Blackheath Ladies 1XI vs. Bromley and Beckenham Ladies 2XI: A Clean Fight

The balls had been thoroughly cleansed, sticks disinfected and hands sanitised. Blackheath Ladies 1XI were poised to kick-off their historic 40th season. After a socially distanced 'huddle' the team sprinted eagerly to their opening positions. If Blackheath played half as well as they observed Covid 19 regulations, they would be on to a winner.

Blackheath started confidently, moving the ball around the pitch and exploiting the space. It wasn't long until Hannah 'goal hungry' Brown slotted in the opening goal. Blackheath continued to dominate - great passages of play saw the defence linking up well with the mid-field who played some killer balls up to the forward line. A shot from Vicky at the edge of the D was stopped by the keeper but pounced upon by Jenna who made the score 2-0 at half-time.

Aaron's prophetic words at half-time warned us that BromBecs would come out fighting; they started the second half with a new system and a rejuvenated rigour. Blackheath also tried a new system known as the 'Headless Chickens'. This system involved running around in circles (mainly in your own half) and somehow, inexplicably, BromBecs scored two goals in quick succession. Then high drama ensued. A BromBecs player wilfully fingered the match ball. Stern words followed from the umpire whilst shouts of, "send her off" were hurled from the side-lines. Fortunately, Aaron swiftly located an un-soiled ball and play resumed. Chances followed at both ends with 'little' Emma's final touch of the ball sailing agonisingly wide of the BromBecs goal.

Sue and Hannah were awarded MoM for general awesomeness whilst Vicky was unfairly branded DoD for thinking 'outside the box' and playing without her shoes on.

Physically and mentally exhausted the team retired (in groups of six) to the nearest pub to see how many more parking tickets they could rack up...