Under 13 Girls v Burwell Tigers (away) - League 23.4.11

The Burwell Recreation Ground was almost deserted as the Stortford girls started to arrive, hot sun and no other games going on giving a suggestion that we were in the wrong place or perhaps, the wrong season. The feeling was further compounded as mini-soccer goals were assembled on a smaller pitch, causing a few questions amongst girls and parents, but the girls were encouraged to play to the conditions, the game commenced.
The early minutes were negotiated with the team passing well and looking to reset their range finders to the smaller target, Ellie-Mae as threatening as ever on the wing. On another day she would have had a hat-trick almost in the first 10 minutes such were her the ferocity of her strikes, but today they crept passed post and upright with regularity. Inka had an early run and shot and Abby was having fun on her wing, play encouraged wide to make space to get close to the goal. Inka profited on five minutes, picking up the ball in the last third and then sliding it home from close range to put the blues in front. 
Abby had another run on the right, neat ball control getting her in position to cross, Abigail picking it up and shooting narrowly wide. This good play was immediately followed by the second goal, Scarlett's slide rule pass picking out Inka's run, the finish as good as the pass.

The game was being played almost exclusively in the Burwell half, Stortford's back line of three sitting on the half way line, always ready to intercept trouble or provide a pass option to the midfield. Simi intercepted well, then Louise and Ellie-Mae combined neatly to produce a chance for Scarlett that slipped wide of the under-sized goal. Poor Scarlett had two further unsuccessful attempts in quick succession as she sought to hone her shooting on to the target. Help and encouragement rang out from the touchline - "it's the big white thing!" - a smile was enough of a reply for now, the full riposte followed in the second half. Time for some changes, Tia on for Inka, Abby and Ellie-Mae switching wings, then a mid-half lull in the proceedings as Burwell had a major shift round in personnel. The blues got back into the swing quickly, dominating the midfield, creating a couple of chances for Abby and Abigail, then earning further corners, Simi going close from one. Louise was called upon defensively and completed her task, Skye tidying up behind. The resulting play produced another goal, Skye's huge kick descending on a defender. Tia closed in quickly and slipped the ball deftly by the advancing keeper for the team's third. 

They were in full flow now, Ellie-Mae slaloming through the defence, Scarlett surging forward, sharp passes producing regular opportunities. Abigail just failed to turn home a cross from Scarlett, Ellie putting Tia in who shot wide, the pressure on the Burwell goal was constant. Inka replaced Scarlett in central midfield and watched as Ellie-Mae had a goal disallowed. Abigail had a left foot shot saved from Inka's neat pass as the control continued, demonstrated beautifully just before the break. A second corner in quick succession from Ellie-Mae picked out Louise deep in space who passed on to Inka. Head up, she played the ball through to Tia who just beat the goalkeeper to the ball and sent it home for a comfortable 4-0 half-time lead.
Changes for the second period saw Ellie-Mae take a rest, Louise pull on the gloves and Skye take up station on the left flank.

The game's pattern continued, Abigail putting in an early cross that failed to get a touch, Scarlett powering just over the bar and a Burwell attack stopped before it got anywhere by Emily. A pass out to Skye kept the ball moving, her pass finding Abigail whose shot was saved for a corner. Skye sent the ball in and Inka met it powerfully with a strong header that grazed the cross-bar. The front two were working beautifully in partnership, feeding each other with short passes and making runs into space. At their back was the ever-sharp Scarlett, always closing down the ball and then spreading play. She put past misses out of her mind 6 minutes into the half, picking up a goal kick and weaving through the pink shirts to plant the ball in the net. 5-0 to the visitors.

With the home team tiring, Bishop's Stortford turned on the style, Inka trying a lob shot over the keeper that just sailed wide. The combination play was a joy to see, the ball moving from side to side, back and forth, Emily orchestrating things well. The next significant move saw the captain pick out Skye on the left who carried, then pulled the ball back to Scarlett who struck low, hard and handsome through the crowded box for her second. Tia completed her hat-trick a minute later, slipping through the middle and slotting home, before a change a made at centre-back, Ellie-Mae replacing Emily at the heart of the defence. Scarlett hit the cross bar a moment later, but wasn't to be denied her own third, winning the ball with a header then controlling and running in, planting the ball firmly home for the team's eighth goal of the game.

The deluge continued, Tia trying a cheeky back heel then Inka striking a shot that was deflected out for a corner. Inka was more fortunate a couple of minutes later, securing a third goal for herself when she streaked through the defensive line and finished with great aplomb. Another change of Stortford goalkeeper saw Emily take on the gloves and had to be careful she didn't bang her head on the low cross-bar. Skye had a run and shot, defended for a corner and Abigail put a strike just over the bar as the team sought a double figure score. Louise on for Abby now up front, Burwell hanging on, desperate in defence, but they couldn't prevent another score, this time Scarlett putting Inka through, her finishing as hot as ever as she picked up her fourth goal of the match to make it 10-0. Corner after corner followed in the closing minutes, Ellie-Mae and Skye sending in dangerous balls. Louise and Tia passed neatly in the heart of the defence, both having attempts saved on the line and the game finished as it started, Ellie-Mae just skimming the cross-bar as the final whistle rang out across the peaceful playing fields.

With all the team in sharp form we are in great shape for the final season run-in and the pleasant distraction of the Butlin's Bognor tournament next weekend. Many thanks to Guy for the photos. A link to the full set will follow shortly.

