1’s v Bedford 2’s
0-2
Bishop’s Stortford travelled to Bedford this weekend, facing a side buoyed by securing promotion the previous week. Arriving on the back of six consecutive wins, Stortford were confident and determined to extend their impressive run.
The opening three quarters proved to be a tightly contested affair, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Stortford enjoyed the majority of the attacking opportunities, repeatedly testing the Bedford defence. Several well-worked moves created chances inside the circle, but the Bedford goalkeeper produced a series of strong saves to keep the scores level.
Defensively, Stortford were equally impressive. The team worked tirelessly throughout, maintaining discipline at the back and limiting Bedford’s attacking opportunities. Their organised defensive structure ensured Bedford rarely threatened during the early stages of the match.
Louisa Davies and Daisy Fox both delivered standout performances, contributing significantly with their work rate and composure. Sophie Higgins was named Player of the Match for her excellent all-round display and influence on the game.
Despite Stortford’s dominance for large parts of the match, Bedford capitalised twice in the fourth quarter during a few rare entries into the circle, managing to convert their chance and take the lead.
Although the result did not reflect the balance of play, Stortford can take plenty of positives from a determined and hard-working performance against a side heading up to National League.
2’s v Braintree 1’s
2-3 (Emma Hynds, Alice Lowe)
League leaders Braintree hosted Bishops Stortford knowing a win would secure promotion and they made a strong start. After heroic defending from Emma Hynds saw the ball strike her body, Braintree converted the resulting penalty flick to take the lead before adding a second at the near post to go into half time 2–0 up.
Stortford responded well in the second half. A brilliant run from Raffie Roberts and cross to Zoe Bovaird saw her effort across goal deflected home by Alice Lowe to make it 2–1. Braintree restored their two-goal lead with a superb solo effort to make it 3–1.
A late short corner gave Emma Hynds the chance to strike superbly into the corner, and thanks to great sportsmanship from the Braintree goalkeeper the goal stood. The game finished 3–2 to Braintree, confirming their promotion.
3’s v Harpenden 1’s
0-1
Stortford were narrowly beaten 1–0 by Harpenden in a closely contested match. The game looked to be heading for a goalless draw, but with just over 10 minutes remaining Harpenden broke the deadlock. Stortford pushed for an equaliser in the closing minutes but were unable to pull one back and Harpenden took the points
4’s v Rickmansworth 1’s
8-1 (Jess Ashford-Green x3, Chloe Wright x2, Kate Cullinan, Charlotte Range, Pilar Montu)
The Ladies 4s went into their match against Rickmansworth looking to put in a strong performance and build momentum as the season nears its final few games. From the first whistle, the team linked up well across the pitch, moving the ball confidently and supporting each other in attack.
The early pressure paid off as the goals began to come. Jess Ashford-Green led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Chloe Wright added two goals to the tally. Charlotte Range, Kate Cullinan and Pilar Montu each also found the back of the net, reflecting how well the team connected and shared the opportunities throughout the game.
As the match went on, the Ladies 4s continued to work well together, creating chances and maintaining control of the game. There were lots of positives to take from the performance, particularly the teamwork and link-up play shown across the pitch.
The game finished with a strong 8-1 Win for the team!
Player of the Match was awarded to Pilar Montu.
5’s v Stevenage 2’s
0-2
Stortford went out strong, with the majority of the attacking play putting pressure onto Letchworth, with entries into their D.
Working hard in defence the score line in the first half went in Stevenage’s favour at half time 0-2 against Stortford.
Stortford worked hard once again in the second half with great teamwork working up the pitch into Letchworth’s D with shots on goal and short corners awarded unfortunately to no avail.
Stortford’s teamwork paid dividend’s with no Stevenage goals in the second half, with the final score at 0-2 to Stevenage.
Player of the match was awarded to Nula BOSTON for her amazing defending, with many a strong clearance from the D.
6’s v Havering 2’s
4-1 (Hannah Wynne x 2, Mia Beverley x 1, Nyla Smith x 1)
PoM Zara Thompson
With Havering just 2 positions above the 6’s in Division 3SE the team went out looking to get a much needed win and 3 points in the bag. Stortford won the toss and kept play largely in the attacking half with a short corner and a few shots on goal. Deadlock was broken at 22 minutes when Mia Beverley converted from a short corner with a nice reverse flick. Havering didn’t allow Stortford to go into half time ahead though as a corner just before half time was converted with a straight strike after the half time whistle sounded.
