CR Dream Team

So the Eagles back on a pitch 24 hours later, and last game of the season, but still the elusive wait for a league win against Colne Valley continues! But really, the girls could not have done much more.

HCV are very athletic, have speed all over the pitch (especially at the back) and look to go long early and use their physicality up front. They also have some crazy weapons from throw ins. So this was a real battle of styles as HCV went direct and Claygate looked to pass and move and work through the lines.

The start was a physical battle, but it was very even. Unfortunately an early clash between Deni and Megan saw our keeper injure her neck and she was unable to continue. So already things felt ominous against our bogey team. So who would step up as our first goalkeeping volunteer? Our striker Eloise!!!

Now we all know Eloise is quick, and we all know Eloise is a top girl, but what we didn’t know until today is that Eloise can launch a goal kick into orbit!! How many hidden tricks does this girl have??

So after a delay we settled back in and things were even, but then Colne Valley pressed hard after a long clearance, won the ball and their striker had work to do but chopped her defender and placed the ball calmly in the corner where no keeper was saving it.

But we cracked on and were creating good chances of our own. Liv was having a Battle Royale with one of the best defenders in the league, and when we switched play Millie was finding space on the right. With Bea x2 and Eve in the middle causing havoc, and Jess and the most certainly fully fit now Charlotte looking solid and composed in the middle, it felt like we’d find a way back.

And back we came on 20 mins as Millie used that space on the right to whip in a cross/shot that the keeper couldn’t gather cleanly and Eve was there to poke home the equaliser.

At half time we worked on a few things, and the girls came out in the second half playing a much more expansive style of football, keeping the ball better and really wearing down the opposition. Bea was chopped down just outside the edge of the box leaving Liv to line up a free kick which she crashed off the bar.

We really looked to be turning the screw but HCV were still dangerous with balls over the top and one nearly caught us out it escaped the defence, that was being so well marshalled by Megan, only for Millie (our new keeper, keep up!) to close down and make a great safe.

But our football now looked slick and the girls were working it well on a fairly heavy pitch. Bea C was getting more time on the ball to show her skills, Bea K was causing damage down the right, Eloise was in some of the best foot races I’ve seen and Liv was still having this epic tussle on the left. So it was well deserved when this pressure finally paid off after a nice bit of build up play involving Jess, Bea C and Eve resulted in Bea K getting off a shot that beat the keeper at the near post.

Chances were coming, Eloise, Charlotte and Bea hit the keeper, and a wonderful Liv cross just evaded our attackers at the far post. Also their right back (the quick one with the long throw) kept taking their throw ins high up the pitch, and as we continually won the first ball we could break at pace. Emily now slotted into central midfield and looked super secure alongside Jess, winning challenges and distributing effectively.

So it was an absolute hammer blow when HCV won a corner and the resulting ball in hit their striker on the back, who was ducking and looking the other way, and flew straight into the net.

So 2-2, but the chances from there were all for Claygate. A number of shots went just over or wide, Bea C evaded 4 challenges outside and inside the box and looked to slot home, only to see the ball go agonisingly wide, and with a minute to go Eloise broke through with some wonderful play and pace, but just couldn’t keep the shot low enough.

So a 2-2 draw, less than we deserved but academic when it came to league placings at 4th was already ours, an excellent return in a new division where we wondered if we would struggle but actually showed we totally belonged. Four wins and a todays draw in the last 5 games of the season is a wonderful way to end what has been fantastic season for this amazing set of girls.

Liv gets player of the match today for an absolute beast of a performance against an incredibly strong athlete, but this really was a fantastic all round performance. A win by a large distance would not have been undeserved, and indeed their manager jokingly offered to call it a draw as soon as they’d equalised, as he too could see we were so on top.

Thank you to Bea C, Megan and Millie for today, and also to Eloise, Millie and Eve for taking their turns in goal. We hope Deni feels better soon.

Well done all and we look forward to next year.

Goals: Eve, Bea
PoM: Liv

A step into the unknown today as we hosted the Guernsey FA Academy Team, a split of U15 and U16 girls, the majority of which play in boys teams on the Island.

Guernsey are a strong side, very technical and extremely well drilled with a few excellent players and some lovely patterns of play. They were certainly more confident on the ball than most teams we play, and also closed down the ball very quickly and aggressively.

So with that in mind, this was an excellent performance and result. The first half was a tight affair with chances at both ends. Deni made a couple of good saves and up the other end Lara flashed the ball across goal from a tight angle. We had a LOT of subs today, so continuity was tough, but the girls stuck to their gameplan well and it was an even battle for the majority of the first half.

Eva was playing her first game for us and made some excellent challenges in the middle of the pitch and looked composed on the ball, Jess was making her normal crunching challenges, and Charlotte was fully back from injury and looking very sharp.

At 35 minutes into the game it was still 0-0 and very tight, but Guernsey we able to score a quickfire double just before half time with two goalmouth scrambles which just highlighted that their players were more used to the physical aspect of the game as they we just that little more committed (did I mention they normally play against and with boys???).

The second half started in a similar pattern to the end of the first, with Guernsey putting on a lot of pressure and banging in two early goals as they won loose ball from set pieces, but we were certainly showing a lot of endeavour going forward. Bea had already fashioned a couple of half chances, often through good play with Jess, Emilia, Sophia and Eve, and when she got her third chance she rifled the ball over the keepers head to make it 4-1.

Guernsey kept pressing and worked some wonderful passing play especially down the right but or defence were holding up well with all of Talulah, Thea, Emily and Fleur making strong challenges to repel attacks. When the oppo did make it through Deni made a fantastic save from a shot flying into the top corner. Eloise was also playing up front, but proving to be a wonderful first line of defence as she chased everything and gave them no time.