Result: won 0-10

Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Louise, Abby, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Inka, Abigail

Subs: Tia

Scorers: Inka (4), Tia (3), Scarlett (3)

Under 13 Girls v Priory Parkside (home) - League 16.4.11

After extensive pre-match litter picking, nets were up and corner flags in - the pitch was ready for our 19th league game of the season and the arrival of Priory Parkside. The girls kicked off up the hill on the hard Freidberg Avenue surface and it was quickly apparent that the energetic pressing by Priory combined with the difficulty of getting the ball down and under control on the bouncy surface were going to make for a different sort of challenge. 
The early minutes were all Stortford. Ellie-Mae took up station on the right and caused an early gasp from the visiting supporters when she received a pass from Abigail and streaked up the line, planting a thundering strike just over the bar from a typically tight angle. The blues continued to press, Inka shot wide and Faye and Abigail worked a nice 1-2, the attempt again going wide of the post.
Skye and Emily cleared up a couple of Priory attempts - an early substitution required whilst Inka recovered from a knock to the face, with Abby taking her position up-front, Faye and Ellie-Mae switching flanks as the blues sought a goal.
Ellie-Mae put in a lovely cross that evaded a connection and had further long range efforts as the pressure was piled on, Tia herself going close with a run and shot from distance that went over the bar and Simi set up another attack after dispossessing a Priory attacker.
Two thirds of the first half gone and no girl - the touchline was getting jumpy, two changes to mix things up, Inka back on for Faye, Simi replaced by Tyler who was almost immediately called into action, shadowing a pacey Priory break and restricting the striker's shooting options, Skye coping admirably when the shot came. Tyler was also involved in the goal that broke the deadlock, her throw-in picking out Abby, who passed on to Tia. She slipped into the box and pulled the ball across to Inka who picked her spot and billowed the net, 1-0 to the blues.
An extra spring in the home team's step now and Emily surged forward from the back. She and Tyler combined well then released Ellie-Mae again on another run that earned a corner. More pressure, another corner but Bishop's Stortford couldn't find another goal before the break.
Simi and Faye came back on for Louise and Abby when the game recommenced, Stortford now attacking the bottom end. Priory Parkside managed an early shot over the bar, Abigail replying with a looping shot saved by the keeper. The pattern repeated, Priory shooting high then Abigail across the goal with no connection. Inka went wide, Parkside stifled by Emily - back and forth the game flowed. A string of chances now for Stortford, good play putting Ellie in on a run that produced a corner. Emily shot wide and Tia fired on the run, well saved by their goalkeeper. A corner from Ellie-Mae produced another chance for Abigail that went wide, Tyler called to defend well a moment later, before Inka sent a long range shot just off target. Ellie-Mae and Faye off now for the returning Abby and Louise on either wing. Bishop's Stortford applied the turn-screw again and after some excellent build up work Abigail produced a fine and powerful strike from outside the penalty area high into the goal. Another entry added to her season's tally, Abigail retired now, Ellie-Mae again into the attack and quickly launching run range efforts at the Priory goal. Tyler and Abby worked some nice interplay, as did Ellie-Mae and Inka with further attempts rising over the bar.
Priory made a late rally, eager to take something from the game but Tyler then Emily and Skye worked hard to maintain another clean sheet, all called to action and not found wanting. In the closing minutes Faye had a shot saved and Inka again threatened the cross bar, before jinking across the front of the box and picking her spot to bring the scoring to a close, the final whistle calling the end to the game. 
'Only' three goals, but plenty of attempts in another convincing performance that extended Bishop's Stortford's lead at the top of the table to three clear points.

Result: won 3-0

Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Louise, Faye, Abigail, Ellie-Mae, Inka, Tia

Subs: Tyler, Abby

Scorers: Inka (2), Abigail

Under 13 Girls v POSH Girls (away) - League 9.4.11

'4-1 win, no drama!' was the text message sent out to those not with us on the way home on Saturday which pretty much summed up an extremely professional performance from all the girls. POSH are a fine footballing side, with girls who possess individual skill and an understanding of how to play together. It is to the team's credit then that they coped with them so comfortably, quickly putting to bed any thoughts that the Peterborough Girls might have had of a repeat of the tense game last December. That they did it with even greater skill and team-work than the home team is a great tribute to our girls.
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

Under 13 Girls v Newmarket Town (home) - League 2.4.11

 Newmarket Town visited Freidberg Avenue for the first game of April this season and the girls opened in a style that spared no prisoners. Abgail was the first to get a shot away, going close after a nice build up. Next up Emily released Ellie-Mae on the right who forced a corner from her opening run. She delivered the corner beautifully onto Tia's head whose attempt was just an inch or two high. Another ball forward from Emily was blocked with an arm, leaving Emily to open the scoring with a deftly chipped free kick that took range into account, placing it just above the keepers head.
The great form continued, Inka finding Tia with a terrific pass that put Tia through, earning a corner. Ellie-Mae again delivered, but this time Tia headed home to make it two nil to the Blues.
Good defensive work was keeping Newmarket at bay, long balls dealt with comfortably by Skye who scampered out to make booming clearances, or Simi, Tyler or Emily holding their ground or crunching in with tackles.
Time to rotate the playing personnel, Inka and Ellie-Mae making way for Abby and Louise. Simi had a shot saved and Scarlett and Louise quickly getting into a nice passing rhythm, Louise running a lovely overlap that earned Stortford a corner. This was scrambled away for a throw-in which nearly produced a goal for Abby, her looping shot hitting the cross bar.
Ellie-Mae came on for Emily and was soon watching Scarlett making a silky run through the Newmarket team, only to see her shot rise just over the bar. Tia had a shot that followed the same trajectory before turnging provider just before half-time when great passing football eventually saw her find Abigail who smashed home with great composure. 
Half-time changes - Faye, Elly and Inka on for Tia, Louise and Scarlett.
Newmarket were stifled in an early passage of play by Tyler, who then released Faye. Her run took her into the box where a nice pass gave Abigail a chance that went wide. Faye continued her good play with a lovely cross into the box that could only be fumbled behind, though no joy from the corner for the Blues. Louise on for Tyler now who looped a lovely ball into the box a couple of minutes later that was headed away. She was again in the action, breaking up a Newmarket attack, though Skye was called into action to repell another chance a little later. A change of central defender now, Ellie-Mae retiring for Emily to return and the fourth goal greeted the change, Abby breaking away with a great solo run and finish through the keepers legs. 
Another great passing move followed five minutes later, this time Tia finding Inka with the final pass who stroked the ball home for the team's fifth. The last change before the end came when Ellie-Mae replaced Simi who had had another excellent game, before Scarlett capped off another terrific performance in centre-midfield with a stunning strike from 12 yards that flew high into the net for the last goal, again on the back of great passing football. 
A six nil win with 6 different scorers is impressive at any time and with the U13s meeting Newmarket Town again this season in the league cup final on 14th May, a psychological marker has been put down.

Another great job girls - on to the next.

