The L1s were feeling determined after their defeat last weekend to the Uni and facing old rivals Cambridge City Ladies 3s.

It was always going to be a high-pressure game with Cambridge City snapping at South’s heels for the top of the table spot. Everyone seemed well-prepared, except for me (Georgie Hurf) who had forgotten her astros - thanks, Loopy, for the loan…less said about that the better. I’d really missed being Lemon, so thanks also to the team for that honour.

The game started at a fast pace. As expected, City were well drilled and, with tight passing, immediately started to put pressure on South’s defence. Their first goal came quite quickly and a second followed after a failed clearance from a short corner. In spite of the onslaught, South defended courageously, Robyn doing a sterling job of intercepting and clearing from the middle (a well-deserved recipient of MOM).

South didn’t let their heads drop and in the last third of the first half a well-placed pass from Flix on the left to Sophie at top D lead to a fantastic reverse stick strike and gooooaaaaalll! Back in the game.

Captain Kimbo gave a rousing speech at half time; we’d intercepted well but were struggling with stick-to-stick passes and City weren’t letting us get away with anything. We came out strong and won a short corner. Straight strike by Alice and a touch on the line by I’m not sure who…resulted in a fantastic goal. Sadly for South the goal was disallowed for a lifted ball. Disgruntled, South tried to pick themselves up.

City scored a few more; South scored another disallowed goal after a short corner deflection from Kim was called out for being back of stick. City continued to keep the pressure on right to the final whistle. There was some fearless hunting in midfield by Maddy and a great turn by Roisin at left mid after Hannah went off with a very painful looking finger. Unfortunately, South became a little disjointed in their defence as they tired.