Folkstone L1 -1v1 Blackheath &Elthamians L1

*Rats out of an aquaduct*

Bienvenue à Folkestone! It was a lengthy drive down to the coast but the team arrived in high spirits and ready for the second match of the new season. The weather was blustery yet pleasant. The daddy long legs were plentiful. Motivation was drawn from the Dark Knight himself and El Captaino set our focus - to do the basics well (apparently the talent follows after!)

The ingredients were there for it to be a great game. Before the starting whistle had even been blown, Peth was keen to show her early confidence in our defensive back line making keeper Sarah target for an empowering shot. Nostrils burnt during the team talk from the wafts of deep heat applied on the side line but Sarah was still able to take place in front of goal despite the somewhat bruised forearm.

It was a strong start for the 1st XI who looked composed and comfortable with their new formation. Jilly and Sally held the centre of the pitch offering some great pivotal play to support strong transfers across the defensive back line.

The switch in play across the pitch was markedly stronger this week, some great balls between Meghan and Ceri released Charlie on some solid attacks down the left as Hux made some nifty runs down the right. The advancing play won us several corners but we were unable to convert several attempts until Hannah stepped up with a corker of a shot from the top of the D, 1-0 Blackheath.

Folkestone made some quick advances, at times outnumbering our defence, as they made their way into the 25 and encroached on the house. Our defensive short corner team were however like rats out of an aquaduct - Sally was the first to accelerate out of the blocks too early and not long after Banksy bolted and was soon sent on the same walk of shame to the half way line. New found runner Charlie, who didn’t realise she had the pace in her, uncoiled like a slinky going down the stairs and soon accompanied Banksy - as they and the rest of the team watched on! Nothing was too much for the remaining defensive duo who had it all under control and made light work of Folkestone’s short, Kate clearing their shot from the D like Mr Sheen Shines.

The away team went into the second half with a goal in their favour.

The second half didn’t start as strongly and some of our momentum that marked the first half was gone. We still made some great attacking plays and moved up field strong as a unit - Jenna secured some great turnovers breaking down the oppos play and Emma made fancy runs up front weaving in and out of Folkestone’s defence. Several short corners were won but despite some strong balls fired across the front of the D we were unable to convert them.

In the last few minutes of the game, Folkestone took advantage of a quick break and unsettled the balance of play bringing the score line to 1-1.

With little time left on the clock, we stepped off the pitch still undefeated in the new league but a little deflated that the extra points were lost in the last minutes of play.

Mom: Hannah, for some great attacking play and securing our goal
DoD: Kate, just can’t keep her out of the lobster suit (oh and for injuring the keeper during warm up!)