Result: won 6-0

Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Tyler, Abigail, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Inka, Tia

Subs: Faye, Louise, Abby, Elly

Scorers: Emily, Tia, Abigail, Abby, Inka, Scarlett

Under 13 Girls v Huntingdon Rowdies (away) - League 26.3.11

The wide open spaces of Huntingdon Town FC's Jubilee Park ground, home of the Rowdies had a chill wind blowing across it as the girls kicked off, visiting supporters outnumbering the home team fans on the touchline. The large pitch gave both teams plenty of space to play their football and it was the home team, clad in green and white hoops that made the first attack of significance, earning themselves a corner. However Bishop's Stortford soon took control of the game and scored their first goal after 4 minutes, Emily's free kick falling to Scarlett, her shot deflecting to Abigail who smashed the ball home. Tia nearly added a second after she intercepted a goal kick but could only earn a corner. Good defending from Louise followed as she shadowed away danger when Huntingdon broke from defence and could only shoot wide.
Ellie-Mae was finding her stride on the right and skinned another opposition defender, the latest in a long line this season, before seeing her cross well saved. Scarlett continued the bombardment of the Huntingdon goal with another shot, but the second goal came quickly afterwards, Stortford moving the ball across their backline before threading the ball forward and through to Tia. The league's leading goal-scorer burst through, holding off the strong attentions of defenders and picked her spot to beat the keeper low and in the corner. Inka was brought into rare action between the posts from a Huntingdon free kick, saving comfortably. Ellie-Mae had made another run down the right a couple of minutes later, this time her shot going narrowly wide. Skye on the other flank put a strong shot on target, the goalkeeper's fumble nearly snaffled by the arriving Tia in rampart form.
Fifteen minutes in and Faye came on for Abigail up front and the blues high tempo continued. Third time lucky for Ellie-Mae, this time her run and shot beat the keeper at the near post with a shot from a tight angle to take the score to 3-0. A change of goalkeepers now, Inka retreating to warm-up on the touchline whilst Abigail took the gloves. Two more attacks down the right, Ellie-Mae again and then a great run and cross from Tia, before two more changes, Tia and Tyler retiring to make ways for Inka and Simi. The blues tried their luck down the left now, Skye shooting at first from long range and then putting in a good cross following a pass into space from Scarlett. As the time ticked on to half-time, play remained in the Rowdies half, corners on the left and right from Ellie-Mae and Skye raining in on the box. Just before the break Skye sent another corner in which was blocked and returned to her. Her shot again was blocked but fell to Inka whose deflected shot was finally knocked home (with her left foot) by the sharp reacting Faye. 4-0 at the break.
Changes for the start of the second period - Skye headed south to the theatre and was replaced by Elly on the left, Louise taking over from Abigail in goal and Tyler returning to the defensive line. Huntingdon's resistance was struggling to keep Stortford's attacks away from their box, EllieMae having a cross saved by the keeper, Inka a shot saved and Faye robbing a defender only for her shot to be saved - the Rowdies keeper was doing her team proud. Another cross from Ellie-Mae was met by Inka's glancing header that just passed the post, further chances either saved or slipping past the target. The blues were in a fine rhythm now, Elly combining beautifully with Faye on the left in one move, Scarlett and Ellie-Mae in another. As usual, the successful forward play relied heavily on the solidity and passing of the defence and midfield, Simi playing a blinder throughout the second half, winning tackles, losing her marker and setting up attacks, Tyler solid in support of Ellie-Mae on the right, Emily controlling the centre and Scarlett linking everything together. Word of four-legged bonuses for hat-tricks finally reached the manager's ear, news of which had Ellie-Mae pulling on a goalie shirt to relieve Louise in goal. The second half deadlock was finally broken not by the puppy-pursuer, but when Emily picked up the ball and strode forward into space from her half and then slipped the ball on to Inka who found the net to make it 5-0 to the visitors. The breach was now broken and two more goals came in the next five minutes. A solo effort from Inka, skipping through and finishing sweetly brought up the team's sixth. The seventh brought hope of hound heaven when Louise received a pass from Abigail, spun and found the net. Alas no more chances fell to Louise, but team play was terrific as the game headed to its close, full of guile, vision and quality. Time just enough for Inka to cap off a fine move with a good shot that brought up her hat-trick before the ref called an end to proceedings. Stortford had another fine win in the bag and took a breather on the touchline, little knowing that heroics from Histon a few miles away across the county was opening the league title race wide open with a win against Cambridge.
Six league games, a south coast tour and a cup final await in the exciting last weeks of the season and the team remains in fantastic form. Next week a home fixture against our cup final rivals provides the challenge. Another great job girls - on to the next.

Result: won 0-8

Team: Inka, Louise, Emily (c), Tyler, Skye, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Abigail, Tia

Subs: Faye, Simi, Elly

Scorers: Abigail, Tia, Ellie-Mae, Faye, Inka (3), Louise

Under 13 Girls v Hormead Hares (home), League - 19.3.11

The U13 Girls secured another magnificent 7-0 win, this time at home to local visitors Hormead Hares, playing beautiful football throughout. Tia Dye, Scarlett Archer and Faye Gallaway each scored two, with Abigail Stevens completing the goal count.
Hormead hardly had a touch in the opening minutes, the ball being spread and passed across the park, great control by all in working the openings. Anastasia, Hormead's deluged keeper, made a strong start herself, Abigail had a shot from distance saved, Ellie-Mae two of her own, Scarlett looped one over the bar in the six yard box and a corner from Ellie-Mae came back to her to send powerfully goalwards, but without success. The next attempt however was successful - Scarlett shooting from distance and Tia pouncing on the rebound to tuck home the opener.
Scarlett had two more shots in quick succession, the first high and wide, the second on a run after good switching play between Ellie-Mae and Abigail, well saved by the goalie. Faye made way for Simi, just arriving to see Scarlett get her goal, Tia jumping over a strong shot from the edge of the box, to take the lead to two.
Simi made a neat turn to let loose her own attempt, again well saved before Hormead had their first meaningful surge into the Stortford half, Skye saving nicely. She pushed another attempt round the post as the Hares had a bright few minutes.
At the other end chances continued to come. A great run by Inka produced a ball across the goal, Tia mistiming her attempt - Scarlett had another lofted attempt and great work by Simi sent Tia through who just went wide. Simi nearly finished off Emily's corner a minute later and worked a move beautifully with Scarlett as she revelled in her run out in midfield, but it was a different combination that took the score to 3-0, Emily launching a shot that couldn't be contained, Tia again on hand to poke home the loose ball for her second.
Half time, Abigail and Louise making way for Tyler and Faye. Stortford were straight back into their rhythm, Simi going close again on two occasions, Faye having another chance, Simi again just shooting wide. The variety of play showed Stortford's control of the game, Emily launching one long range shot, inter-passing producing a chance for Louise who grazed the cross bar. It was Louise who set up the fourth though, picking out Abigail, Scarlett picking up the team's next a minute later to make it 5-0.
The commanding play continued, Skye and the back line having one of their lightest defensive work-outs in a few weeks, instead providing an outlet ball for the midfielders to work from. Into the last five minutes and Faye got in on the goal-scoring act, her first coming from a lovely long pass from Tyler that released to run in and finish, the second poking home a loose ball in a goalmouth scramble.
So, 7-0 at the end and Hormead grateful the score-line wasn't higher, Stortford in the finest of form and clearly eager to dominate teams as the run in begins to the end of the season.

