Excitement had been building all week for the first ever L3s vs L4s Derby Day. With this as the first league match of the season, a lot was at stake and we had had all day to prepare ourselves. Unfortunately, the weather had also had all day to deteriorate and as we walked on to the pitch for the late push-back the heavens opened. Playing in torrential rain is becoming a regular occurrence for the Ladies 3s.

We started strongly with some lovely linking play down the middle from Jess and Rebecca, and were rewarded with a great goal from Rosie – fitting for her last match for South. The 3s continued to mount up the pressure, and a great cross into the D from Jess enabled Lucy in a prime position to make it two-nil. With the momentum with us, Lou was causing havoc in the opposition’s D, scoring two more in quick succession. By half-time we were four-nil up and looking forward to a Jelly Baby fuelled break.

The rain seemed to get even heavier in the second half but this couldn’t stop Maddy from converting a lovely pass across the D to make it 5-0. We then had many near-chances but couldn’t find the goal. The heavy rain seemed to cause general confusion, best illustrated by Lou attempting to head the ball in the air, winning her a near-unanimous Lemon of the Match vote!

Some solid defending from Megan and Maria at the back put a stop to any dangerous attacks from the 4s and a calm and composed performance from goalkeeper Louise ensured we kept a clean sheet.

MOM went to Lucy for some lovely attacking play and a goal, with worthy mentions going to Jess, Rebecca and Megan. A shout-out should also go to our dedicated captain who sped back from a hen-do in Norwich to make our game!

Thank you to all the supporters who braved the rain to come and watch, especially Jenny who did an excellent job of deciphering Laurie’s intricate subbing system.

A great start to the league – bring on next week!