A month into our summer league, it was now time for playing the teams again. Conditions for this game against Royston 2s were certainly different to last, overcast skies at our beloved Long Road, compared to sunshine and silliness previous (flash back to Fi’s slight nudity and “Phil would’ve loved it!” during a minute’s silence for HRH).

Last time we came away with a disappointing 2-1 loss. This would be our day! But wait, no goalie? Only 12 players?

Fortunately, Annabel saved us and our polite non-existent replies to Nic’s goalie pleas (all but Juliette – brownie points to you). As for one sub, well, less can go wrong with one set of subbing times, or so you’d hope.

The first half started very strong, we were soon in their defensive D and taking shots on goal. It did become a bit scrappy but we got the short corner eventually. A fantastic shot from Niamh was nearly our first goal. Our structure on the pitch kept width and allowed some brilliant 1,2s between players. Our mid wings, Ann and Polly, did a brilliant job of receiving and running the ball up from side lines and 16s. Defence were put to the test when Royston made quick runs and fast balls straight down the pitch. Shree, Elly and Vicki held their players and repeatedly drove the ball out wide, keeping their attempts at bay.

By half time, we had bagged two goals, while Royston had sneaked one in. Half time talks were short and sweet, literally, with Rocky Road on offer to revive our energy. We knew Royston would come back fighting and unhappy with their first half, so we came back just as strong. Though they tested us, we remained strong to hold them and dominated the game. A goal of theirs came from a short corner. One particularly beautiful goal of South’s came from a drive up the left wing, into the side of the D, to be swept across the goal, ready to be pushed into the right corner, Naomi reaching it and finishing it off. Another goal of ours came from a well thought out short corner, deceiving the defence into running the wrong angle.

All round the pitch, the 5s played a brilliant game. Player of the match was jointly won by Naomi, for her beautiful goal, and Juliette, for her fantastic attack and always being ready to run and receive the ball for a shot at goal. Notable shout outs also go to Ann for her amazing tackles and interceptions on the wing. Lemon nominations varied from certain players lack of safety kit, naming no names…To Annabel’s retort at being warmed up after one ball. I took the prize for possibly half a dozen (and a few more) too many lifted balls.