Result: won 7-0

Team: Skye, Louise, Emily (c), Tyler, Abigail, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Faye, Tia

Subs: Simi

Scorers:Tia (2), Scarlett (2), Faye (2), Abigail

Under 13s v Histon Hornets (away), League - 12.3.11

It was a joy to be out and about early in Cambridgeshire on a beautiful spring morning, a flat and wide pitch awaiting our arrival at Histon's home ground. What was on paper easier opposition after our cup semi-final victory against Cambridge, prompted thoughts of an expansive passing game from the blues, however an effective Histon defensive set up, smaller goals and some interesting off-side decisions made for much harder going in the early stages. Stortford made a positive start - Simi had an early run and shot saved, good passing between Abigail and Tia produced an opportunity for Faye and Ellie-Mae sent in a stinger from the right, but no goal came from the visitors in the opening minutes. Emily speculated from distance and Faye put in a cross that just missed a final touch before Histon had a meaningful attack, beating the high defensive line, though Skye saved the resulting shot well. The game became a constant puzzle, the play compressed into the middle of the pitch by both teams pushing their defence out. Little space for passing resulted and a releasing ball became difficult to find or, when it came, the attack was pulled back for off-side.

Fifteen minutes in and it was time to ring some changes to see if the deadlock could be broken, Abigail and Ellie-Mae now into midfield and Louise and Tyler into defence. The change produced a quick result when Emily found Abigail bursting through on the left, who blasted her shot home to relieve the frustration of the players and put Stortford into the lead.

Aim.....FIRE..... 1-0 to Stortford

The relief of having the lead added at a little more vigour to Bishop's Stortford's play, as always built on the team's strong and secure defences. Louise, Emily and Tyler cleared up the ball at the back and looked to feed and support the midfield.

A couple of corners from Ellie-Mae caused problems in addition to a looping ball into the box that was headed narrowly wide by Abigail. Simi created a chance for herself with some nice skills, well saved by the Histon keeper and nearly closed the half with another goal when she just failed to find the net from Ellie-Mae's run and cross from the right.

Into the second half and a little more urgency was asked for from the girls. Skye, Abigail and Elly took a break with Faye, Abby and Tia returning. Immediate pressure from the visitors nearly produced a goal from Louise when she picked up a clearance and sent it back in, only just denied by the Histon keeper. Tia was denied the team's second goal when she sent a through ball from Faye onto the post. Abby's tenacity on the wing nearly brought reward as did Inka and Faye's combined work in the box. In the end it was Tia who unpicked the defence, pouncing on a loose ball and slotting home to finally extend the lead with a fine finish.

Tia streaks through to score

Player rotations continued, with goalkeeping duties in particular being shared around the team. Emily had taken her turn and now Abigail donned the gloves, Skye replacing Louise on the left side of defence. The tide now in their favour, dominance increasing, Stortford were playing with a little more style. Ellie-Mae, from her position at the centre of defence, saw an opportunity to break as space opened in front of her from half-way. As unstoppable as ever, she surged forward into the Histon half and on to the edge of the box, striking the ball clean and true to score her fourteenth goal of the season and the team's third of the day.

"Abby!!!!!"

Into the final quarter the dominance continued. Tyler was called on to make a couple of excellent tackles but the majority of the play was in the Histon half. Chances came from a couple of well flighted corners from Skye but it was the returning Ellie-Mae who provided the corner delivery that brought the fourth goal, Inka meeting it sweetly and accurately for a fine headed goal.

Inka's powerful header finds the net

Tyler now took over the keeper's gloves, relieving Abigail who had been called into sharp action only once, equal to a rare chance for Histon with a fine parry save a few minutes earlier.

Abby had a break in the closing couple of minutes that earned a corner, Simi nearly finding a fifth from the resulting corner but at the final whistle the blues had added no further goals. This had been a bit of a funny game. Lots of substitutions undoubtedly broke up the flow of the game as did regular off-side flags, but it was good to feel warm sun of the face and come away with another win secured.

Result: won 0-4

Team: Skye, Ellie-Mae, Emily (c), Abigail, Inka, Faye, Simi, Abby, Tia

Subs: Louise, Elly, Tyler

Scorers: Abgail, Tia, Ellie-Mae, Inka

Many thanks to Guy for taking the pictures.

Under 13s v Huntingdon Rowdies (home), League - 26.2.11

The day

A few days of rain in the run up to the game had taken their toll on the pitch, the lower half especially slippy with puddles in both goalmouths. Spitting rain showers passed through on a brisk wind though nothing compared to last week at Newmarket.

The goals and substitutions

Starting line up: Skye (gk), Tyler, Emily, Simi, Abby, Scarlett, Faye, Abigail, Tia

Inka on for Scarlett

1-0 - Rowdies goal kick out to Tyler who finds Tia. Great finish.

2-0 - Tia earns a corner. Emily sends it in and Abigail puts the ball home.

Elly on for Faye

3-0 - A goal disallowed for offside a moment earlier, Tia picks up the ball, surges forward and calmly beats the keeper.

Scarlett on for Tia

4-0 - Skye's unsuccessful penalty was quickly forgotten as Inka combined with Abby to put Abigail in for her second.

Faye on for Abigail

5-0 - Emily's corner beats the defence and is met by Scarlett who knees home the ball on the volley.

