This website uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

I accept
Call

Women’s 4s 2 - 1 London Edwardians 1s (A)

Gameday: 28th September 2024

By Emily Hughes

We set off bright and early for the trek across to Honor Oak, with a mix of new and old faces making up our squad of 12. The good news was that we had a sub. The bad news was we only had one sub. 

With this being just our second game in Division 1 since getting promoted last season, we didn’t know quite what to expect, but certainly knew no game would be easy. We got off to a good start, controlling the game well and getting some breaks into the Eds D, although had to absorb a couple of strong counter attacks too. Adapting to a new formation this year and a new press alongside it requires some adjustment, but that’s exactly what the team did. Twenty minutes into the game and Ella expertly intercepted an Ed’s transfer, drove into the D, ‘found a friend’ (that one’s for you Cosch Spuggie!) and Emma volleyed it into the back of the net. GOAL! Spirits were high, and we kept control.

With Scarlett back in her old home at centre back, she ensured we kept our structure defensively and cut out any THD attacks. Charlotte Stacey and Swindell were bouncing balls through the midfield, and a constant hassle to Eds when they tried to play through the middle. Some great transfers round the back, with Aoife driving down the right, linking with Thea in midfield and picking out Lianne on the baseline led to numerous more D entries, but we couldn’t quite put another goal away. 

With just two minutes until half time Eds caught us on the break and were charging towards our D uncontested. Our defence chased back and surrounded them to prevent a shot, but unfortunately conceded a flick. Sophia managed to get a foot to the ball but it snuck inside the post to draw Eds level. 

At half time Tarek reminded us we were the team in charge, and gave some tactical advice on pressing their 16s. We went into the second half determined to get back on top. We continued to attack and defend as a unit, looking like a well oiled team who’d played together for years. Charlotte demonstrated the wisdom of her years (more years than anyone else on the pitch, as it turned out!) keeping calm on the ball and drawing Eds in only to slot the ball to Amber and open up the left of the pitch. More D entries ensued with some corners won, but we still couldn’t find the net. Retreating to set the press for an Eds 16, only to find someone had put a ball of all things on the pitch, which I promptly trod on, sent me to the floor like a sack of potatoes. A slightly embarrassing 10 minutes later I had been cleared off to the sidelines and the game continued. 

Thankfully we had a (mostly) youthful team who didn’t blink at the prospect of no subs. Emma toughed out a ball to the foot and we continued to play champagne hockey. Another team attack found Charlotte at the 25 yard line with the ball. Anyone who knows Charlotte knows there’s only one option from here: a bullet straight into the D. Emma deftly deflected this straight past the keeper and into the back of the net. GOAL! 

All we needed to do now was to hold on for the last few minutes. We teased Eds a little with a few loose passes, but nothing was getting past Sophia in goal. We finished 2-1, with a well deserved three points, and anyone over the age of 20 feeling somewhat battered and bruised! 

POM: Emma for two fab goals

DOD: Emma for some ‘friendly’ comments and Emily for not her first ankle sprain when play wasn’t even in action