But Guernsey were not to be denied when a long passing move was finally worked down the right, the ball was crossed in deep and whilst the first shot cannoned off the bar the rebound fell to the striker to make it 5-1.

Soon it was 6-1 as a deflected shot squirmed over the line, and with 10 minutes left it felt like the game could really get away from us, but we now had our best period of the game. Bea had another shot saved, Lara hit a shot into the side netting from a wonderful Eve through ball, Millie was starting to link up really well on the right side and Sophia was starting to get some space on the edge of the box. And it was Sophia who scored our second on her return, holding off a couple of robust challenges before pushing a shot in off the near post.

So a 6-2 loss against a very strong outfit, and an excellent performance all round.

It was lovely to welcome Millie and Emilia to play with us again, and for Eva to get her first game in defence. But there was a sad note at the end as this was Thea’s last match for the Eagles as she moves on to concentrate on other sports. She’s been a wonderful member of the squad and we will all miss her.

Goals: Bea, Sophia
PoM: Bea

So 2 games left of the season and a win today would mean we are guaranteed 4th place in the league, a great effort having just been promoted this year. But today would be a proper test as Abbey Rangers are the most physical team in the league and are very well drilled at set pieces, sit deep so are hard to break down, and look to put pressure on the defence with high balls.

The first half we were down hill, with the wind. Normally a benefit, but with Abbeys style of play this meant they could pop balls over the top and watch them hold up for their physically strong front line to run onto. As the first half progressed Abbey were just getting to the ball that touch quicker than us (they never let you settle on the ball) and were starting to create some dangerous chances. They are pretty clever in the dark arts and when they won a throw-in (which should really have been a free kick for a foul on Liv) they launched the ball into the box to their No. 10. With 2 defenders around her she nudged the ball, took the contact and went down. Penalty!

In the away fixture Deni was playing (unbeknown to her) with 2 broken hands, but fortunately today they were both in fine working order. Not only did she save the penalty she then showed great bravery so get to the rebound first, even taking a kick. But no moaning from our Den, she was up on her feet, distributing the ball to Liv on the left and we went straight down the other end and forced a save from their keeper.

You’d still say Abbey were in the ascendency and it wasn’t a total shock when they scored the first goal of the game. As the ball was lost down out right hand side in a couple of 50/50 battles the ball was lofted into the box. Had I mentioned their strikers are physically strong? Well they are, and one held off the defensive challenges and calmly slipped the ball into the net.

But we were growing into the game and really starting to put some tackles in. With 5 mins of the first half to go the ever ready defender-antagonist Lara won a throw down the right. This was fed back to Fleur who used Eve to get the ball to Bea. Here there was a bit of pinball at the edge of the box and their defender launched a clearance, just as the excellent Bea was getting her foot in to tackle. The ball flew into the air. Where would it go? Their keeper wasn’t sure either and watched it fall to earth, bounce high and hard with a great deal of spin, and fly over her head into the net. We’ve not always had much luck this season, but this was definitely the good fortune that Bea’s efforts deserved.

We still had the chance to grab another before half time as Eloise shifted further forward and started causing all sorts of problems. As she was put through from a lovely Sylvia pass the keeper made an incredibly brave stop, and the ball rebounded straight back into her arms. But a sign of things to come.

So 1-1 at half time and all to play for. At the break we talked about getting to the ball a bit quicker, playing backwards if needed and also pushed Eve a little further back to properly annoy their midfield and eased Eloise a little further forward to try and isolate her with the defence. And wow, what a second half! We controlled the centre of the pitch so much better. The defence were incredible. Meg was holding off one of the strongest forwards in our league with ease, winning ball but also using it intelligently. Fleur was displaying the calmness she has really developed this season, creating attacking opportunities from difficult situations. Talulah was immense, often coming out of challenges with the ball and looking for options up the pitch. Indeed I’d say she had more issues with her bun in the second half than with their attack!

Liv was getting some great joy in this half too, really putting her very strong defender under pressure and going past her on a number of occasions with some lovely crosses at the end of it, and one vicious shot that their keeper spilled into safety. Jess and Sylvia were super strong in midfield. Jess taking high balls out of the sky for fun and Sylvia winning balls and passing skilfully. It was also great to have Charlotte back, albeit a cameo role today, but her energy was the same as always.

So a nip and tuck half was decided by some more industrious play from Bea. Alongside Lara, the pair won a ball they probably didn’t have any right to and Bea shifted the ball skilfully past her defender. She whipped in a horrible cross for the keeper to deal with, who subsequently spilled it across goal. Would there be anyone there to capitalise? of course there would, and Eloise continued her epic end to the season with an easy tap in that she almost looked embarrassed about!

So 2-1 up with about 15 mins to go. Could we hold on? Well a physical barrage called on from their coach, some long balls and long throws later, our girls came out totally unscathed and actually looked in total control. This is a fantastic accomplishment and shows how much they’ve grown as a group this season. The defence, shielded by Sylvia, Jess and Charlotte, were immense. Meg slotted into central defence like she’d been there all her life and we even added some physicality from Emilia at the end.

All in all a fantastic effort against a real brute of a team. Player of the match? Well ok, I used to be a keeper and if you save a penalty in a one goal win its against the law not to get it, and joining her is Bea who was up against a super strong defence and proved she will just never give in.

Well done girls, so proud!

Goals: Bea, Eloise
PoM: Deni, Bea

After a couple of cracking results we faced off against H&R today knowing a win would guarantee Tier 3 football next season (even though we should finish much higher than that). Earlier in the season we handed Hampton a heavy defeat, but they’ve had some excellent results recently and showed why as they were strong and skilful all over the pitch.

