The clean sheet is broken, but Broxbourne will come back fighting

By Megan Boxall

Nothing is more gladiatorial than a ‘top of the table’ clash early in the season. The winner cements their place as the team to beat, the loser tumbles down the ranks to sit alongside rivals which have lost one out of their first three matches.

It was therefore with enormous determination that Broxbourne battled around the M25 to take on Bromley and Beckenham – the team sitting just below them in the league table.

We felt prepared. Tuesday had seen us taken on the men’s 3s in training, Finch had spent the week swotting up on the opposition and Gemma had organised the journey like a pro.

But it was clear from the start that ‘Brom Becks’ were a class above our previous opponents; moving the ball around at pace and protecting their goal fiercely. Even with our valiant defending and superb keeping from Freya Green, they managed to slot in two goals in the first half hour.

The Badgers were, however, not going down without a fight. Picking off some of their fastest players, stringing together strong passes and battling hard for loose balls. And finally, just before half time, our opportunity came. A short corner, slipped right to Becky Watkins was hammered into the left corner. The keeper didn’t stand a chance. 2-1 half time.

The second half was dominated by the Badgers. And, though not wearing any fancy tracking devices (like they do in international rugby), I can say with confidence that we had more possession. But alas, that possession wasn’t to be converted to points. The score remained at 2-1.

A disappointing end to our clean sheet, but the badgers can hold their heads up high at a battle well fought. Now third on the league table, we are going to spend the next four months smashing balls at the goal (not in anger, but in practice), ready for a home re-match on 13 January.