The home team played downhill in the first-half and after early exchanges progressed to a throw-in deep into the left-hand corner. Quick movement from players then Abigail threw the ball in to Inka just inside the area who took a shove in the back as she received the ball. A foul anywhere on the pitch, the referee pointed to the penalty spot, a good decision that a few may not have made, but one that set a tone of discipline in this potentially fiesty fixture. Inka took the spot kick and stroked the ball to the right of the goal, the keeper's left hand getting a touch but failing to keep it out. 1-0 to Bishop's Stortford.
A shock start then for Cambridge, but their determination didn't dip, matched equally by the desire and skill of Stortford, girded by their early advantage. In other games, both teams can command possession and set their own tempo to a game, working to make their openings. Against each other, each moment is wrapped in competition, each player closeted quickly, fast thinking, quick passing and total concentration pre-requisite. The visitors sought parity, Emily and Skye preventing an immediate response, Scarlett and Ellie-Mae combining to stifle a second, but the third attempt brought success, Lucy Holder smashing a powerful shot from distance that looped over Skye's head to put the white shirts of Cambridge back on level terms. Another attack was saved by Skye before the light blues started to impose themselves on Cambridge's defences, Scarlett having a shot defended for a corner and Louise seeing another saved.
A foul in midfield gave Emily the opportunity to test the Cambridge keeper from distance. She was equal to the task and watched another attempt shortly after from Abigail find the side-netting of her goal. Attempts by each team threatened, three shots from Cambridge well saved or wide, two from Scarlett and Ellie-Mae equally unable to make their mark.
A tactical switch from the home team now, attempting to ask different questions, Ellie-Mae now taking over from Tia in leading the line, Simi slotting into defence. Abigail and Ellie-Mae linked up immediately and built an attack, at first defended, then intercepted by Emily who found Inka in the box. A jink and a sliver from Inka was followed by a studied left foot shot that slid the ball home. 25 minutes in and the score now 2-1 to Stortford.
Again Cambridge responded, Skye called upon to produce her finest work, first she dealt with a looping shot from distance, then made a flying save to her right and finally before the break a tip round her left hand post to keep the lead intact.
Up the hill in the second-half but a bright opening from the Bishop's Stortford girls, Ellie-Mae surging forward, Scarlett linking with Inka and having a shot saved. Emily and Tyler were called into action, Simi too defending well, meeting her challenges and passing well to Abigail out of defence. A half moment of indecision cost dear though as a Cambridge throw-in presented problems and a shot found the net. Scores level and all to play for. Ellie-Mae again surged through from half-way but to no avail, Scarlett had another shot saved, Simi broke up another dangerous attack, this was end to end stuff. A change now, Abby adding fresh legs and whilst Abigail took a rest.
Gravity in their favour, Cambridge kept pressing, eager to put to rest memories of their last visit to Freidberg. Emily cleared off the line in some desperate defending, but another chance fell to the visitors and they took the lead for the first time, fifteen minutes still on the match clock. Lauren took over from Simi and then Faye for Tyler, the team re-assembled into 3-3-2 to try and find an equaliser. Cambridge took advantage of the lesser defensive numbers, fine tackles from Lauren and Ellie-Mae and a save from Skye equal to the challenge. Ellie-Mae retired through injury, Abigail replacing her. Long balls out of defence now, Faye and Inka seeking that moment of inspiration to salvage the result, the die-ing minutes frantic and exciting. No moment came though, the final whistle bringing another thrilling match to a close, Cambridge rightly jubilant at the result, but thankfully no dark faces from Stortford as each should be justly proud of their performances and effort levels.
There is so little to choose between these teams - to my eye Bishop's Stortford just have the edge on skill and play the nicer football, clean passing and well worked opportunites their forte, Cambridge perhaps a slightly more physical and direct proposition, though these are generalisations, both teams sprinkled with talent and passion. Honours to Cambridge this time, but enough seen to know that our two other likely clashes with them in league and cup will produce more fantastic entertainment and every likelihood of different outcomes than this one.
Team: Skye, Louise, Emily (c), Ellie-Mae, Tyler, Scarlett, Inka, Abigail, Tia
Subs: Simi, Abby, Lauren, Faye
Scorers: Inka (2)
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