In the early parts of the game Hampton were just a little quicker to the ball, and having won possession, looked to play in their attackers. Our defence were holding up well but there were gaps and it felt like Hampton were ahead of the game. So it didn’t come as a huge surprise when midway through the first half the opposition forward was played in on the right hand side of the box, steadied herself, and finished the ball into the far corner.

This woke us up a bit though, as is often the case, and we started to get a bit more control of the centre of the pitch. Our equaliser was a lovely bit of “route one” football that is sometimes needed. Emily playing a lofted ball over the top giving Eloise the chance to run, and boy did she take that chance. As we’ve said many times before, she still had loads of work to do but was able to hold off defenders and calmly slide the ball past the onrushing keeper for 1-1. Some lovely football from back to front then gave Sylvia a chance of a one on one, with a beautiful touch to get her going but the keeper was off her line quickly and snuffed out the danger. All square at half time.

After a decent start to the second half from us it was Hampton who again started to take control. So when a fairly innocuous ball was played through the middle it was a Warriors player who got to the ball first and finished neatly into the bottom corner.

So behind again, and again the Eagles started to turn it on. Hampton looked dangerous on the break at all times, and Deni made a couple of excellent saves due to her perfect positioning, but we were now starting to apply the pressure. And it was from this concerted pressing that our second goal came. Jess had already been heavily involved with the build-up, and we’d already had a couple of shots that had been blocked by Hampton defenders, but we didn’t let up. So when the ball deflected across to Jess she didn’t pause and placed a perfect shot into the top corner for her first goal for the club. A really wonderful moment, well celebrated, and a real turning point in the game.

The Eagles kept on looking for the killer pass, so close on a number of occasions, and chances were coming. Eve hit the bar after an excellent charge into the box ended with a lofted shot over the keeper, and Eloise had a couple of chances, but again the Warriors keeper was excellent at closing down the angles. But Eloise was not to be denied for long. Another opportunity presented itself to get clear of the defence, and as has been her hallmark at the latter part of this season, she took that chance with supreme calmness to push it past the keeper and give us the lead we’d keep until the end.

There were still scares. Deni saved again when a one on one looked like we’d concede, and a “last kick of the game” free kick deep into some interesting injury time looked for all the world as if it would find the net, only for it to skip wide.

A real mark of a good team today as we were not at our fluid best, but adapted to the opposition and never gave up to make it 3 wins from 3 and leave us looking up the table to see how high we can finish.

Some great performances today. Defence held up brilliantly and Eve was her industrious best, but todays award goes to Jess for her first goal for the team and a wonderful all round performance, and to Eloise for her 2 goals and incredible calmness in front of goal when it was most needed. Well done all.

Goals: Eloise 2, Jess
PoM Jess, Eloise.

After and incredible result last week against the team second in the league the fixture computer made it no easier this week pitting us against the runaway leaders of the division. Fleet are a very well drilled side and provide a very physical test for the entire match, meaning as well as skill our girls required huge levels of concentration to see the game through. And my word did they provide both!!!

Fleet play a very direct style, so the defence was set up a little more narrow than usual and we employed 2 strikers as opposed to one in order to close down their defenders and stop them picking their passes as easily. This meant there was lots of work for our midfield to do, and they stuck to their task admirably. From my vantage point as referee this week I was able to get a better idea of how the match was progressing and when their central midfielder complained to her team mate that “they seem to have more players than us” this was an accurate reflection of how it felt on the pitch.

Because Fleet are so physical and direct it would be very easy for our girls to rush their game and panic, but I think its in this respect that you can really see their growth this year. While the opposition generally preferred to hit long balls and put our defence under direct pressure, we looked to shift the ball quickly between us, attack with pace, and give the ball player more than one option. None of the players shied away from responsibility, always calling for the ball, even when in tight positions, and this meant Fleet spent a lot of time chasing the ball.

We were definitely playing the better football and midway through the first half this paid of as some excellent build up play sent Eloise clear. She’s on a fantastic run of form at the moment and it was no surprise when she slotted past the keeper.

The pressure kept building but the entire team defender as one. When our lines were ever breached there was Deni, having her most commanding game yet, to save shots, but also distribute with skill and composure. Having played a number of goal kicks short the Fleet players had got wise to it and were pressing in numbers. So instead Deni started popping balls over their press to our wingers, giving us another attacking outlet and pushing the opposition back.

Our control in the middle of the pitch was really starting to reap dividends and our second goal was the result of some more lovely team play. Starting with Fleur taking on a tough ball she worked the ball centrally where is arrived with Eve to play a ball through the defence. Liv was there to control the ball and wickedly place it past the keeper. Although Fleet huffed and puffed the defence held firm with some incredible challenges, and Deni saved a firmly struck free kick with super strong hands to see it clear. 2 up at half time.

The second half we knew would be frantic, and so it proved, with Fleet never stopping and pressuring at all times. Whilst they created a number of openings they were generally of the “having a pop from the edge of the box” variety, with most sailing over the bar. When they did hit the target they found an inspired Deni in the perfect position and she showed great handling.

One such situation created our third as she claimed a high ball (“Their keeper is tall isn’t she!” being another on pitch comment) and threw a lovely overhand pass in the direction of Jess. When the ball bounced through, Liv was there to provide and excellent flick forwards and Eloise was where she wants to be, bearing down on goal. She was probably still only third favourite though after her first touch, with a defender on her shoulder and a keeper bearing downs on her, but with skill (and a large amount of bravery) she was not only able to get to the ball first but also flick it up and over the onrushing keeper. She could have tapped it in from there, but it wasn’t required, the ball was already heading for the bottom corner.

