Derby day and the L3 were ready to show the L2s their fierce selves. Rhi lead the warm up whilst the other South vs. South match concluded. Energetic sprints lead to Rhi falling straight on her bum, our first LoM-worthy event noted. Two minute call for the game to begin and the team looked around to see they were missing one member of the team, Rhi have run off for a lastminute-pee.com (second LoM-worthy event noted).

The game started well, with the L2s showing strong passing but our defensive line stayed strong, showing our man marking as well as some brilliant saves from Cassie. Lauren E made sure that the ball was never in the D too long, clearing the ball out to the wings. Caught in midfield, Izzy broke through our defence and looked to have a one-on-one opportunity on goal. However, Maria had different ideas, taking Izzy out on the top of the D, to the entertainment of the crowd: P-flick award. Cassie stood fierce and Izzy’s shot went wide.

The L2s continued to come at us and, through a great reverse shot, saw the first goal of the match: one-nil. Nearing the end of the half, many a defensive short corner came. However, with no success for the L2s - Ani running a great first run. The first half finished two-nil, with a second goal coming from a ricocheting ball off the post with unforeseen backspin taking it into the back of the L3s’ goal.

The second half saw some strong attacking play from Kath and Emily, looking to attack at every opportunity, but unfortunately the L2s won the ball back and, through some interlinking play, managed to slip a third goal past our defence. Charlotte showed her skills through the sweeper role, clearing the ball from our 23, achieving her MoM. Mid-way through the half saw a strong clearance from Maria to the wings, then passed through Rhi at midfield to Emily, who dribbled through serval opponent’s tackles into the D. Aggressive tacking took Emily out: P-flick award. Emily lined up herself and flicked down the centre of the goal, saved by the keeper, and we set to press on the reset 16. However, the whistle was blown and the umpire pointed to the spot again, as the keeper had come off their line too early - Emily got another chance, but unfortunately, the keeper’s pads kept the shot out.

Final result - four-nil, with the opponents managing to slip in a last goal before the final whistle. The L3s should be proud of the way they battled all over the pitch and provided a strongly fought game. A great match and topped off with a South social in the evening.

Ed: special mention to Jas for managing a WHOLE game without having to retie her laces, thanks to her new taping technique! & it worked for Tabby too!