1’s v Bury St Edmunds 1 (East Premier Division)
4-0 (Molly Brooks, Libby Knifton, Fiona Mulder X2)
Bishop’s Stortford hosted Bury St Edmunds and put in a polished performance. Stortford played the patient game which led to a a short corner. The opening goal scored by Molly Brookes rebound.
Towards the end of the 1st quarter Fiona Mulder tackle the Bury defence, outran and cut off a player, rounded the final defender before running round the Bury keeper to slot the ball into the back of the net.
The Stortford defence was standing strong at the other end. Lexie Guthrie making a goal line save from a Bury short corner.
Stortford came out firing in the 2nd quarter with some silky passing between Libby Knifton and Mulder, resulting in Knifton slotting the ball away.
Stortford continue to control the game and Katherine Langridge reverse hit the ball into the D, to find a Mulder deflection to score the 4th goal.
4th quarter Stortford patiently controlled the game.
Stortford won 4-0.
POM Knifton.
2’s v St Albans 3’s (East 1 South)
2-1 (Liv Smerdon, Anna Sydes)
After a lacklustre warm up the Ladies 2s started slowly against a determined and organised St Albans side. However, the home team failed to take their chances and it was BS who opened the scoring through Liv Smerdon on her reverse.
The match continued to be a hard-fought affair, with some timely tackles from player of the match, Claire Pearce, and saves from Charlie Nash in goal, keeping the score to 1-0 at half time.
Despite chances for both sides, it was BS who scored the first goal of the second half, with a powerful strike from Hattie Sharman deflected into the goal by Anna Sydes.
St Albans started to fight back and in the final 5 minutes broke down the BS defence, to leave the final score 2-1.
3’s v Berkhamsted & Hemel 1’s (East 2 South West)
0-1
Stortford 3’s were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Berkhamsted 1’s. The only goal of the game came in the 27th minute, when Berkhamsted capitalised on a well-worked move to break the deadlock. Stortford created several dangerous chances but were unable to find the back of the net.
4’s v Stortford5’s (East 3 South West)
6-0 (Lois Wright x 3, Francesca Young, Charlotte Range, Grace Gladen)
5’s v Stortford 4’s (East 3 South West)
0-6
The Ladies 5s put in a strong team effort against the Ladies 4s, creating plenty of chances and working hard throughout, even though the game ended 6–0 to the 4s.
The 4s opened the scoring early in the first half, but the 5s didn’t let their heads drop. They moved the ball well, built some good attacks, and created several opportunities in front of goal, keeping the 4s defence on their toes.
The second half saw a long run of short corners, but the 5s defended them with real determination, clearing the ball time and again. Despite the pressure, the 5s kept working together and continued to look for openings on the break.
One of the standout moments came when Sarah TOUGH did an amazing pick up of the ball onto her stick through the legs, just missing the side of the post.
Overall it was a tough result, but the 5s determination, teamwork and the chances made throughout the match were all positives to take away.
Player of the match went to Nadia EL-ZANFALY, for her great play throughout the game.
6s v Brentwood 2s (East Div 3 South East)
2-0
Two fast goals for Brentwood leave Stortford on the back foot
Another fast and furious start to the match with play up and down the pitch from the off. Stortford missed two shots on goal in the first 10 minutes and were punished when Brentwood caught the defence too high and a straight strike took them ahead. Four minutes later an attacking short was converted by Brentwood taking the scoreline to 2-0. Despite Stortford playing a passing game and keeping the pressure on the Brentwood the half time score saw them trailing by 2 goals.
The second half was a tale of unconverted short corners for both teams, 4 for Brentwood and 2 to Stortford. Stortford worked hard but were thwarted by a team who have won all their opening games and remain top of the table after 4 weeks.
PoM Tory Foot
7’s v West Herts 4’s (East Div 5 South West)
3-2 (Emma Cox x2, Marni Cochrane)
The game took a very different turn after the restart with Stortford dominating play. Impressive work across the pitch and some excellent goalkeeping denied West Herts any further. Marni Cochrane found the back of the net after some lovely play in the D and Emma Cox bagged her brace following a run of attacking shorts.
Stortford held firm despite some strong last minute attack by West Herts securing the win.
By far the strongest opposition the 7’s have faced so far but they doubled down and worked hard to come back from behind. Player of the match nominations for lots of players again, but Annie secured the title for a second week in a row for her impressive midfield performance.
8’s v Stortford 9’s (East div 6SW)
3-2 (Ava O’Neill x 2, Victoria Thompson)
The Ladies 8s delivered a strong performance yesterday, showing excellent teamwork and adaptability. They pulled together, with new faces and several players in different positions stepping up, demonstrating cohesion and determination throughout the match.
Ava O’Neill opened the scoring with a composed finish, followed by Victoria Thompson doubling the lead. Despite increased pressure from the opposition in the second half, Ava O’Neill scored her second goal to secure the win.
The Ladies 8s dominated attacking play in the first half and showed resilience and organisation in the second to maintain control.
This week’s Player of the Match goes jointly to Victoria Thompson and Charlotte Kemble, recognised for their outstanding work rate, consistency, and influence on the game.
9’s v Stortford 8’s
2-3(Catherine Smith,Jenna Flanagan)
The 8s and 9s went head-to-head this weekend at Beldams.
The 9s started strongly resisting several attacks on goal by the 8s. As the game progressed the team settled and began to take every chance to change the direction of play. Although the 8s finally managed to break the line of defence and score, 9s going into the second half 1-0 down.
The 9s came out fighting from the half time break, with renewed energy and vigour. Chasing every ball and taking control of the game. The team had taken on all the suggestions from the half time discussion, with all players contributing to how the run of play could be changed. Just minutes in, their hard work was rewarded and Catherine Smith secured the equaliser from a PC.
8s soon took back the lead but not for long. Jenna Flanagan took advantage of clear space in the D bringing the score to 2 all.
Sadly the 9s couldn’t hold on despite Nikki Bannister’s fast feet and quick reactions in the goal. Final score 3-2 to the 8s.
Player of the match Stella Thompson proved what an asset she is to the 9s with quick thinking, excellent passing and superb defending.
Special mentions to Sophie White and Addie Perry-Jones who had their best games this season so far!