From here it was about absorbing pressure, but Fleet were starting to sense it wasn’t their day. Another save from Deni and a shot against the post were their best efforts, but we were looking equally impressive on the break as they pushed for a goal. Eloise’s amazing run and pull back was diverted just wide by Eve who had made up a huge amount of ground. Lara then took a touch in the box and fizzed a shot just wide. We still looked like e had lots of running left as the whistle blew for a 3-0 win.

It was an incredible effort all round and almost impossible to single out one player as this was a pure team performance. Sylvia and Jess in the CDM roles are really growing as a partnership, and the touch Jess shows from high balls was vital in todays win. Sylvia then took and absolute rocket straight to the face, and didn’t even flinch. For an opposition who play their home games at an army barracks the player comment of “man, she’s tough” means quite a lot!!! The defence were incredible and refused to back down. Thea was so physical against their strong players that they never had time to settle, and Fleur, Talulah and captain Emily were utter rocks, even when having to play out of position. Bea and Liv were a constant menace to the Fleet defence and both had brilliant games. The link up between Eloise and Lara was great to see and caused a lot of damage, and Deni at the back…..well what can I say. Immense.

But player of the match today goes to Eve who at times was doing the job of two players in midfield, winning tackles, breaking up attacks, and having the awareness to play killer passes. Actually being on the pitch gave me a more accurate understanding of what happens between the players, and Eve’s communication and willingness to help others really shone through today when the game was getting tough.

Amazing work girls, a joy to watch from a footballing point of view, but it was the way you supported each other on the pitch and never let the opposition get on top of you that means the most. An incredibly proud day for the team and a reflection of lots of hard work and togetherness. Well done.

Goals: Eloise 2, Liv
PoM. Eve

After an incredible last minute equaliser in the away fixture just before Christmas we went into this game with positive memories and, on the back of an excellent performance last week, were looking for a good result. Also would we finally get a win on the 3G of Esher College?

With a slightly depleted squad the girls were again asked to dig deep, and my word they did!

The game started with the Eagles on top, pressing well and looking to create early pressure. In the 7th minute Millie picked up the ball on the right and showing lovely vision crossed the ball for Eve. With work still to do Eve turned her defender and fired the ball into the roof of the net (she really does like playing this opposition!).

The Eagles continued to maintain the pressure and when Bea K picked up the ball on the edge of the 6 yard box and swivelled to get her shot off it felt like 2-0…..only for her effort to rebound off the post.

Five minutes later Eloise cracked a fine shot from the penalty spot which cannoned off the crossbar as this felt like similar experiences this year where great play has not always been rewarded with goals.

But the chances kept coming. Eloise, following up from her stellar performance last week, cleverly fed Liv on the left and she in turn showed great strength to hold off her defender and fire a low shot into the bottom right corner to double our lead.

We certainly looked like the team likely to score the next goal, but had to be content with going in at half time with a 2-0 lead and hoping a change of ends would not lead to a change of fortunes!

Initially it felt like this could be a case when a defensive mix up resulted in KPR scoring and getting themselves back into a game that had until now looked lost. But as we have seen this season, the Eagles will keep battling until the very end and this was certainly no different.

Thea, Talulah and Fleur were holding strong at the back with calmness coupled with sensible clearances, and Deni was as brave as always coming to claim balls. Sylvia and Jess again provided fantastic screening for the defence, staying disciplined and also showing skill with their passing.

A rotating attack saw Eve, Eloise and Bea C creating havoc in the middle, while Liv, Millie and Bea K were offering pace and skill, with outlets always available for their teammates. Our formation puts huge pressure on the defence and central midfield unit to repel attacks and then get our forward players into the game quickly. This is no easy task, and against these better opponents requires immense concentration, and it is massive credit to this group of players that they are really starting to excel this season. We are currently seeing week-on-week improvement and this is all we can ask from our players.

These performances make picking a player of the match very hard but today it goes to Eloise for her running and vision and to Jess for her fight and control. But again, so hard to pick when so many girls put in such strong performances. Special mentions to Liv who put herself about today and showed real strength, Sylvia who is flying at the moment and Eve, who was brilliant.

Well done girls, this is a tough run of fixtures we are on and you are performing brilliantly.

Goals: Eve. Liv
PoM: Jess, Eloise

Half term, so a little bit struggling for players (oddly the oppo had their best turn out of the entire season!) but 11 girls took to the pitch against a strong opposition. But what an incredible performance. The discipline and positioning of the girls for the entire 80 mins, with no rest, was fantastic, and some players put in their best performances of the season.

The first half was incredibly tight, both sides had some shots that didn’t worry the keepers unduly, although Deni was required on a couple of occasions to display her famous bravery, and the game looked like it could go either way. Mole Valley are very strong at the back, so chances were at a premium, but our midfield block were showing great composure whilst the defence were dealing with attacks brilliantly. It really was a “proper” football match.

Some poor luck led to the opener when a Deni clearance was popped back towards the box. Thea got great contact on the clearance but, as often seems to be the way for us this season, it ricocheted back off their player and gave the Mole Valley striker a look at goal. She struck her shot well but again Deni was equal to the task with an excellent save but, did I mention this seems to be the way, the ball fell to an approaching Mole Valley attacker who finished a difficult chance well from a tight angle.

We were creating chances of our own though. Some lovely work between Emily, Sylvia and Bea down the right saw Beas cross towards Eloise deflected by the defender and force a save. Eloise herself (having a fantastic match in central midfield) broke onto a free ball that Lara had won and jinked it past the approaching keeper, only to end up a little wide for a shot. Liv flashed an early shot just wide of the far post. Jess also took down a towering sky ball with one of the slickest bits of skill I’ve seen all season! Worth the ticket price itself!

