In a high stakes encounter Bishop’s Stortford took to the Astro knowing a win was needed to secure their position in the league next season. Meanwhile letchworth were aware a loss and a Sudbury win elsewhere in the league could see them relegated, entered the game with equal determination.
The game started at pace with Letchworth having the upper hand whilst Bishop’s Stortford adapted to playing on an Astro resembling a beach! They applied pressure and forced a short corner. Beans made an excellent goal line stop but unfortunately made a follow up save with her body – quite literally putting her body on the line leading to a penalty flick which was put away to give letchworth the lead.
As Bishop’s Stortford settled into the game Chucks and Ladies 2s player of the season Sophie disrupted Letchworths core midfielders whilst Dutchie, Amelia, Zoe, Daisy and Alice ran tirelessly upfront to create space and opportunities. The teams efforts were rewarded with a succession of short corners. The breakthrough came when a superb injection from Daisy, was trapped by Nicky setting up Grace to deliver a low precise sweep into the bottom corner squeezing under the goalkeeper. With that the teams went into half time level 1:1.
The second half saw space open up in midfield for Sophie, Alice, Nicky and Charlotte to drive forwards but letchworth didn’t give up and a series of crucial saves from Ali in goal kept Bishop’s Stortford in contention. The decisive moment came from a Bishop’s Stortford short corner injected by Alice to player of the match Daisy who with power and precision drag flicked the ball into the top corner leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
As the clock wound down letchworth launched a final wave of attacks but the defensive line of Ali, Beans, Lori, Grace, Eryn and Beth stood strong. Their resilience was evident as they successfully defended 17 short corners throughout the game.
When the final whistle went Bishop’s Stortford emerged victorious with a 2:1 win. However with results elsewhere going their way both Bishop’s Stortford and Letchworth secured their places in the league and will battle it out again next season.