Havering came out looking to go ahead with early pressure resulting in a well defended short but Stortford came back and settled into dominating play with a second goal coming after 3 unsuccessful short corners, Mia Beverley did an amazing run from inside the 25 and crossed the ball to Hannah Wynne from just inside the side of the D for it to be swept in to take the lead. 2 minutes later a third goal came when Nyla Smith pushed to the far post and with the ball deflecting in off a Havering foot. Stortford kept the pressure on illustrated beautifully by a determined effort from Beverley saw her fly dramatically into the side of the net, with impressive bruises to show for the effort. A final goal came just inside the final whistle when Christie Ansell took a shot on goal which was deflected by the Havering keeper and picked up by Hannah Wynne who hit through the defenders and past the keeper to make it 4-1.
The 6’s move onto 16 points however 10th place also got 3 points leaving the 6’s in 11th on goal difference with 2 games left to play.
7’s v Saffron Walden 4’s
4-1 (Megan Laws, Jo Sullivan,Emma Cox x 2)
Starting strong and determined the ladies 7’s caught Saffron Walden off guard and went 1-0 up within a minute courtesy of Megan. With SW rallying, there was a number of short corners for both teams, all unconverted. Play went from end to end, with Stortford remaining dominant, but SW dangerous on the break. Jo found the back of the net to take the 7’s 2-0 up with the defence working well and Lis clearing a number of shots.
After the half time break Emma quickly converted a short, but SW started to fight back hard, breaking down play and making the game much more scrappy. The midfield worked hard, demonstrated by the number of PoM nominations.
A final goal for Emma took the score to 4-0. SW bagged a consolation goal shortly before the end but the 7’s walk away with another great performance and well deserved victory. Well played all, PoM Poppy 🥳
8’s v Welwyn 3
3-5 (Eileen Adams, Victoria Thompson, Yvonne Monk)
BSHC Ladies 8s travelled late Saturday morning to take on top of the league, Welwyn Garden City. It proved to be a challenging fixture, but Stortford put in a determined performance despite only having 11 players available.
Stortford’s first goal came from Eileen Adams, who scored to get the team on the scoresheet. The second goal came from Yvonne Monk when she added another field goal, keeping Stortford in the contest.
In the second half, Victoria Thompson also found the back of the net with a well-taken field goal, capping off a positive attacking effort for Stortford despite facing a strong Welwyn side.
Although the final score didn’t go Stortford’s way, the team showed great resilience and teamwork against the league leaders
Player of the Match: Sydney Godden for an outstanding performance and relentless effort throughout the match.
9’s v St Albans 8’s
2-1 (lily Dodd x2)
A cloudy morning at Beldham’s Lane saw the Ladies 9s produce one of their best performances of the season. Facing a St Albans side that beat us 2-0 earlier in the year, the team showed just how far they’ve come, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory.
The first half was a masterclass in teamwork. We moved the ball beautifully down both wings, and the pressure told in the 10th minute; after a clinical short corner routine led to a foul on the line, Lily Dodd stepped up to cooly slot home a penalty flick.
St Albans came out fighting in the second half, but Nikki Bannister was a wall in goal. Making three incredible saves, including a stunning reaction stop with her left hand and a double save that kept our noses in front and gave the team the boost we needed.
In the 59th minute, Kim Guthrie turned on the engines, driving from the halfway line to cross for Lily, who finished instinctively for her second of the game. This was Lily’s second game scoring a pair of goals and continues a really impressive season in front of goal.
Though St Albans grabbed a late consolation, the 9s held firm and the game ended 2-1.
Izzy Green earned Player of the Match for her tireless drives forward on the left wing, with Nikki Bannister a very close second for her heroics in goal.
With only two games left, it’s a joy to see this mix of juniors and seniors gelling so perfectly.
10’s development side v Rickmansworth 2’s
1-1 (Rachel Armitage)
Ladies 10s Development delivered a strong performance to draw 1–1 with Rickmansworth 2s.
The team defended well throughout, staying organised and making key tackles to limit the opposition’s chances. At the other end, sustained forward pressure created several promising attacks.
Rickmansworth took the lead, but the Ladies 10s responded well. The equaliser came in the 53rd minute when Rachel Armitage scored her first goal of the season.
A positive performance built on strong defence and determined forward play earned the team a deserved point.