1-0 at half time then and we were right in the game, and stayed that way until 15 mins to go. We were repelling a number of attacks but also now looking dangerous on the break. Ellie had a pop from outside the box that went just past the post, Eloise was causing all sorts of problems with her skill and pace, and the midfield continued to play with skill and courage. The defensive unit also deserves great praise. Emily was aggressive in the tackle and giving a very skilful winger a hard game. Thea was everywhere (as usual) and really took control of the centre of the pitch. Deni was brave and made a number of excellent saves. Fleur, standing in as captain, had an imperious game, seemingly having extra time on the ball and also winning duals again and again.

So it was a shame when a hacked cross field clearance from Mole Valleys right back turned into pass of the season, literally requiring their left winger no need to break stride while picking up the ball, cutting inside, and finishing very cleanly.

So 2-0 now, but still we pushed on. The excellent Eloise beat 2 defenders and shot just over and Liv smashed a corner directly into the post. Liv then got free on the edge of the box, struck a fine shot, but the keeper sprung to her left to make the save. Frustratingly Mole Valley were able to score a third after a long ball wasn’t cleared and they were able to bundle the ball through to their striker. But still Eloise was able to fashion another good chance beating the defence, lifting the ball with skill over the onrushing goalkeeper, but seeing the ball drift agonisingly wide.

Overall a fantastic effort which all the girls should be very proud of. So hard to single anyone out today as it really was an excellent team performance, but Fleur really did have a commanding game as captain and gets player of the match. Well done all.

PoM: Fleur

So a journey to Hampshire in the Surrey League, always a joy, but extremely impressive facilities at the Aldershot Barracks. The oppo played in pink, but swore like they were in the Army, even though it was all very self deprecating!

Fleet are top of the league for a reason, they play a very specific style of football and are extremely well drilled at set pieces. Their girls actually WANT to head corners, which is a fairly rare. The have a couple of very skilled midfield players, play four at the back, and go direct immediately, so our defence was under pressure all game from long balls

With that in mind I would say our first half performance was one of the bet I have seen. We controlled the centre of the pitch with accurate passing, and looked by far the better footballing team.

After a couple of close efforts we were rewarded when some excellent build up play between Eve and Sophia set Eloise on her way and she calmly placed the ball past the keeper to put us up 1-0.

There were chances at either end, but we were more than holding our own. Liv and Sophia had close shots from distance and Eve and Lara were linking up well to create chance. Charlotte was bossing midfiled and the defence were holding off almost everything thrown at them, with a constant 2 person attack that we rarely come up against in meant Jess and Sylvia were have to be more disciplined than usual, which they did brilliantly. With Bea a constant threat, Ellie looking extremely impressive, and Deni controlling her box skillfully, this really was a complete performance so far. We lost control for maybe 5 minutes, and Fleet were able to create a clear opening for the first time, and managed to make the scores even at the break.

The half time chat was different. Normally its a joke and a laugh and hard to discuss tactics. Not today. The girls were fully focused and were giving it everything.

The second half unfortunately didn’t provide the result our efforts deserved. With depleted defence we conceded directly from a corner, followed by an unlucky break to set up a 1v1 which Fleet converted. We were still creating chances but with injuries to Sophia, Talulah and a crash test dummy situation for the ever brave Bea we were left with girls playing out of position but still giving their all. A Fleet penalty gave them a flattering final result, but it was a performance that shows we absolutely belong at this level.

Set pieces, and just that little extra effort to get to the ball first, are all things we can work on, but the effort given and enjoyment the girls seemed to get from the game meant it was an honour to be involved with. A real benchmark effort from the players.

This starts a run of very difficult fixtures, but with this effort and sense of enjoyment its going to be a great end to the season.

Player of the match could go to many players. The defence were excellent all game against a constant barrage of direct ball pressure. Fleur took up the reins in the middle of defence brilliantly in the second half after the excellent Thea had to leave, Emily was sick and yet had an incredible game, and Talulah battled and passed with great skill. Our midfield and attack proved they can be a match for any team in the league, but Charlotte wins the award for a fantastic effort and energy that made me feel tired just watching. I’m fairly sure at one point she won a header in midfield from a goal kick she’d just taken herself!

Well done girls, fantastic effort and you got great praise from the opposition manager.

Goals: Eloise
PoM: Charlotte.

Well, we actually got to play again! Its proving really hard this season to get any continuity going, and each game feels like we are starting again, and that was certainly the case today. Things were made harder by a pitch that is so sloped its almost like playing a different sport.

It took us a little while to get into todays game and their flair players, especially their left back, settled quickly into the game and caused problems. Indeed it was the number 2 who made a dashing run down the left wing and played in a dangerous cross which Talulah managed an almost impossible skill, playing the ball directly back off the thinnest post in football, and it unfortunately fell straight to their player to made it 1-0.

We started to get ourselves into the match, but still looked a little rusty, so we really could have done with a bit of luck. But as has often been the case this season the next bit of luck fell the way of Redhill when a crossed ball was attempted to be cleared a couple of times before the cleanest strike came straight off a challenging opposition player and rebounded straight into our net. 2-0.

But we were now starting to get things going. Lara had changed the theme of our play with some committed tackles, and that started to flow through the whole team. We were also starting to get a little bit more used to the slope, which really did impact the way football is played.

With the first half coming to the end we really needed something to show for or efforts, and it duly came with some excellent midfield work we’ve seen before this season. Jess won the ball, flipped it to Eve who in turn found Bea with another great through ball. Bea had lots to do but brilliantly closed down on goal and slotted the ball past the keeper.

The girls were properly revved up at half time and ready to go and get a win. The second half took a little while to get going, but it was starting to look more like we were going to get back into the game, but with Redhill looking dangerous on the break.

Sophia held of a defender, and coolly finished, only for the ref to penalise her for nothing more than being stronger than the oppo. An odd decision with some of the other tackles that were allowed all game.

