The game started well for South - we took it to them. Won an early short corner and a great strike from Juliette Stoop was saved by the goalie. It fell to a defender who lifted it into the air towards the right post and Anna (me) tapped in it. Job done, I headed off to the sub line for a rest…

But then they equalized. Can’t remember quite how - think it might have been a backward pass which was intercepted and then they scored. Not to worry -  they shortly did the same and we equalized. I didn’t see exactly the detail (still recovering from the shock of scoring) but I think Tims deflection training paid off and Rhi saw it in with quite a dramatic flick on. A greatly deserved goal, Rhi works her socks off for our team, such tenacity and determination (note to me - I need to spend more time with Rhi).

Half time - we knew what we needed to do - focus on building, triangle play, easy passes, defend as a pack, press hard, stretch the play (at least I think that was the case but I was concentrating on eating the jelly sweets. To be fair, it was my first game back for ages and I  really had missed these…).

We got another goal. It was a great one. Juliette Stoop you are awesome. She should have had another a little later, but the goalie took her out and for some reason the decision was a 16 hit out. Won’t lie, I am still trying to work that one out.

Unfortunately they got two more. One from another interception  - the forward was a bit nippy and with South being more used to my speed,  it was unexpected. Their third was from a penalty strike.  Then re their fourth - no comment. It came in the last seconds of play - from a mis-hit and unluckily for us it went in. We felt a bit robbed - a draw would have reflected the game better and the points were important to us, but luck just didn’t land our way on the day.

Of course not mentioned is the green thingy. Won’t lie, it felt a tad harsh given there was way more vociferous challenges from other areas of the pitch, but hey it’s the umpires prerogative and I respect that, question at your own risk… just saying though that if I sent every man off who politely appealed for a decision, then there wouldn’t be many left on the pitch in any one game.

Re Dames of the Game stuff - Suzi and Emma shared POM - superb play and well deserved. Mentions also to Rhi, Louisa, Indi, and Hayley and of course the TEAM. Re the latter, it has to be noted, our team spirit is awesome. We know we belong in this league and we can win these games. It just didn’t go our way on Saturday but we played and fought hard and we can see  it’s coming together -  so we look forward to the rest of the season. KEEP BUILDING TEAM.

Must finish with a mention for our two new juniors - they were amazing - Charlotte and Connie - such skill and confidence & what great assets for South to be proud of.  Plus we love our goalie Lydia - she saves and saves and then saves again.  

LOM - sorry  but I really can’t  remember who got it -  might have been linked to the green which was by the way - not sure if I have already said this - a tad harsh (in my opinion). Still the crocheted hat was nice and warm and I am getting on a bit so do need to wrap up.