Bishop's Stortford's opening was as bright as the warm April sunshine that bathed the pitch, Ellie-Mae planting a shot powerfully into the side-netting after she was found wide on the right and ran menacingly goal-wards. It was the team's other wide player however who found the net first today, good build up play releasing Abigail who finished with her usual clinical touch.
Peterborough made their first steps forward now, but good defensive work on our left flank from Abigail, Simi and Emily shepherded the ball behind for a corner that was dealt with comfortably.
A series of four throw-ins marched the bibbed blues down the wing before Ellie-Mae was released on the right, her run well defended behind for a corner. Ellie-Mae took the kick and sent a beautifully weighted ball into the goalmouth where Scarlett awaited, her forehead sending the ball into the net for a two-nil lead. Another lovely move followed, Scarlett heading out to Ellie-Mae who carried and crossed to Inka who fought hard to get a shot in - well saved by the keeper. POSH brought Emily and Skye into action, a through ball passed back for a long clearance, but a nicely built build up and sharp passing presented the home team with a finishing opportunity shortly afterwards which they duly took. 2-1 to the visitors. More good passing football and a fine combination with Tia put Inka in for a shot narrowly wide, whilst at the other end Tyler covered her captain put in a fine challenge to deny POSH a shooting opportunity. First substitutions were now made, Faye on for Inka, Abby for Ellie-Mae and Stortford pushed for another score. Scarlett was working like a trojan in the middle, coming back to help the defence and pushing the team forward with her neat turns and passing. She earned a corner, served in by Emily and got a head to it which the goalkeeper parried out. Scarlett picked up the ball and had another go, again well saved by the keeper. Tenacious work by Faye harried to get the ball back and once won, it was back into the danger area, Tia on hand to loop the ball over the keeper and into the net. 3-1 now to Bishop's Stortford. Tia now made way for a returning Ellie-Mae who took up station on the left this time, Abigail now joining Faye up front. An immediate impact again from the pacey winger with a threatening run that earned another corner. No joy from that and a break from the goalkick, well defended by Simi who continued to shine whenever the ball was at her feet, working in good partnership with Emily inside and her winger in front. Another attacking move, Stortford with the bit firmly between their teeth. Emily passed neatly to Abby, then Abby and Scarlett combining well to set up a cross. It was Ellie-Mae though who picked up the team's fourth goal, another run on the wing and venomous strike from distance that the keeper let through her grasp. 4-1 at the half-time break.
An altogether quiter second half, though good football from both sides. Emily and Abigail took a break, Tia and Inka returning. Tia was quickly harrassing the Peterborough defence at every opportunity and Stortford were again making their opportunities with fine passing football, moving the ball about to create space and retain possession, all confident in each other's ability to look after the ball. Abby had a shot saved, Skye denied POSH, Scarlett a strike from long range, Simi defending for a corner. Tit for tat stuff in this entertaining game of football. Skye was again called into action and another of her booming clearances caused problems for the opposition. Back and forth the game continued, further saves required, great defending and more chances for all and sundry. No goals though and two super teams shook hands at the final whistle, respectful of each other's skill. Our girls though never really looked in great difficulty, such is their team work and talent and another good performance can be notched up on this year's scorecard. A bonus on our return home too - Cambridge's postponed game against Huntingdon meant we went to the top of the league table on goal difference with a game in hand.
Another game to look forward to tomorrow as we pitch ourselves against the best of Suffolk before we return to league actio
Oh yes, and a jelly baby prize to the first that works out what this week's photo is all about and why I used it (and it's nothing to do with science, Faye!).
Result: won 1-4
Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Tyler, Abigail, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Inka, Tia
Subs: Faye, Abby
Scorers: Abigail, Tia, Ellie-Mae, Scarlett
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