But this showed the way forward, and Sophia would not be denied for long, chopping her defender in half, opening her body and smashing the ball home. 2-2.

It really felt like we were now the team with the upper hand, but we were caught out a couple of times losing the ball in the middle of the field and being punished by strong, fast forwards. Unfortunately our shots were either at the keeper, and if not she was making incredible saves. Their shots on the other hand were directed at the corners and gave Deni no chance, even when hit on the spin like their 3rd goal.

A 4th followed for Redhill and although we battled until the final whistle it was a defeat that felt like a game that could easily gone our way.

Hopefully a flatter pitch next week and we can get back to playing some of the nice football we’ve seen this season.

Goals: Bea, Sophia
PoM: Lara

Last game of the term and the difficult challenge of playing the team top of the league at the start of play. Not the easiest place to find but a lovely location when you did get there and a pitch of the quality this game deserved, as two sides came to play proper football.

KPR play four at the back so are a tough team to play through, and they also pass nicely through midfield, and in a more narrow style than the wing play we often come up against. This causes a different set of problems and after a little tweak to the tactics, which the girls picked up brilliantly, we looked much more solid. When KPR did try to find a pass through they found Deni having an incredible game with her box management and collecting the ball on countless occasions when what could have been a difficult moment was sorted by Deni and her bravery!

It really was a great game to watch, both teams creating half chances but nothing of real substance so it was going to take a moment of magic to change the game. That came courtesy of Liv after we’d won a free kick outside the box, right in her sweet spot. Their keeper wasn’t the biggest player (although was an excellent goalie) but it really didn’t matter how tall she was as Liv smashed the ball top bins. 1 – nil.

The game continued in a similar vein with us creating chances, especially through link up play with Bea, Eve and Sophia, and KPR always threating via their quick forwards and controlling play in the middle of the pitch. We don’t have much choice other than to play 3 in defence, but in games like this it certainly adds a few grey hairs to the manager! The girls, on the other hand, seemed to be loving the challenge!

It felt like KPR deserved a goal and that duly came after a CR attack broke down and they moved quickly through midfield. For once one of their through balls was weighted perfectly and Deni had no chance as their striker nicked through and finished low to the left.

Bea nearly put us back in front after a beautiful run, but the ball rebounded back off the base of the post.

1 – 1 at half time gave us a huge amount to build on and the second half was another good watch. Eve came out in the second half like a player possessed and controlled the middle of the pitch, making things very hard for KPR to settle. Charlotte, Jess and Sylvia were rotating brilliantly to also close down space and Sophia was popping long passes all over the pitch to bring in our pacy wingers.

But KPR probably carried a greater threat second half and were really putting us under pressure. Their 2nd goal came in strange circumstances. They seemed to shoot wide from another one-on-one situation that Deni had closed down brilliantly, but were awarded with a corner. That corner bounced off a KPR player and seemed to be rolling safe as Talulah looked to smash the ball clear. Instead, the ball cannoned straight off a KPR player and shot into the net! Such bad luck.

KPR pushed hard for a third and thought they’d scored it when the ball fell to their striker from a cross, Deni made a wonderful save, but the ball was rolling to their approaching midfielder with the goal gaping. As she went to smack it into the net SuperThea dived across from nowhere and blocked the shot. It fell back to the KPR player who was still so confused from where Thea had actually come from she blazed the ball over an open net!

It looked like ultimately we’d only be rewarded with a narrow defeat, but the girls just never gave up. Some solid defending saw the ball played out to Bea, she passed the ball inside to Eve who carried the ball up field before laying of a delicious through ball for Bea to pick up. She still had lots of work to do but raced through and as the keeper approached she calmly lifted it over her and nailed on the equalising goal with only a minute left.

Overall a fantastic performance and great reward for all the work the girls have done in training. Its been a stop start season so far with cancelled coaching sessions and games off due to weather, but the players are really showing signs of excellent development and we are seeing great relationships spring up all over he pitch. But most of all we are seeing massive smiles at the end of every session, and that’s a huge victory!

So many players were great today but player of the match goes to Eve for one of the best second half midfield performances I have seen, capped off with a wonderful assist at the end.

Well done girls, you’ve adapted to a higher league brilliantly. Have a great Christmas and we’ll be ready for more in 2026.

Goals: Liv, Bea
PoM: Eve

It’s these types of games that makes the work the girls do in training all worth it. In what was a close game for a large portion of the match the players stuck to their passing football and put in the best performance I have seen from them.

Everything was pretty tight for the first 25 mins with H&R very strong up front and pushing us back. The defence were incredible against a very pacy and skilful striker, and Denis bravery was something else whenever the ball did break through our lines. Her timing was impeccable.

So while H&R were causing us problems we were also starting to get chances. Emily arrived to whip a ball into the box and Lara’s clean contact on the half volley went narrowly over. Liv then hit the bar with a lovely effort, and it felt like we were getting a hold on the game.

Things turned for us in a two minute period wit Liv doing well down the left side, feeding Eloise and her pass was slotted home by Bea. Then Bea returned the favour for Eloise to tap home, and we were going into half time with a 2-0 lead.

The game still all felt there to play for as H&R were still creating chances through the wings and the middle, so the next goal really felt important so it was lucky it went to us with Bea played through and finishing calmly.

Our fourth goal was one of the best team goals we’ve scored. Liv picked the ball up deep on our left side and played a lovely 1-2 with the excellent Talulah. From here we worked it down the wing before playing it across field with Bea played through again to finish her hattrick. The oppo never got a chance to make a challenge and it was pure football.

The goals started rattling along now as the girls refused to get selfish and instead played even better “team” football.

Bea got her 4th and the team 5th with another 1 v 1 on the keeper before Eve also slotted home. Liv finished calmly before Sophia made space for herself and fired home before Eloise got her second with a wonderful left foot finish at the near post.

