POM Léa Gillespie
It was a long drive to the coast for the Sixes as they took on Old Southendian 2. There was some pre match entertainment as the away team in the earlier fixture didn’t take well to losing. The low sun was at the Blues backs as they pushed back and it started with a good drive from Elizabeth. An early attack from the Oppo was defended well however the clearance didn’t get past midfield. This, combined with a few defensive mishaps led to an opening goal for Old Southendians. Straight away, the Oppo attacked again and this produced the first of several fine saves from Ella. The Blues started to settle after this and put together some moves through Léa, Beth and Elizabeth. There were some good D entries from the forwards and then Eva cleverly won a short. This one came to nothing, however, Sully forced another almost immediately. The ball was worked around the D and after an initial shot being blocked, Elizabeth got it over the line for 1-1. A period of Blues dominance followed with Eva, Savannah and Lois all putting the Oppo under pressure. Towards the end of the half, Claire H made some vital clearances and prevented a certain score. OS really got into their stride and there were a series of Shorts to defend. Beth cleared well and Léa took a ball to the neck – a bit of drama but the half finished honours even.
In the second half OS piled on the initial pressure but Alana, Eva and Jo were up to the task. There was a bit of mid field back and forth and the forwards got higher. Eva, now playing up the pitch, drove into the D but just shot wide. Soon after Léa stole the ball, made a good pass to Sully who reversed it across the face of goal where Vicky was perfectly positioned to put the Blues 2-1 up. There was some great play in the third quarter of the game with attacks from Eva, Lois and Beth and Claire delivered some great passes from the bottom of the diamond. However, OS were strong and produced some strong attacking play. It required some fantastic defensive work from Jo to keep the ball out and Ella contributed more saves. Several short corners went the way of the home team and there was controlled defence to thwart these efforts, especially from Claire H and Alana. Unfortunately, with two minutes to go, the OS pressure became too much and another goal was conceded to make it 2-2. There was no time to improve the score line and the match ended in a draw.