6-0 - Two minutes later and Scarlett has another, skating into the box with the defence backing off and slotting home.

7-0 - Very pretty, nicely worked short corner sees a one-two between Emily and Elly, with Emily sending in the ball. Faye improvises a super volley into the net.

8-0 - Long range free-kick specialist Emily plants one straight between the sticks from 25 yards.

HALF-TIME

Second half line up: Faye (gk), Abigail, Emily, Simi, Elly, Scarlett, Skye, Inka, Tia

9-0 - Emily's corner is headed by Skye back into the box to Scarlett who picks up her hat-trick with a calm finish.  

10-0 - Skye gets off the mark for the season with a powerful strike from distance wide on the left.

11-0 - Elly's nutmeg gets through to Scarlett who collects another from a narrow angle.

12-0 - Inka finally gets her goal after an interchange of passes with Tia.

Abby on for Scarlett

Scarlett takes over in goal from Faye

Tyler on for Simi

13-0 - Over head kick from Skye saved by keeper. Abigail dispossesses a defender and grabs her hat-trick, a great shot cutting in from wide left. 

Faye on for Inka

14-0 - Tia closes the scoring and secures her own hat-trick, running from half-way and finishing with class.

The opposition

Huntingdon came a little under strength and with no subs to call on. They kept their spirit pretty much to the end and were enthusiastic if not effective. They also have their own cup semi-final against Newmarket to look forward to - my money is on Newmarket to go through.

The players

Simi and Tyler both had excellent games, looking to get forward and support when the opportunity was there, providing an option to the wingers, closing down on the ball and communicating well with Emily who had another great game. Her calling and positioning well demonstrated the recent developments we are making in our defensive organisation - a cracking goal and excellent corners too.

Scarlett controlled the game again from the centre of midfield and has further embellished the central spine of our team this season. Confident to carry and finish when the opportunity is there, her positional sense and passing and link-up set the tempo of our play, whilst her four goals today took her to the 20 goal mark with ten games still to go. On the flanks, Elly had a great run-out, holding up the ball sensibly and passing and receiving with midfield  and forwards to fine effect. Abby worked hard throughout, tracking her marker forward and back, also putting in some really excellent and threatening crosses.

Abigail never fails to deliver, wherever she is asked to play and showed that again against Huntingdon. Her sharp finishing ability brought reward in a fine hat-trick - her work away from the goals is often pivotal. Skye showed that besides being one of our age group's leading keepers, as an outfielder she can hold her own and provide a powerful attacking threat from the left. Chuffed to bits she scored such a super goal to break her season's duck and secure another year when all our players have scored. Faye provided both quote of the day - 'Going in goal is like being a sub, only you stand up' - and another hard working shift in midfield and attack, topped off by a nice reaction volley finish. Not quite sure how she got the goalkeeping shirt so dirty though!

And finally, our strike twins, so different yet so effective together, fifty goals between them already this season. Inka struggled to find her football feet initially, understandably so after a week of standing side-ways and sliding down mountains, but she will have benefited from the run-out ahead of next week. Tia is in a sharp run of form with 7 goals in two games - I fully expect her to continue in such a rich vein. Class, as they say, is permanent.

Result: won 14-0

Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Tyler, Abigail, Abby, Scarlett, Faye, Tia

Subs: Elly, Inka

Scorers: Tia (3), Scarlett (4), Abigail (3), Emily, Faye, Skye, Inka

Under 13s v Newmarket Town (away), League - 19.2.11

The soggy Newmarket match report provides permanent testament to
Cathy's reporting efforts, and cold fingers!

Dullingham Polo Club was enveloped in ground level cloud and the air filled with a cold and persistent drizzle as the girls arrived for their first encounter with Newmarket Town, a new team to the league this season. The stiff and biting wind was best combatted by constant movement and the blues made a spritely start, making early use of the large and wide pitch to put the home team under pressure. An early goal came Scarlett's way, stabbing the ball home through a crowded area with the outside of her right boot to make it 1-0. A couple of minutes later and Tia was on the scoresheet, finding the net after consistent Stortford pressure. Five minutes on, Ellie-Mae continued her run of extraordinary goals, flying down the right flank then cutting in and striking home powerfully from a wide angle. In truth the result was already sealed at this early point as Stortford looked in comfortable control, though Newmarket, constantly maintained by a positive stream of encouragement from their coach, battled bravely on, giving their all throughout the game. Reward from the effort came just before the break, a long range and speculative effort wrong footed both Stortford defence and keeper and crawled over the goal-line.

Early second half exchanges saw Tia and Ellie-Mae both go close and Skye make a save, Scarlett thread a beauty of a pass through to Tia whose shot was thwarted, before a corner produced the next goal for the blues. Ellie-Mae crossed to Scarlett who looped a ball goal-wards, nodded home at close range by Tia to make it 4-1 to the visitors. A second headed goal nearly followed, Scarlett providing the chance for Abigail whose effort was grasped by the keeper. 

At the other end a bouncing ball in the Stortford penalty area was struck onto a defender's raised arm, the ref pointing quickly to the spot and Newmarket left eagerly anticipating a second goal. Skye dashed their hopes though, dealing with the powerfully hit spot-kick with a two handed parry over the bar.

Newmarket's spirit had run its course and in the final quarter the play was all in the blues favour, Ellie-Mae, Scarlett, Elly and Faye all going close. A free kick from Emily was parried down into the area, Scarlett quickly pouncing to score her second and the team's fifth. Then, in the final minutes, Tia broached Newmarket's defences twice in quick succession. Her hat-trick was secured when a super ball from Scarlett put her in position to jink into the box and find the net and her fourth coming with almost the last kick of the game, a rebounded ball of a defender falling to her feet for the sweetest of tap-ins.

A fine win in atrocious conditions but a pitch that suited us down to the ground. Oh to play there in spring sunshine and T-shirt warmth!