So many good performances today. Deni and the defence were brilliant, the midfield gave up nothing, and the passing from the whole team was a joy to watch.

Players of the match today go to Bea, not only for 4 goals but with the way she distributed the ball which added so much to our overall play and also to Talulah. Their forward was fast and tricky and gave Talulah a tough time in the first 5 minutes, but once she’d worked her out is was a masterclass of defending, to the point where their 23 moved to another part of the pitch as she’d had enough!

Well played girls, an absolute joy to watch.

Goals: Bea 4, Eloise 2, Eve, Liv, Sophia

Up against a team we have never been able to beat in the league, this was always going to be a tough encounter, but it was an entertaining game that could have gone either way.

We probably had the best of the opening exchanges, without creating any chances, so were a little unlucky to go one down when a free kick was awarded midway into our half and their player smashed it into the top corner.

The game remained even with some excellent passing from both sides, but when the ball broker centrally the Colne Valley attackers managed to play some nice one-touch passes and their striker slotted home for 2-0.

It would have been easy for heads to go down at that stage but if anything we upped out performance. The last 15 mins of the first half were all us, but the shots we managed to get away were either too gentle or straight at the keeper. But out midfield was holding their own. Charlotte was excellent in a slightly deeper role and was well supported by Jess, Sylvia and Ellie. Sophia was playing some wonderful through balls and we were unlucky not to go in at half time with a goal to our names.

As the second half got underway it felt like things were changing. Their super fast right back was still defending well, but was becoming more and more isolated. Liv was starting to get some luck down that side and was getting shots off more regularly.

This culminated in Sophia rolling a perfect weighted pass across to Liv who opened her body and smashed the ball into the net.

It really felt like we were back in the game now, and we continued to create half chances. Lara was chasing down everything up front and helping us get the ball in dangerous positions. From one of these pressure moments the ball broke to Liv again. She fired an attempt across the keeper and for all the world it looked like an equaliser, but the keeper thrust out a strong hand and deflected the ball over the bar, a top quality save.

We kept pushing for the equaliser our play deserved, but that left us a bit open at the back, and Colne Valley punished this right at the end of the game with a wonderful through ball to leave their striker one-on-one and she calmly finished.

A game that could have gone either way, and one that was competitive from start to finish. A couple of stronger challenges here, and a more composed finish there, and we’d have got something out of the game, which I think would have been well deserved (and would have been a nice birthday present for Jess!).

Players of the match today were Liv and Charlotte, Liv grew into the game and looked our most likely source of goals and Charlotte gave one of her all action captains performance with tackles and passes all over the pitch. But this was a really strong performance and one the girls should be proud of.

Goals: Liv
PoM: Live, Charlotte.

Against one of the strongest teams in the league, and with a number of players missing, this was always going to be a tricky assignment. But the oppo were a nice bunch, the pitch was mercifully small and we played in the shadows of the Surrey Hills, so could have been a worse experience.

The game couldn’t have got off to a better start. Some early pressure down our right side saw Bea and Charlotte putting a lot of pressure on their left back and when Charlotte managed to get the better of her defender and ping in a cross, the centre back nodded it into her own top corner.

Unfortunately from here MV were able to exert some good pressure. After a number of crosses had missed their target they finally picked out the striker, who side footed in for 1-1.

The ref was also very picky about challenges, giving soft free kicks all over the pitch, which was not ideal when they had such good ball strikers. One such event gave them a free kick just outside the box, and it was promptly whipped into the top corner.

Then saw a period of 15 mins where we totally held our own and had chances to score.

Lara struck a solid shot from the edge of the box which was heading towards the top corner before their keepers clawed it away for a corner. Soon after Liv smashed a shot which narrowly went over the bar. There were also a couple of corners which, with a luckier bounce, would have resulted in tap ins.

But just before half time MV were able to pick up a couple of fairly soft goals to leave us 4-1 down at the break.

The second half, now with only 10 players, was always going to be tough, but the girls stuck to their jobs brilliantly and got some good distance in their legs.

MV have some excellent weapons with long throws, strong dead balls, and some big athletes, but they also play some lovely football and constantly put the defence under pressure with through balls and good close control. But it wasn’t a walkover and we were also still creating chances, even if we didn’t often have enough players on the pitch to attack the corners we did win!

Mole valley were able to pick up a further 3 goals (one from another softly given free kick, one from a long throw that bobbled in the box and one from a lovely through ball where their striker could easily hold off her defender and slot home) but it was a competitive effort and the girls should be very proud. Sometimes we want to concentrate on a result, but other times we need to step back and see how the group are developing. In very difficult circumstances they supported each other, never gave up and were still seeing the opposition goalkeeper get excited about making saves right up until the final whistle, so a really good team effort.

Player of the match goes to Charlotte for creating the first goal, being excellent on pitch then making a number of saves when keeping in the second half. Another really strong performance from Jess, some excellent defending and skill from Fleur and some battling tackles from Lara (knocking over their defender who is more powerful than me) being further highlights.

Goals: OG
PoM: Charlotte

End of half term, no normal keeper, no normal manager (limited impact), players away…..how would we go! Well very well actually!

Before the game even started there were some epic efforts. Thea to land from holiday and pretty much come straight to the game on no sleep. Sophia and Eve agreeing to go in goal. These actions really are what makes a team and and is incredible to see.

As for the game, CR started strongly and could have had a number of goals in the first half (sound familiar?) but struggled to finish off the numerous chances created. Finally Bea picked up a pass from Eloise and put us one up.

At the other end Sophia was displaying her athletic ability with a number of good saves to keep a clean sheet by half time.

