An early start for our first league game of the season, away at Basildon Sporting VIllage at 10am.

With the 5s also having a morning away game availability was low across the teams this week. We had the bare 11 players, who bravely battled heat and fatigue with no respite (and no post-match teas.)

The 0-2 scoreline didn't really reflect the match. It was fairly even, though I think we had slightly more possession and attacks on goal. Unfortunately we just couldn't convert that into goals.

Basildon's first goal came in the first half. A really hard hit shot from near the edge of the D straight into the bottom left corner - very impressive. Their second one during the second half was less impressive, a gently hit ball at close range, finding the gap between the keeper's pads and trickling annoyingly across the line.

We were short on natural defenders this week, but Jen made a good, determined effort in her first try at centre back. A great effort also by Anna L-A as left defence in her first game back for quite some time. My man of the match was probably Korobi , who was excellent in the central defender role, where she had quite a bit to do. (We'll remember to take a MoM vote next week.)

Everyone played really well though, especially as the team once again had a different make-up to that of the last two pre-season games.

Well done all.
Jane