Having played Nomads in a friendly three weeks prior, South was struck with a sense of déjà vu. However, that was back when the sun was actually shining and three points weren’t up for grabs. It ended in a 5-0 win but going into Saturday’s game, L2’s were under no illusion of an easy victory.

With skipper Dani off playing pirates down in Cornwall, VC Rebecca took up the helm this match.

The first half started with South eager to win the ball and putting pressure on Nomads. With some beautiful play, South’s nerves were settled by Rhi getting us on the scoreboard, hitting from her new favourite ridiculously tight angle (I’m sure Paul will let you off… again), and we were 1-0 up.

Some lovely balls through the backline, with Niamh having great composure on the ball and Nic being Miss Reliable at the back, meant South was able to whizz the ball back and round. Aoife had little flurries up from defence attacking towards Nomads D. Lucy managed to get lemon by being too keen and not stopping the ball on the sideline before taking it.

Having settled properly into the game South pushed forward, with Grace having a corker on the wing (securing her POM) and Laragh with cracking forward play, it wasn’t long before South got a short. Injection by Grace to an awaiting Jess F at the top of the D, straight strike beautifully into the bottom right corner for that lovely backboard sound. 2-0 to South. Solid defensive play, with some fab teamwork especially by Jenny meant the first half ended with South on a clean sheet.

Half time talk was all for keeping the positivity rolling, not giving them time on the ball and having confidence ourselves to not give it away easily.

Off we go with the second half, with Jess W holding the centre beautifully and distributing the ball out left, right and centre, South pressed forward hungry for more goals. Another short corner won by South looked promising. This time going for a left slip to Laragh, who had a crack on goal which was saved by the keeper. Rebound shot from Grace waiting on the post, saved on the line. With a whole load of scrappiness (and probably a whole load of feet too), Jess F pounced, slotting the ball into the goal whilst in the process of calling for a penalty flick. Nonetheless, South now 3-0 up.

With some gorgeous distribution of the ball by Lauren, Nic got the ball and went for a jolly up the middle of the pitch to Nomads D. A well timed tackle by a Nomads defender deprived her of a goal. Solid play in the midfield by Rebecca saw balls flung up ready for South’s forwards to pounce. Jess F collected the ball and with a lovely assist to Sarah, who had stunning movement and strength on the ball, received and slapped it passed the keeper into the bottom left corner. Perhaps a touch of déjà vu as the final and fifth goal was an assist by Sarah to Jess F who was ready for a one touch slap again into the bottom left corner. Finishing strongly and closing down threats from Nomads meant Lydia had all the gear (and I’m sure lots of ideas) but didn’t have to touch the ball once.

Final score, 5-0. Maybe déjà vu is a good thing after all?