South Ladies 5s lined up against Peterborough 4s at Long Road in glorious autumn sunshine. The expected squad of 15 had already taken a hit and we ended up with only one sub.

Undaunted, the fives set to with the usual energy and commitment. Strong passing and good positioning from the midfield helped us move the ball around but we came under early pressure with Peterborough winning a corner.  The striker fluffed it and we used the opportunity to regain composure and possession and move the ball up the pitch. Up at the front we had Sarah, Nicky and Holly. Holly earning herself a POM vote for her brilliant runs. There was hard work from the midfield, Polly, Avi and Harry and some nice runs from one-hand Emma but we couldn’t quite get into our stride and get the ball up to strikers and we ended the first half with Peterborough scoring a lucky goal.

It was good to have Tim shouting at us from the sideline and giving constructive advice at half time. We held our positions well and in the second half were more effective at passing the ball around the back, despite a tiring defence. POM went to Vicki for great defence, with nominations also for Harry for good intercepts and positioning, diamond Louisa and defenders Rebecca and Rosie. The third week in a row that POM has gone to a defender reflecting our move to a higher league.

The energy level was maintained in the second half and both teams were warned for stick tackles.  Shortly after, Rebecca was green carded for another stick tackle (which brought back memories of being sent out of a school French lesson as scapegoat when everyone was mucking about.) which rightly earned her the overwhelming LOM vote.  South once again was under pressure and there was great play from keeper Mia. Unfortunately Peterborough won a corner and scored from a very clean strike.

Peterborough were sporting opponents but also got an unexpected green card. Avi performed some awesome aerial ball control, more commonly seen on a quidditch pitch, and the referee was heard to mutter, “How did she do that?”. The second half saw corners for South but we weren’t able to convert. Peterborough’s fast forwards and organised attack left us feeling outnumbered at the back and they took the opportunity to get a third goal from another good strike.

The game was tougher than we are used to but our spirit is stronger than ever and we are definitely improving as a team.