BROXBOURNE BEAT SAFFRON WALDEN 3-0

Broxbourne returned to Badger Field on Saturday to face local opposition Saffron Walden in front of a packed home stand. The Badgers made it 3 wins from 3 in a hard fought battle against a team who in the past have caused them problems.

The tone was set as soon as the starting whistle blew with Broxbourne instantly pressing hard. Walden were pressured into an unforced error, turning the ball over to Broxbourne who promptly went on the attack. Pushing players forward, a well struck shot by Em Wilkins triggered a goal mouth scramble with Jess Iszatt getting the final touch to push the ball over the line. Broxbourne had the lead with only 2 minutes gone.

Walden then came back into the game but were frustrated by The Badger’s tireless running and competent pressing; the midfield creating a barrier they were unable to surpass.

Gemma Wilkinson doubled the lead on 26 minutes, providing the finishing touch from half a yard out to a slick short corner involving Wills, Wilkins and Watkins. It continued a remarkable start to the season for Wilkinson who now has three goals in three games. Entering the twilight of a long and legendary career, Wilkinson has made the positional shift to centre forward from over 25 years stuck at left back look easy.

Broxbourne extended their lead just before half time with another trademark run from Wilkins, tearing through the midfield to release Charlotte Skip who finished with a casual reverse stick effort.

With the score at 3-0 Broxbourne were happy to sit back from the restart however Walden were determined not to leave empty handed. A ferocious midfield battle between Wilkinson and her opposite number did not go unnoticed by the umpires and after a deliberate trip by the Walden player they were down to 10 men. Unfortunately though, Broxbourne were unable to capitalise.

As fatigue set in Walden’s nippy forwards made a few forays into the Broxbourne D however the defence remained solid and some excellent saves by Freya Green between the sticks kept their efforts at bay.

At the full time whistle the final score was 3-0 to The Badgers. It is safe to say that Saffron Walden will be out for revenge in the rematch, blaming the pace of the pitch for their demise.

Next week Broxbourne face Canterbury on the road. Likely a tougher game for The Badgers but they will be out to punish the side who so nearly robbed them of their East Prem position two seasons ago. The badgers will be sure bring their own string to tie up those pesky holes in the netting.