Not sure this match report will live up to the literary and detailed standards of the past… but it was a tough old battle. Ashford were robust to say the least and it was tough to get through their midfield. We battled hard and a 0-0 draw would have probably been a fair result. Both teams had a decent few attempts at goal, but some fantastic saves by Annie kept a clean sheet for the Sages.
I think it is fair to say that a few of us were praying for the minutes to count down so that we could go and dry off and warm up, so would have been happy with a 0-0 draw. But we kept up the persistence and five minutes from the end went 1-0 up with a ‘classic Jo Firth goalmouth deflection’. The last few minutes were tense as we battled to keep our lead, but despite a short corner for Ashford and some close calls in the D, we made it through to the end without conceding.
Highlights of the match:
· No injuries!
· Some fantastic saves from Annie throughout to keep a clean sheet
· Emma D was on top form stopping almost everything that came her way
· Ruth F showed new talents with an impressive performance at left back
· We gained another player in Claire T – come on any other O45s – you know you want to!
· Some interesting aerials (say no more!)
· Our win puts us at the top of the table going into Christmas – woo hoo!
Player of the Match was a close-run thing between Emma D and Annie, but Annie just pipped it by one vote.
Big thanks to Spuggie for delaying a trip to Suffolk to coach us; Wendy for bringing her hooter, and Dave and Andy for turning out to umpire in the foulest weather.
As I haven’t managed to mention everyone – top marks to Annie, Emma, Louise, Ruth B, Ruth F, Becks, Sinead, Claire J, Claire T, Philippa, Val, Jo and Anna for battling it through on a horrible afternoon. Enjoy the Christmas rest!
Biggest, big thanks to Sinead for building up the Sages squad this season so that we can be competitive every time. Merry Christmas one and all!