Dear readers,

With lift plans locked in place and spirits high, we were raring to go for our day trip to Spalding. The tone was set early with Selene's dramatic tea spill in the car before we'd even arrived. Upon arrival, our warm-up took an adventurous turn in the playground, where agility drills met monkey bars. 

With the focus of the game to boost our goal difference, we were met by a surprisingly resolute Spalding side. Their defence was watertight, keeping us out of the D for much of the first half. Thankfully, Lou Clarke managed to turn the tide and get one on the score sheet for us after a scrappy battle with the ball dribbling over the line.

We went into halftime 1–0 up, with a team talk focused on positivity and energy. The only slight distraction was when a rogue sweet fell out of my mouth and (miraculously!) landed back in the bag. That sealed my fate as Lemon of the Match, and surprisingly, no one fancied a sweet after that...

The second half brought drama. Spalding equalised with a goal of pure chaos: a shot veered wide, a cross followed, an opponent collided with Annabel, and somehow the ball spun into the goal. 

Thankfully, Jess stepped up to restore order with a stunning strike from the top of the D, carving out space where none seemed to exist. Her positioning was flawless throughout, earning her a well-deserved Player of the Match.

We held firm to finish 2–1 in South’s favour and headed to the cafe for post-match teas. A classic offering of a jacket spud finished off the day before a long drive back (unless you were Steph, who preferred her own cous cous option).

Player of the Match: Jess for her impeccable positioning and lovely goal  
Lemon of the Match: Bertie Bex and her all-flavoured sweets