Result: won 1-7

Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Abigail, Abby, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Faye, Tia

Subs: Elly

Scorers: Tia (4), Scarlett (2), Ellie-Mae

Under 13s v Cambridge City (away), League - 12.2.11

Visiting Cambridge City, current league leaders and our biggest rivals, is the toughest game of the season for the Under 13 Girls, particularly so this year after having narrowly lost in the reverse fixture 2-3 at home back in October. Immense satisfaction then for all the players as they came away 5-3 winners on Saturday, having gone 3-0 up in the first 10 minutes and led 5-1 by half-time. 
Their devastating start produced a goal inside two minutes, Scarlett and Tia linking up to put Inka through for the game's opener. The second fell to Ellie-Mae, a thunderous shot from the right side of the area, Scarlett and Tia again influential in setting up the chance. The third came via a cross from Inka, a controlled shot from Abigail billowing the net. 
Though shell-shocked after the opening, Cambridge remained dangerous at all times, but resolute defending from captain Emily, Louise and Tyler and fine keeping from Skye kept them at bay. Indeed, it took an unusual goal for Cambridge to break their duck, a shot straight back in to the box from a Stortford goal-kick that caught Skye out of position and made it 1-3. 
Back Stortford came though, Inka first heading against the bar and then finding the net in the resultant goal-mouth scramble. The fifth of the half came just before the break, Scarlett profiting from a slight deflection as she shot home from a corner.

The second half was guaranteed a Cambridge come back and sure enough it came, though Stortford were equal to the challenge, playing a little deeper to absorb the attacks. City pulled one back mid-way through the half, a nice finish on the end of a great cross, but the majority of their threat was stifled in it's construction - there was no chance the girls in blue would let this lead splip. The pace of the game remained high right to the end, Stortford hanging on a little at times, two fabulous saves from Skye keeping the 3 goal cushion intact. Into the last couple of minutes and Cambridge finally found a way through again, this time from a corner to bring the score to 3-5, but the mountain that Bishops Stortford had built in the first half was too high for them to climb, the final whistle bringing relief and joy to the Stortford players and travelling support.
The account above doesn't do complete justice to some outstanding performances. Everyone stood up to be counted in this, the hardest of games and they quite simply blew Cambridge away in an opening half that saw complete unity and single purpose across the team. The defence, led by Emily who produced perhaps her finest performance in a Stortford shirt, were focused and unflinching, tracking every attack and leaving no opening. Skye provided further security behind that wall and produced important saves at crucial times and assurance that gave those in front of her greater confidence. Tyler and Louise worked in seamless combination with both Emily in the defensive line and with their respective midfield partners, passing and supporting that calmly moved the ball away from danger and into potential attack. The midfield trio gave their all. Scarlett was the pivot point in the centre, quickly linking moves across the park, robustly winning important challenges and always a threat at the edge of the box. Ellie-Mae brought fear into the eyes of the opposition, her ball carrying as dangerous and marauding as Tottenham's Gareth Bale, a comparison I hope that even an ardent gunner will appreciate. Abigail showed the grit, determination and bravery that a game such as today's required, yet combined this with a deft touch, intelligent reading of the game and calm finishing that is the trademark of her game, another big leader on the pitch. At the top of the formation, Tia and Inka provided the forward threat that picked at the City defence constantly, a combination that grows in effectiveness week by week, full of touches and finesse, running for each other on and off the ball to fine effect and great link up passing to put one or other through to a shooting opportunity. Finally, in a game where substitutions were implemented purely tactically and in the end sparingly a word for, Faye, Simi and Abby who along with the cheering Elly, accepted their lack of activity for the cause of the team, always ready, each with their own particularly spice to add to the pot. 
After such a satisfying performance it is perhaps easy to wallow in hyperbole, but to my mind this was the team's greatest performance in four terrific seasons - a high accolade in view of the girls' back catalogue of outstanding matches, but one I think is deserved. I am so pleased that so many blues supporters were there to witness it. The volume and positivity of your support carried the team through and for that the girls and I are and remain, extremely appreciative.
A new standard was set this week. Well done to one and all. 

Result: won 3-5

Team: Skye, Louise, Emily (c), Tyler, Abigail, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Inka, Tia

Subs: Faye, Simi, Abby

Scorers: Inka (2), Ellie-Mae, Abigail, Scarlett

U13s v Burwell Tigers, League (home) - 5.2.11

The worst of the frozen clods on the Freidberg pitch had been cleared by the U14s who were on before us on Saturday, but no billiard table surface awaited our game against bottom of the table Burwell Tigers. A useful challenge then of playing passing, supportive football in a fierce cross wind, well met by the girls in a great team performance.
The team started in its customary 3-3-1-1 formation and soon took control, playing down the hill. Ellie-Mae was early into her work, producing an fine early save from the Burwell keeper with a long range effort from the right wing that was pushed round the post. Emily's corner was headed to Inka who shot just wide. Securing the ball from a goal kick, Ellie-Mae again raced down the right then cut in and unleashed a powerful strike, only to see her effort miraculously saved with a phenomenal parry. The next attack however produced the first goal, Abigail sliding a pass through to the running Inka who shot home with early confidence.
A minute later and it was 2-0, Scarlett lobbing the ball into the penalty box. The Burwell defence couldn't clear and Inka had her second goal as she threaded the ball home from close range. Chances continued to come thick and fast. Scarlett just shot over the bar, Inka had a volley saved, Ellie-Mae scythed forward again and earned another corner, which she sent over to the back post. Coming from deep, Abigail controlled and slammed home, 3-0 now the score after the opening 10 minutes.
Some sublime football now followed, Tia and Inka linking beautifully and exchanging chances, Abigail, Scarlett and Ellie-Mae winning and controlling the midfield, Tyler, Louise and Emily providing the solid backline that penned the ball in the Burwell half. A quick substitution now, Simi and Elly replacing Louise and Skye, made just in time to see Inka have a shot sail just over the bar, before Ellie-Mae received reward for her scintillating running with the ball on the right. She charged forward again and found the net from the edge of the area. Classy stuff.
Skye came back on for Abigail on the left of midfield, but Ellie-Mae on the right produced the next goal, another run and shot being only parried, Inka on hand to poke home and pick up her hat-trick.
A lovely piece of football now saw Emily pick out Skye who passed to Inka. A quick one-two with Tia provided the space for the shot, but Inka's effort was again well saved - a corner the result. Elly sent the ball in again and a lovely timed run from Scarlett saw her meet the ball on the full, the ball clipping the inside of the post to bring up the team's sixth.
Two more before half-time. Tia went close with a couple of efforts, Scarlett went over the bar again but Inka had her accuracy fine tuned today and picked up her fourth when Scarlett found her with another intuitive pass. The last goal of the half gave Ellie-Mae her second of the game, another pacey run so dynamic that the defender literally gave up, then ran in to the box and blasted home.
A shuffle round at half time - Louise now pulled on the gloves, Elly moved to the wing, Abigail went up to support Tia, Scarlett took a rest and was replaced in the middle by Inka and Skye headed for the theatre.
The bombardment however, continued. Abigail picked out Tia who had a shot saved, Ellie-Mae crossed into the box, the ball smuggled away for a corner. The corner was cleared but Emily shot from distance, another save out to Abigail, the shot going wide. Abigail went close again, Tyler's first strike of the day was defended, Tia's follow up just going over. Hands rose to foreheads in amazement that no goal had yet come. A dazzling break from Tia however broke the second half deadlock - picked out by Emily she took the ball at half-way and with close attention surged toward the goal, finishing clinically with all the grace of the top striker that she is. Two minutes later and Inka secured her fifth and final goal, another effort from Tia being pushed wide for a corner. Another excellent delivery from Ellie-Mae caused havoc in the box, Inka made a yard of space and stroked home to make it 10-0. Another opportunity for change, Emily retiring, Ellie-Mae into the centre of defence and Scarlett returning. Positional changes too, Tyler now pushed forward and Inka out onto the right wing.
Further chances fell to Inka, Abigail and Tyler, but it was Tia who bagged her second, a shot in the box beating the goalkeeper comfortably. The goal offered the chance for another change, Emily pulled on the gloves and Louise readied herself for a final run up front. Tia went close to chalking up her hat-trick, but made way for Louise after a terrific display with her strike partner that sharpened both ahead of next week's big game. Rare pressure nearly made it to Stortford's goalkeeper, but as with all other attempts they fell short, Scarlett and Inka passing their way from one box to the other, the finish just falling short for what would have been a goal that Arsenal would have been proud of. However a huge cheer was just around the corner from the home touchline when Tyler scored the team's twelfth of the match when a fine first attempt was brilliantly saved and sent spinning into the air only for Tyler to have the presence of mind to back flick the ball across the line.
A terrific performance, bags of goals and some lovely play that put everyone in great spirits and can fill everyone with high confidence heading into next week.

