Blackheath & Elthamians L1; 2 V 0 Southend L1

A confident performance from the Ladies 1st XI as they beat Southend to take their first three points

After notching up two draws in their first two league games, one valid one frustrating, BEHC were more than up for securing three points against Southend 1st XI at College Meadow on Saturday.

Cheered on by an at-times bewildered Edd Thorogood (“Will SOMEONE tackle in the D?”), BEHC’s first half saw some impressive stick saves from superhero-in-training Sarah MB. A bit of a wobble at the start meant defence found themselves up against it early doors. Also tested were Banksy’s pace (by an ambitious line ball from Emma H) and speed limits on the south circular as Hannah’s Uber driver made the mad dash from Clapham, all the while trying not to look at the manic outfit changing going on behind him.

Once she’d decided to turn up, Hannah put Monday’s rainswept training to good use by deflecting a fast ball put straight through the middle of the D by Jilly. Score 1-0 to BEHC.

Fuelled by fizzy percies, the half-time team talk saw coach Edd and assistant coach Graihagh full of positive chat. To the backdrop of some impressive carb-loading, Ladies 1 XI's were left in no doubt that they had to go back out and play the way they'd just finished.

Second half saw confidence and determination - but also stick tackles and physicality - increase in spades. Charlie, denied a short corner after being brought down by a Sinckler-esque knee breaker, almost lost her cool. Sue’s shoulder was still attached after one particularly nasty clash, but only just.

Finally rewarded for putting her body on the line up front, Jenna confidently finished off a back line cross from Sue that was, in Captain’s signature style, such a tight angle it looked behind the goal. BEHC were now up 2-0 as Jenna “finally joined Hannah on the scoreboard” - a comment that launched Charlie's campaign to see her sister awarded DoD.

Charlie needn't have troubled herself however as Hannah managed to secure the lobster by herself, letting Sally take her green card after a case of mistaken identity by the umpire. Card was awarded for stick tackling all over the pitch. A real joint effort by both teams for that one.

All in all, a confident performance by BEHC. More goals should have been converted in their D, too many chances were had and taken by them in ours. Cracking saves by Sarah MB and some good communication at the back meant our scoresheet was kept clean. Lots to work on, but plenty of positives and a well-deserved three point win to get the season off to a good start.

Final score 2-0 to BEHC, who are Essex-bound next weekend to take on Southend & Benfleet Ladies 1st XI away.