Ladies 1s

Starting with only 11 players, missing Bench and Wilkins and the September sun beating down on the team, Broxbourne braced themselves for a tough game ahead against recently relegated Holcombe. Despite the odds, it soon became clear that Broxbourne were the more dominate fitter side, after a well drilled and disciplined pre-season fitness schedule.

Broxbourne started strongly, pressing well and quickly identifying Holcombe’s threatening players breaking down their play. Broxbourne worked hard, as individuals and as a team, supporting each other from one end of the pitch to another.

Soon into the 1st half Banahan arrived, after being delayed by her speed restricted motor, which was much to the relief of the players on the pitch.

After a period of dominance a goal was inevitable and Finch fired a cross into the D to Gemma who deflected the ball at the back post… definitely a top 3 goal of the season.

Although the 1st half was a quiet one for keeper, Green, she stepped up when needed and made an impressive save to keep the scoreline 0:1 Broxbourne.

Half time couldn’t of come at a more opportune time as midfielder Finch was soon about to fall into a sugar deprivation black hole. A quick intake of much needed electrolytes and handfulls of jelly babies, despite half time sweet monitor Skip forgetting to hand them out, saw Finch spring back to life just in time for the second half.

Holcombe continued to hold Broxbourne to only a one goal lead for what felt like an eternity however Broxbourne’s determination and superior fitness soon paid off. Pip made a solid tackle on the half way line and drove the ball forward, followed by a clinical pass to Al who fired the ball into the bottom left corner.

Holcombe, on the back foot, lost the ball again and soon found a barrage of Broxbourne players in their D. A shot on goal by Willsy was saved by the keeper who could only clear it to Kerri’s stick, a quick look up and pass saw Willsy free, who put the ball away for, if the celebration was anything to go by, her first goal.. ever.

With only about 10mins to go this 3rd goal was to see Broxbourne secure a well-deserved win of the first game of the season.

Although coach Matt felt he was the deserved winner, player of the match actually went to Meg after a truly commendable performance as left back, who never stopped running for the entire game and gave her absolute all. Donkey went to Kerri who foolishly took Gemma’s laundry advice and paid the consequences.