If there’s one thing we can say with confidence, it’s that W4 appears to be a magnet for bad weather recently. The fact that this match only featured one downpour means it officially counts as one of our better recent experiences. Small wins.

We set off with a full team but no subs, with a few teammates missing through illness and injury (get better and come back soon, we missed you all!)

The first half finished goalless, though not for lack of action. Both teams had chances, but our defensive unit of Hayley, Katherine, Siobhan, Sophie, and the ever-reliable Mathilda in goal were probably quietly delighted not to be under quite as much pressure as last week. Solid, calm, and dependable as ever, they made sure the opposition had nothing to show for their efforts before the break.

Meanwhile, Terri was busy organising the press. She may not have much of a voice left today, but the message eventually got through as the forwards and mids tightened things up and made life much harder for the opposition.

Bishops Stortford struck early in the second half but we responded in style: a beautifully threaded pass from Katie found Anna, who made no mistake to bring us level.

Momentum firmly with us, we followed that up quickly with a cracking short-corner strike from Terri, putting us 2–1 ahead and giving everyone a much-needed energy boost.

The midfield trio of Elsa, Lucy, and Katie worked relentlessly with no subs, tirelessly driving the ball forward. They were backed up by some excellent hitting up the field from Siobhan. On the right, Lucy and Tabitha linked up brilliantly, making clever runs, and thoroughly frustrating the opposition. Special mention too for Katie, back from injury and putting in a great shift at left mid.

Fatigue inevitably crept in, and we were unlucky to concede a couple of goals deep into the final quarter. Still, every single player had emptied the tank on very tired legs. Huge thanks to our injured captain Jo as well, as well as parents and friends on the sideline whose encouragement was invaluable throughout.

There’s plenty to be pleased about: creating attacking chances, strong runs on both wings, and some good ball movement from defence through midfield to the forwards. Next time, we’ll focus on setting our press from the very start, being more ruthless in winning and keeping possession, and lifting our heads for those passes.

Player of the Match votes went to Terri (1), Katie (1), Siobhan (2), and Anna (3), but the well-deserved winner was Lucy – not only for her excellent skills, but for her great ability to read the game (something even the opposition commented on). Bonus points too for bouncing back and carrying on as if nothing had happened after a nasty fall.

Onwards to the next one!