After some very early morning games a 4pm start seemed a delightful prospect. Turns out 4pm games are not what they seem, they need afternoon naps, that some of us may or may not have needed awakening from and make half the team late for their December Festive antics. 

We set off well, lots of nice runs on the wings. Tabby doing what Tabby does best. Little Emily pinging in some beautiful crosses. Anna and Steph using their skill for tactical play. We were building and holding our own against a surprisingly strong Ely. 

Now at some point, it all got a bit argy bargy, Ely got warned and warned again. I got taken out and to be diplomatic, I was absolutely fuming (that was about to be my moment). Time was excitingly stopped to discuss the level of card. Was it a push? Was it a shove? Get the VAR out I declared, expected a red, she got a yellow. No idea what the cards mean tbh so who was I to comment.

Half time. Keep building, there's some good stuff, but we need more oomph. More drive. Don't get frustrated.

The defence got busy. Defence got PoM votes across the board for this performance. Rhian and Hannah making some clinical and critical tackles. Lydia was kept very busy, diving here, diving there, communicating and trying to keep the defence unit in check. A well deserved PoM this week for Lydz for keeping the goal difference at bay.

We were beginning to get frustrated. I subbed myself off for a timeout.

A few defensive shorties in a row, they scored. 

1-0 down with 10 mins to go. This wasn't the best place to be when Louisa got sent off for 2 mins for not being 5. Unfortunately her plea to the umps that she'd been in the toilet for the team warning didn't work out.

We were building again soon before the final whistle and a short was called. We sent Hannah up as a distraction and Anna's hit just missed the mark. Another 5 and we would have had them.

I'll end it on mine and Emma's motto for this season. We live and we learn.