1’s v Cambridge City 3
1-0 (Lou Davies)
Bishop’s Stortford Ladies 1s travelled to Cambridge City Ladies 3s, who sit second in the table, two places above Stortford. With memories still fresh of a last-minute Cambridge winner in the reverse fixture, Stortford were keen for payback.
The opening quarter was tight and evenly contested. Stortford stepped it up in the second quarter, dominating possession and earning a couple of short corners, but were unable to find the breakthrough. At half time, Panners reinforced the game plan and Stortford responded.
Early in the second half, a perfectly executed short corner saw Lou fire the ball into the top of the net to give Stortford a deserved lead. Stortford stayed on top, applying strong forward pressure and showing excellent composure in possession across defence and midfield, but couldn’t quite add a second.
Cambridge threw everything forward in the final quarter, even removing their goalkeeper. Stortford stayed resolute in defence and absorbed sustained pressure, with Ali ensuring the clean sheet thanks to an outstanding late save. It sealed a 1–0 win and capped a superb team performance, making it four wins on the bounce for BSHC L1s.
2’s v Crostyx 1
0-3
On a very wet Saturday, the ladies 2s had the late game at home against Crostyx 1s. A game that we knew would be tough, but we were determined to get that win.
After an evenly matched first half and some unbelievable saves from Charlie we went into half time happy with it being 0-0.
The second half unfortunately didn’t go quite as planned. Crostyx speed and fitness took over, and they scored two quick goals. We fought hard and had a few chances but unfortunately couldn’t get them away.
We didn’t give up, even when the third goal went in.
Every player worked incredibly hard and despite the score we should be very proud of the work rate from each player.
Now to break our losing streak with a valentine’s win next week
3’s v St Albans’s 4’s
2-1 (Pippa Bull, Scout Neville)
4’s v Blueharts 3’s
1-2 (Lois Wright)
This week’s fixture saw the Ladies 4s facing a late game against Blueharts, going into the match with just 11 players: so, no substitutes. Despite this, the team started positively and matched Blueharts throughout a very even first half. Both sides created chances and moved the ball well, but neither team managed to find a breakthrough, leaving the score locked at 0–0 at half time.
The second half began with the Ladies 4s showing real intent and commitment. Charlotte Range delivered a well-placed ball into the D, where Lois Wright reacted quickly and perfectly clipped the ball past the keeper to give us a deserved 1–0 lead. Blueharts continued to apply pressure and, following a sustained spell of play, were awarded a penalty flick which they converted to bring the score back to 1–1.
The remainder of the match was evenly contested, with both sides working hard and creating chances but neither team able to gain clear control. In the closing stages of the game, Blueharts managed to find another goal to edge ahead. Despite a strong and determined effort to respond, the match finished 2–1 to Blueharts.
Player of the Match was awarded to Chloe Wright for her consistent and composed performance in the midfield, contributing strongly throughout the game.
5’s v Saffron Walden 3’s
2-4 (Lisa Woodrow, Hollie Mathison)
Heavy rain and the ladies 5s welcomed Saffron Walden to Hockerill. Early pressure from the home side went unrewarded and after 10 mins the visitors pressed, winning a short and ultimately scoring. Two minutes later a defensive error from Stortford meant that the deficit was doubled to 0-2. Then Stortford took control of the mid field, keeping possession and winning shorts after 14 and 16 mins but not converting. There were further shorts and with shots from Hollie MATHISON and Karen LEACH . On 30 mins Walden again broke away to make it 0-3. However, the half ended well with an excellent cross from the right by MATHISON who found Lisa WOODROW perfectly positioned at the top of the D. An excellent shot made it 1-3 at the whistle.
Stortford dominated for long periods of the second half. A short produced a goal that was disallowed and after a number of spurned opportunities, MATHISON walked the ball into the net for 2-3. Just when it looked like Stortford might steal a point, Walden struck again to make it 2-4 at the final whistle. Great team play from Stortford played with spirit and camaraderie.
Player of the match went to Tory FOOT for her commitment throughout the game with great communication, passing and linking up the pitch in midfield.