Result: Won 12-0
Team: Skye, Louise, Emily (c), Tyler, Abigail, Scarlett, Ellie-Mae, Inka, Tia
Subs: Simi, Elly
Scorers: Inka (5), Tia (2), Ellie-Mae (2), Scarlett, Abigail, Tyler

U13s v Alconbury, League (away) - 22.1.11

An hours drive north up the M11 tarmacadam ribbon took our merry band to Alconbury, a village that sits in the ancient county and now district of Huntingdonshire, disguised in the cloak of Cambridgeshire since the early 1970s. 
Leaving the persistent drizzle of the Hertford shire, a lightening sky greeted us as we gained latitude. The faintest of rainbows arched to the back of the ground as we arrived and began our warm-up, the parish church framing the scene of myriad footballers scampering across sticky pitches. 
Mike kindly took the flag (will his new nickname stick?) and Emily the strikers jersey, part of a change in formation that saw Inka in goal and Skye wide on the left . Elly on the right, Scarlett in the middle with Simi and Tyler flanking Ellie-Mae in defence - a different challenge for the girls to learn from. Pressure from the start was all on the home team, the majority of the game played out in their half. Play wasn't perhaps the prettiest at first but it was certainly threatening.  Twelve minutes in and a corner was floated over by Skye, one of many excellent corners she delivered throughout the first half. No initial head found a touch, but the ball sprang to Abigail who slid the ball into the corner of the net for the games opener.
More chances came via the same route; Emily nearly connected with a header, Simi, Scarlet and Elly saw shots just wide. Alconbury's robust defending occasionally saw them break, but Elly, or Simi, Tyler or Ellie-Mae were always on hand to slow the play down, connect with a tackle or sweep back to clear up danger. Heading towards the break it was time to introduce Tia, Scarlett taking an early rest with Emily dropping into midfield. Almost immediately the impish striker weaved her way through and would have doubled the lead, but for a fine save from the keeper. The second did come in the last minute of the half through the same combination as the first with Skye sending over a peach of a set-piece from out wide which Abigail confidently finished.
Back to more usual roles for the second period. Simi took a short rest, Skye returned to between the posts and Abigail, Emily and Tyler made up the rear guard. A four player mid-field of Elly, Inka, Scarlett and Ellie-Mae now all looked to support Tia in attack. The change took effect immediately - Scarlett had an early strike saved, Tia was put through on goal (before inexplicably being called off-side), Ellie-Mae had a shot from outside the box well stopped before the Alconbury defences eventually capitulated, Scarlett threading a ball to Tia who finished sublimely.
Elly was having a great game on the right, working hard to close down and keeping play ticking over, as was Tyler who more than once put in strong and important tackles to dampen signs of danger. Ellie-Mae kept up her one-girl barrage of the Alconbury goal, this time sending the upright ringing with another thunderous shot. Simi returned for Tyler who readied herself for a run in midfield and the one way traffic continued. Tia picked out Inka with a cross, her header sliding just wide before Scarlett slalomed through another defence to walk the ball home for the team's fourth. Another great move followed, Scarlett carrying out of defence before passing to Tia who crossed into the danger area, Alconbury's keeper just beating Inka to the ball. Good defence from Emily, Abigail and Simi continued to provide the platform. The Bishop's Stortford girls were controlling all aspects and enjoying the puzzle of unlocking another goal. Scarlett repeated the route that had worked before, again finding Tia who finished well for her second. Tyler returned now for Elly on the right, her fresh legs and pace searching out a chance in attack. Two opportunities came and the second nearly brought a goal, a break on the right that Tyler struck firmly to towards the back post that agonizingly slipped by. More chances came and went for Ellie-Mae, Simi, Inka and Tia, but it was Scarlett who completed the scoring, another solo run slipped calmly home that showed her great dribbling ability to full effect. A job well done that had put smiles on everyone's faces as we melted away from the ground, back to the drizzle of Hertfordshire.

