SHC Snails 4 - 2 Hendon & Mill Hill Phoenix (H)

We arrived at the pitch on Sunday with a full complement of players, the wonderful Spuggie to coach us and a loyal band of supporters who, for once this season, did not need to bring their sou'westers and snorkels.

I believe Spuggie gave an insightful and motivating team talk... although along with most of my teammates I was more focused on her magic tactic board (think electronic etch-a-sketch) than on the instructions being delivered.

Once the match started it ebbed and flowed with the ball being moved around quickly by both teams. Kirsteen made a number of crucial interceptions to break down promising looking moves by Phoenix and there was tireless running all over the pitch. Chances were created at both ends but two competent defences mopped up everything that came their way. The Snails broke the deadlock on 19 minutes with Ruth finishing off a lovely team goal. We were unable to capitalise however and Phoenix equalised to make it 1-1 at half time.  

The magic tactic board appeared again, but this time there was more focus on the content (pressing, short easy passes and covering in defence).

Nine minutes into the second half Phoenix earned a short corner which was expertly dealt with by the defence. The ball made it quickly to the other end where Ruth rocketed home a shot from just inside the D like she had a personal grievance against the backboard. Unfortunately the lead was somewhat shortlived as Phoenix refused to give up and equalised to make it 2-2. 

As we had a full bench Spuggie made the well-appreciated decision to rotate the subs more quickly to keep the energy up on the pitch. It worked with short easy passes now becoming second nature and renewed pressing from the forwards bearing dividends. One such turnover ball was sent in from the right and, with the goalkeeper saving on the ground, Jenny lifted the rebound over her and into the roof of the net. Ruth went close to claiming a hat trick a couple of times but the result was put beyond doubt when Jo slotted home from a short corner late in the second half.  

This was a proper team performance with seven players receiving votes for player of the match. Congratulations go to POM Fee for her composure on the ball. Annie, as ever was a diva in goal with her lightning reactions and anticipation of the game. The defence (Ellie, Ruth B, Claire, Kirsteen and Phil) transferred patiently, were organised and resolute. Hats off to the midfield (Fee, Val, Anna, Sinead, Taryn) for their unbelievable energy and thoughtful passing. The forwards (Jenny, Jo, Ruth F, Dawn) running, pressing and creating chances against a strong opposition defence. 

A big thank you to Chrissie and Simon for umpiring, to Spuggie for her wisdom and Jane for organising the bench. This win cements second place in the league with one game to play. We are level on points with Ashtead who have a game in hand. However, as pointed out by Sinead, Ashford had two walkovers and we have won our games fair and square... so we are claiming a moral victory!

To sum up: 15 players LEFT home on a slightly bRIGHTer day than we've experienced at Hinchley Wood recently. Although we finished the game feeling less than spRIGHTly we LEFT the pitch with a 4-2 victory under our belts.