South vs City: local derby and potentially the biggest match for the L2s this season. It didn’t disappoint. With City just below us in the league, they are one of only a few teams to rival our position at the top and we had all morning to get nervous about it. We are the only team in the league to have taken points off them so far this season, so knew we just needed to repeat. Deciding it would be warmer to have our team talk outside, we conducted a high-intensity warm up before Izzy MP and H prepped us for the battle ahead.

South (as usual) started strong, and quickly converted a short corner with a perfectly timed straight-strike from Izzy MP (three in three weeks). Sadly, City got one back and then converted another to put them ahead. We were not put off. Excellent work from the attack gave us another short, which Hannah slotted in after a well-worked routine from Sam and Izzy MP to draw us level.

Half time was a tense affair, but an excellent team talk and some jelly baby fuel meant we came out fighting in the second half. The defence worked solidly to stop the speedy City players from entering the D. On the occasions they did manage a shot, Louise was on hand to pull off some cracking saves. There were some textbook passes round the back, endless running from the midfield and some pacy sprints up the wings from Sam and Izzy E. The work paid off with a great run from Izzy E who fed the ball through to Eimear, who gave it to Izzy MP to find the back of the net. We were now on a roll, and after a flick from Izzy MP rebounded off the keepers face, Eimear swung the ball in at head-height to score an amazing goal. Four-two to South.

City got another goal at some point but I can’t remember when. This is probably as I was too busy taking myself out and face-planting the pitch. Unsurprisingly I received little sympathy (direct quote from Izzy MP 'Up you get Lauren, on your feet!'), and a total of twelve Lemon votes. South then began to dominate and concluded the match with another team goal from Izzy E and Hannah.

Lots of different MoM votes showed that everyone had stepped up to the game, but Louise’s stunning saves and dives gave her a well-earned MoM. Final score five-three. The L2s are still undefeated and still top of the league.