Result: Won 0-6
Team: Inka, Tyler, Simi, Ellie-Mae, Scarlett, Skye, Elly, Abigail, Emily (c)
Subs: Tia
Scorers: Abigail (2), Tia (2), Scarlett (2)

U13s v Priory Parkside, League (away) - 8.1.11

The BS Girls U13 returned to action after the Christmas break with a hard fought 5-2 victory away to Priory Parkside from St Neots. Priory took the lead with a break away-solo goal against the run of play but parity was achieved with a thunderbolt strike from Ellie-Mae. Another break-away from the Parkside striker put them 2-1 up, but the second half saw Stortford up their game and pull away to a comfortable win with two goals each from Inka and Tia.


rest of report to follow


Result: Won 2-5 (HT 2-1)
Team: Skye, Tyler, Emily (c), Ellie-Mae, Louise, Scarlett, Inka, Abigail, Tia
Subs: Tia, Simi, Abby Elly, Tyler, Lauren
Scorers: Ellie-Mae, Inka (2), Tia (2)

U13s v POSH, League (home) - 11.12.10

Over a fortnight of sub-zero temperatures finally released their clutches on the pitches at Friedberg Avenue, the thaw sufficiently progressed to mean a return to football for the girls on a bright mid-December morning. POSH were our visitors and were raring to go according to their manager a few days before the game. The clawing conditions of the thawing pitch even in the warm-up suggested this was to be a difficult and physically demanding challenge.
Bishops Stortford started brightly and playing up the hill, spent the first few minutes pressing in on the Peterborough box, Scarlett, Simi and Inka were feeding the ball to Ellie-Mae on the right who was pressurising the POSH left  back constantly in the opening minutes. Scarlett had an early shot saved and Simi put Inka through for an attempt that was thwarted by POSH's re-shirted keeper. The pressure continued, Ellie-Mae putting in a great cross into the box that no-one managed to meet before POSH finally escaped, Louise thankfully on hand to extinguish the potential danger as she challenged and put the ball behind. The resulting corner couldn't be cleared immediately but Skye pulled off a fine save to push the ball round the post. The second corner was dealt with with reduced dramatics and Louise and Abby combined with nice passing to bring the ball away. 
Passing however was proving difficult, the ball sticking and bobbling in the clinging mud, quick feet shackled. The midfield became the match's battleground as possession switched from side to side, firm tackle following firm tackle. Moves were difficult to build and chances few and far between as the game unfolded, though Inka was unfortunate to be called offside on one occasion and Tia on another, both referee whistles denying them good scoring chances. A foul on Tia produced a free kick opportunity for Emily midway through the half. Her clean and powerful strike was tipped over and the resulting corner saved, the POSH keeper continuing to perform well between the posts. 
Taking into account the balance of play it was a surprise then when POSH took the lead, a rare break by their quick forwards sent them bearing down on Skye's goal, the ball trickling home in slow-motion following a last minute challenge that put the visitors into the lead. A little stunned, Stortford were slow to respond and now looked to be struggling with the conditions and short of an idea to find a way of breaking back. Their task doubled in size a few minutes later as POSH scored a second when the ball wasn't cleared effectively in a moment of poor team defending. 
Ellie-Mae made an early attempt to reduce the deficit with a surging run down the wing, but the keeper again denied the light blues. Emily retired early for the half after a knock, Abigail slipping into midfield with Ellie-Mae dropping back into defence, the whistle for the break following a minute or two later.
Changes at half-time, Emily returned to the defence with Abigail, Tyler and Faye coming on for Abby, Simi and Tia, and a call to all to up the intensity. The response was quick, Abigail finding Inka after robust work from Scarlett in midfield. Inka stroked the ball home to make it 1-2 and the game was on, Bishops Stortford now with a spring in their step and the bit between their teeth. Ellie-Mae moved the ball beautifully past the Peterborough midfield on one run, only for Faye to be flagged offside as the ball came through to her. Needing a rest, Lauren now replaced Ellie-Mae on the right and defended her flank strongly for the rest of the game.
Belief in the come back coursing through their veins, the Stortford girls set up attack after attack, working hard to win challenges and find an opportunity. Abigail put Faye through, who rounded a defender before shooting to win a corner. Faye had another attempt saved, Lauren too went close, Faye another two shots blocked, the pressure was mounting on the long travelling visitors before the equaliser finally came. Faye turned provider now, passing to Inka who calmly found the net and the score-line leveler. Having run herself into the ground Inka took a rest, Ellie-Mae replacing her in midfield and quickly made an impact when she picked out Abigail with a lovely pass, whose run could only produce a corner. A series of corners followed but the scoring touch just evaded Stortford, who were saved by Tyler with a decisive tackle when POSH broke upfield. 
With a draw not good enough to keep the pressure on Cambridge at the top of the table, a formation change was made from the touchline with a switch now to 2-4-2, Louise retiring to make way for Tia to go upfront. Ellie-Mae nearly found the winner herself with another great run before Inka returned to replace Faye and join Tia in leading the attacking line. Shots rained in on the Peterborough goal - Tia, Abigail, Scarlett all had shots and all were defended. Seconds, then minutes slipped by, the game ticking to its close and still the light blues wouldn't settle for the draw. Inka intercepted a goal kick and then was inexplicably penalised when she won a tackle and found the net, some thinking the whistle was for a penalty. Stortford won a corner and then another, the referee checking his watch as the ball was set up for the corner kick. Emily sent it in, the ball dropped in the six yard area and Tia flicked the ball home high into the net, the tension released in a crescendo of cheers. 
Defences were shawed for the final seconds, the whistle bringing ecstasy to Stortford and heartbreak to POSH whose great spirit and defensive commitment had kept the home team at bay almost to the close. A highly commendable performance from them.
This had been the team's greatest comeback victory and showed wonderful character from everyone in never giving it up. This was also the toughest of games in terms of the tiring conditions. Everyone and especially Scarlett, is to be congratulated for the hard yards they put in on the energy sapping surface. And special mention too for her inspirational support in the die-ing seconds from Jackie which brought the best out of Tia at the crucial moment and for Jason's call to the referee for the corner when he looked indecisive. Without both of you, perhaps the final goal might never have come!


Result: Won 3-2 (HT 0-2)
Team: Skye, Simi, Emily (c), Louise, Scarlett, Inka, Abby, Ellie-Mae, Tia
Subs: Faye, Tyler, Abigail, Lauren
Scorers: Inka (2), Tia