‘I’ve got 4 of them!’ shouted Avi as we defended another wave of City’s attacking play; and it felt like that a lot throughout the game unfortunately. This was despite us all putting the effort in - even from before push-back - what with Selene tripping into her own bag, Harry evading the many wasps and flies, a boisterous sticks-in count down from 10, and Avi storming onto the pitch like Arnie in her shades. We were up for it, but frankly, it just seemed like there were more of them than us; and maybe that was even a teensy bit true as there were two City No. 83s! Confusing.

So – first half – we did what we do, until City were awarded a short corner and one of the City No. 83s whacked it into the South goal. Then, I skilfully took the pace off the ball for a different City attacker [Ed - also no.83... but the other one] who whacked it into the goal. I could go on and describe the third and final goal, but, ‘I don’t recall’, as Ivanka said. So instead, lets focus on the positives for the L5s:

1. We had 11 players on the pitch! And 2 subs! Go Us!
2. The sun actually shone in both sides’ eyes, rendering players on both teams down to silhouetted outlines.
3. Liv made her South debut and was brave, skilful and energetic, earning her PoM noms.
4. As well as figuring out that City had 2 x No. 83s on the pitch (clever clogs!), Fi made some great passes and intercepts in mid-field.
5. Sélène made some brilliant saves, stayed focussed and strong, and owned the goal area during short corners.
6. Avi was a rock star from start (literally too cool) to finish, earning her PoM noms for interceptions, clearances, and all-round tireless defending, plus making her own runs up to City’s D.
7. Lauren was welcomed back from an ankle injury.
8. South’s attackers were able to trial their short corner routine.
9. We were able to escape the press and hold possession, passing it around, looking for easy passes rather than the wishful kind.
10. Rosie managed to hold back ‘swearies’ and tears, and to be a big girl and, despite being< a sore loser, do her best to smother, err, the ball? I don’t know. Anyway – PoM noms for that.
11. Baby Amelie was watching, earning herself a well-deserved BoM-nom for being an extremely cute and loyal supporter. Our own indefatigable Captain took LoM for helpfully clarifying to City, in a moment of confusion (that sun again maybe?), that she was very much ‘on the ball’. It should never have been in doubt!

Better luck next time L5s.