6’s v Chelmsford 4’s
1-4 (Mia Beverley)
Once again some lovely game play by the ladies 6s isn’t reflected in the scoreline with Stortford putting the Chelmsford defence under some pressure, the Chelmsford keeper commenting that she never felt safe under Stortford’s attacks. Early pressure saw Chelmsford defending a shot from Hannah and a fast attack and shot from Mia. Then at 21 minutes some excitement in the Stortford D – a melee of an attack with Ange, Naomi and Elsie in the mix, with potentially a Chelmsford foot coming just before the umpire saw the ball deflect off Naomi’s shinpad and off the back line. As this was the last seen touch a penalty flick was awarded and won taking Chelmsford ahead at 21 minutes.
Chelmsford came back strong from the restart finding the net again at 24 minutes. Successful defence of a couple of short corners by Stortford saw the score stay at 2-0 as the half time whistle blew.
The first 12 minutes of the second half saw all the goal action with Chelmsford taking a third followed by Stortford capitalizing on a sideline hit to run the ball down to Hannah for a cross into Mia who got the consolation Stortford goal. Chelmsford came back hard with the white hockey lines and yellow football lines causing confusion at the top of the Stortford D, a shot from as far out as possible found the net and was awarded by the umpire.
The rest of the half saw Stortford keep pressure on with Hannah, Christie, Issie and Mia getting into the D, crossing the ball and having shots to no avail. Nyla, Annie, Emily and Lottie worked hard in midfield marking players out and slowing Chelmsford attacks. The final 20 minutes saw each team get 3 penalty corners, with Ange going high to receive the Stortford balls. Whilst Stortford also cleared, including a great double from keeper Elsie.
7’s v Chiltern 1
3-5 (Yvonne Monk, Vicky Thompson, Megan Laws)
The ladies 7’s braved Chiltern 1’s (well actually nearer Bedford really!) on a cold rainy lunchtime. Having been triumphant in the home leg the 7’s started confident, but an early goal for Chiltern showed us that we would have to work hard!
10 minutes in Yvonne evened the score but despite some good hockey Chiltern went ahead again shortly after.
Vicky balanced the score again but Chiltern, with a few new players, were clinical in the D and scored 2 further goals in quick succession just before half time.
The 7’s were determined and the end to end play continued. Megan scored a great goal from a short corner and some excellent defence and keeping from Lis kept the 7’s in the game.
An unfortunate knee dislocation for one of chiltern young players halted the game for a considerable time, and the 7’s struggled to find the rhythm they had got into on the restart. The game finished 5-3 to Chiltern, the scoreline not really reflective of the work rate and game. The Chiltern team were as ever a lovely opposition.
Some excellent play and decent chances with luck falling to Chiltern on this occasion. Well played all, onwards and upwards 💪
8’s v Saffron Walden 5
2-3
Ladies 8s welcomed Saffron Walden for a morning home fixture this week as well as some new faces into the team again.
Despite the wet conditions, both sides played with intent, moving the ball well and testing each other early on. Stortford showed great determination and composure, matching Saffron Walden throughout the game and responding well to the physical demands imposed by the wet conditions.
The match remained tightly contested, with both teams trading goals to keep the score level at 2–2 as the time ticked down. However, Saffron Walden scored in the closing seconds with the whistle being blown on a 3–2 win to Saffron Walden.
POM this week was awarded to Etta Inman on her Ladies 8s debut.
9’s v Blueharts 6’s
0-4
On a miserable, wet Saturday morning, the Ladies 9s travelled to face a clinical Blueharts 6s side, currently sitting second in the league. With three debutantes and a handful of players stepping up from the 10s, it was always going to be a test of character—and the team certainly delivered.
The first half saw Blueharts show their experience, utilising the width of the pitch and pressing hard to take a 2-0 lead. However, the second half told a completely different story. The 9s found their rhythm, moving the ball with much more fluency and stretching the play. Kimberly Guthrie was a particular threat on the left wing, helping us turn the tide of momentum.
While two second-half short corners allowed Blueharts to extend their lead to 4-0, the general play was much more balanced.
Mandy was exceptional as sweeper, repelling wave after wave of attacks, while Nikki continued her good form in goal.
The Player of the Match honors went to EJ Noble, who had a fantastic debut in right midfield. Her “never say die” attitude epitomised the team’s spirit. We may have faced a highly organised side, but the 9s held their heads high and played for one another until the final whistle.
Special thanks to debutants Evelyn Jones, Abbie Lee and EJ Noble.
The 9s stay strong and look forward to next week!
