1’s v Broxbourne 1’s
1-2 (Daisy Fox)
Bishop’s Stortford 1’s narrowly fell to a 2–1 defeat against local rivals Broxbourne 1’s in a tightly contested and even match. Despite this being the first game after a long Christmas break, both sides started at pace, moving the ball well and pressing high, with Stortford creating early chances down the wings while Broxbourne looked dangerous on the counter. Despite the intensity, the first quarter ended goalless, with the Stortford defence holding firm
Broxbourne broke the deadlock in the second quarter, capitalising on sustained pressure to slot home and take a 1–0 lead. Stortford responded immediately and showed great character, lifting the tempo and committing numbers forward. Minutes later, the equaliser came through Daisy Fox, who finished confidently after a well-worked move, bringing the scores level at 1–1. The remainder of the half saw chances at both ends, but neither side could find another breakthrough before the interval.
The second half continued in much the same vein, with both teams evenly matched and trading possession. Stortford pressed hard, winning several short corners and forcing Broxbourne into some disciplined defending. However, it was Broxbourne who struck again right at the end of the third quarter, converting a late opportunity to edge back in front at 2–1. Stortford pushed hard in the final quarter in search of another equaliser, but despite sustained pressure they were unable to find a second goal.
3’s v Luton 1’s
2-7 (Zoe Barford, Scout Neville)
Stortford played Luton in their first game back after a long break. It was going to be a tough game with Luton sitting comfortably top of the table but Stortford were ready for the challenge. We started well and despite Luton taking the early lead Zoe Barford managed to convert a short corner which gave the team a boost. Unfortunately a lapse of concentration meant Stortford conceded 3 goals in quick succession to take the half time score to 5-1. Stortford knew the second half was going to be long but kept going and played some lovely hockey. A wonderful team goal scored by Scout Neville in the second half finished the match 7-2.
5’s v Hertford 2’s
1-2 (Karen Leach)
Bishop Stortford 5s came out determined for their second game against Hertford 2s for the season. This was shown with the first goal for Stortford being scored at 12minutes from a short corner hit from the top of the D by Sophia Vasey and deflected in the goal by Karen Leach. The early lead gave Stortford momentum and with some good communication and passing the play was positive putting pressure on Hertford for the remainder of the first half.
Heading into the second half Stortford aimed to maintain their lead. Unfortunately Hertford came back determined and equalised at 5 minutes in. Stortford kept working hard as a team to regain the lead with a lot of attacking play once more.
Hertford used their speed and strong hits down the pitch to keep the pressure on Stortford resulting in their second goal 10 minutes before the final whistle. Stortford were unable to gain back the draw and finished 1-2.
Anoushka Shaw was awarded Player of the match, for her fantastic work in defence and linking well between the midfield and forwards bringing Stortford back into the attacking half on many occasions
8’s v Letchworth 5
1-2 (Ava O’Neill)
Bishop’s Stortford Ladies 8s welcomed Letchworth to Herts and Essex on a bitterly cold morning, with temperatures hovering around 2°C, for their first fixture of 2026. Fortunately, despite the cold weather, the pitch remained playable and the match was able to go ahead as planned.
From the opening whistle it was clear this would be a closely fought contest, with both sides creating chances and working hard across the pitch. The game could easily have gone either way.
Letchworth opened the scoring around the 30-minute mark following a spell of heavy pressure in the D. Despite two excellent saves in quick succession from goalkeeper Olivia Higgins, the ball eventually found its way in from close range, giving the visitors a 1–0 lead going into half time.
The Ladies 8s came out after the break determined to turn the game around, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose. Their efforts were rewarded in the 10th minute of the second half when Natasha Atkinson picked up the ball from defence and drove forward through a challenging route. She fed to Mia Beverley, who carried the ball across the pitch before finding Ava O’Neill, who finished confidently to level the score at 1–1.
Stortford continued to push for the winner, creating numerous chances and testing the Letchworth defence, but despite shots on target, the breakthrough just wouldn’t come.
Letchworth regained the lead in the 20th minute of the second half, capitalising on their opportunity to make it 2–1, which ultimately proved to be the decisive goal.
Despite the disappointment of the result, it was a strong and competitive performance from the Ladies 8s, with plenty of positives to take into the next fixture.
Player of the Match was shared between Mia Beverley, Kim Durbin and Natasha Atkinson, all of whom delivered standout performances in a hard-fought game.
Final score: Bishop’s Stortford Ladies 8s 1 – 2 Letchworth
