U14 Girls v Watford Ladies (away), League Cup - 1.10.11

Watford Ladies' ground had a sub-contintental feel as both teams arrived across a carpet of sparkling, dew-drenched grass to a pitch bathed in golden sunshine, the surrounding mature trees ringing to the calls of ring-necked parakeets, the temperature already touching the 20s by the 10 o'clock kick-off time. Beautiful as the indian summer conditions were, they were tough to play in on a big pitch, but the Stortford girls were wily enough to make the ball do the work, passing to team mates in space and moving the ball easily across the park. A few minutes in and the ball was passed back to Simi, supporting an attack from right back. Her dangerous high cross into the area was too much for the defence to deal with as they sought to beat attackers to the ball and it was knocked over the line from a home team foot. 1-0 to the visitors.

The visitors second goal was of great quality, the ball moving swiftly between Inka and Scarlett before being spread out wide to Abby. Her cross picked out Inka who laid off to Scarlett - her ferocious goal bound shot was blocked by a brave defender, but Abigail pounced and knocked home the rebound, 2-0.

It was Faye's turn now to get in on the action after her solid start at left back. Picking the ball up in midfield she played a neat one-two with Scarlett and slammed home for her third goal of the season.

Stortford's midfield pair combined well again for the team's fourth, Inka carrying forward, exchanging passes with Scarlett and then picking her spot high into the net.

A change in personnel brought Ellie-Mae on for Tyler in central defence and Simi on for Abby in midfield as Bishop's Stortford maintained their control of proceedings. Simi made an early impact with a slippery run down the right that earned a corner. Skye stepped up to take it, released from keeping duties for the second half, her cross slipping unmolested over the line for a goal. Not bad for a first touch! 5-0 to the visitors.

The final score fell to Tia, whose tireless running upfront deserved reward, as she touched home a powerful shot from Ellie-Mae who had picked up the ball in midfield and charged in to unleash another powerful strike.

By the end the heat had risen high in the glass and hot, tired bodies ambled back to the cars, another win under the belt and a step forward into the next round of the League Cup

Result: won 0-6
Scorers: OG, Faye, Inka, Abigail, Skye, Tia
Team: Skye, Simi, Ellie-Mae, Emily (c), Tyler, Scarlett, Inka, Elly, Hannah, Abby, Abigail
Subs: Tia, Faye