A heptad of goals sees the badgers leap to the top of the table
Broxbourne 1XI 7:0 Folkestone 1XI
By Megan Boxall
Coming from a jubilant first game at Holcombe, Broxbourne felt confident about taking on their foes from the south coast at home. The team sheet was filled to capacity, the spectators vocal and coach Matt had a plan.
Folkestone’s lurid pink socks did their best to distract, but the badgers quickly got into their stride. The first opportunity arose when Gemma Wilkinson was floored just outside of the D (and used her high level playing experience to ensure a short corner was awarded) and Philippa Evans cruised her drag flick past the keeper.
More dominance was rewarded with another short corner and Tuesday’s training proved its worth when Abi Barrett's deflection found the top corner. Two from two corners and the badgers were on a roll with Charlotte Skipp adding to the score sheet within the first half hour.
With Lisa Banahan and Wilkinson proving impossible to pass on the left, Folkestone were getting frustrated, but got a break from a dubious short corner that Evans was quick to dispute with the umpire, however she was not for turning. But the ever-reliable Freya Green held her own to keep a clean sheet as the half time whistle blew.
The second half started slower and for a long time it looked as though 3-0 was all the badgers could manage. Then a silky finish from Em Wilkins reignited the momentum. Folkestone’s heads went down and the badgers capitalised. Laura Wills and Becky Watkins both found the backboard and then won yet another short as the final whistle blew.
With the whole team fighting for a place on the score sheet, it was Watkins who stole the last touch and with it, the season’s second donkey nomination. Pip’s performance made her a worthy player of the match.
The evening was spent on a 7-0 high and with coach Matt Mcdonnell promising a shot of Sambuca for an unbeaten season, the determination to keep the quality up is high. Bring on a training game against the men’s 3s on Tuesday before a top of the table clash with Brom and Becks next weekend.