The second half started strongly. With Sophia now out on pitch she set up Bea with a lovely ball to make it 2-0 and soon after the nerves were settled a little when the same combination managed to give us a 3 goal lead with a Bea hattrick.

But with limited, becoming no, sub options we started to tire. KPR managed to pull a goal back and it took a couple of brilliant saves by our second half goalkeeper Eve to keep us with breathing space. A late KPR goal did result in a nervous ending, but the girls hung on for a fantastic win.

There were strong performances all over the pitch with Ellie showing her ability in midfield and Jess linking play together by being everywhere on the pitch, only denied her first goal for the club by an excellent save from the oppo goalkeeper.

Sophia and Eve were heroines in goal and Emily slotted back into midfield as she had last season. overall an excellent effort. When we played this team 2 seasons ago we lost 8-0 and it was the point we decided to switch the squad up a bit. A performance like today, with so many obstacles to face, shows what an incredible set of players we now have. Also lovely to see Deni at a game to support the girls. What a amazing group!

Goals: Bea 3
PoM: Bea and Jess

Tough one today playing a very physical side who seemed to be allowed to be far more aggressive than us by the ref. Oddly we probably had more clear cut chances today than we did in the last game, but scored none this week as opposed to 7 as we got dragged into a bit of a battle.

The match started evenly but Abbey were able to score fairly early when a ball made it to the edge of the box and their midfielder hit a volley that squirmed into the net.

From here we created chance after chance. Sophia struck a lovely shot from distance which smashed against the crossbar. Eve was so close to getting on the end of two corners. When we did breach the defence we found an inspired keeper able to save everything hit at her.

Abbey weren’t creating much, although did just miss a one-on-one, but they had a constant danger with their centre forward, who was one of the strongest girls on the ball we’ve seen. So it was no surprise when late in the second half she managed to ride a number of tackles before crossing the ball where they had a 3 on 1 situation. Deni saved the first shot brilliantly, but in the style of the day if rebounded straight to their player who side footed it home.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Abbey slowing the game down at every opportunity to hold onto their lead. We again created numerous chances, but were unable to finish any off. Bea (having been smashed around all game) won a penalty her hard work deserved, but there was no beating this keeper today who saved the resulting kick.

With time running out Abbey threw a ball across the box which landed at their strikers foot and she calmly stroked the ball into the net.

A bit of a lesson today in physicality but also game management and as we play these more established teams we’ll learn a great deal.

Player of the match today was Thea who cam up against an excellent player today and stood toe to toe with her all game and was particularly solid, although credit to the whole defence who restricted them to very few chances, they were just clinical with the ones they got!

PoM: Thea

So our first league game in Tier 3 saw us take on Redhill (who played in this Division as Dorking FC last season). Redhill had won 2 Cup games so far this year, both against another team in our league, without conceding a goal, so it would be a good test or where we are.

The game was tight from the start with not many chances for either side. Redhill defended well with quick wingbacks, but our defence were also holding firm with Thea winning every battle and Talulah, Fleur and Emily looked extremely composed.

Then midway into the first half Bea won an incredible 50/50 (what injury????) and Sophia picked up the ball in midfield and pushed it through to Liv. Liv still had lots of work to do but cut inside her defender and riffled a low shot into the far corner of the net for our first goal of the season.

That goal certainly helped our confidence and we looked slicker with some lovely passing between the lines. After a through ball went a little too far the Redhill keeper didn’t pick it up and luckily Eloise was alert had kept the pressure on and was presented with the easiest goal she will ever score, left foot into an empty net.

Just before half time we won a corner which Liv pinged into the box and Eve met first time with the outside of her boot to score at the near post.

Wanting a fast start to the second half we were rewarded for some excellent play as Liv again got clear from lovely work by Sylvia and slotted into the net for her second and the teams fourth goal. But with 20 mins to go, and the game looking easy, we saw why at this higher level its impossible to switch off. Deni made an incredible save from a free kick that was flying into the top corner and then Redhill worked the ball well down the left and an excellent cross was bundled it at the far post.

Redhill quickly won the ball again in central midfield and their attacker ran unchallenged to the edge of the box before firing a shot in off the inside of the far post.

Things could have wobbled but we stayed positive and started to press again. Eve won a corner with some excellent closing down and when Liv sent in another wonderful delivery Eve was there to be first to a bouncing ball and lash it into the net.

Our best football of the game was being played now with some beautiful passing moves. many of these were being started by Thea (who was everywhere in defence today) getting the ball to Sylvia who showed that when you give her time she can find a pass to anyone. Some of the best distribution I’ve seen and a really impressive match from Sylvia today who has carried on from the strong end to last season.

Liv had time to claim her hattrick as she smashed a free kick in from just inside her own half before Bea scored the goal of the game. Some wonderful work saw the ball moved from defence to midfield and when Sophia picked the ball up she had options. She chose a perfectly weighted pass to Bea whose first touch was sublime and took her away from her defender. From here she just had the keeper to beat and she skipped past her to roll the ball into an empty net.

Redhill had scored again so we ended 7-3 and a fantastic start to the league campaign.

Could have been so many players of the match today, it really was that good, and the engines on Eloise, Charlotte, Eve and Jess always gave us a chance, but today it goes to Liv for her hattrick and 2 assists, Thea for getting their manager to complain to his players that she was winning too much and Sylvia for one of the most composed passing performances I’ve seen. Well done girls!

Goals: Liv 3, Eve 2, Eloise, Bea
PoM: Live, Thea and Sylvia

Cup game for our first match this year against a team that were Tier 1 last season and it showed. Won’t go into too much details but the effort and teamwork of the girls was commendable.

Jess played her first game for us and we extremely solid, picking up the player of the match award.

All looking forward to next week and getting back to our normal level!

Goals: None
PoM: Jess