Moist air and eyes surrounded the team as they assembled in Stevenage for the next round of the Herts County Cup and a minute of silence before kick-off was observed in tribute to dear Malcolm, who will long be missed from our touchline.
Eleven a side was the format on a pitch that was a little undersized for the number of players, making for a compacted game in slippy conditions. However it clearly suited the girls, who all contributed to an excellent team performance. A strong opening from the visitors and the first goal came after five minutes, Inka firing home from a pass from Scarlett. Stevenage battled back but the four player backline of Louise, Tyler, Emily and Lauren were equal to everything, putting in fine tackles, Skye only occasionally called into action to make a save.
Midway through the half and Elly and Faye replaced Simi and Abigail, just in time to be part of the team's next score, Scarlett shooting home from the edge of the area. Abby was providing width on the right and good passing was stretching the play as much as possible, allowing the fleet footed winger to send in a series of good crosses. Goal three though came from a set piece, Emily's corner finding Tia who passed to Scarlett who picked up her second of the game.
Half time and Simi now came back on for Abby on the wing making some threatening runs throughout the half. After further chances fell to the blues, Skye pulled off a great save to deny Stevenage who were not completely stifled from the game, their occasional breaks keeping things competitive. Lauren and Tia were replaced by Abby and Abigail as the game went into the final quarter and time for a peach from Inka, cutting in from the wing and picking her spot in the corner. Stevenage didn't give up and earned a corner shortly after, then sent in a strike that though Skye got a hand to, couldn't keep out. 4-1 to the visitors.
Into the closing minutes and Scarlett looked to complete her hat-trick after a great midfield display. She hit the post with one attempt but finally got her third and the team's fifth with a classy finish from a pass from Abby, following Inka's corner.
Result: Won 1-5
Team: Skye, Louise, Tyler, Emily, Lauren, Simi, Abigail, Scarlett, Inka, Abby, Tia
Subs: Faye, Elly
Scorers: Inka (2), Scarlett (3)
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