I think this was our finest performance to date against a speedy Chelmsford 5s, played on the Chigwell pitch (and braving the spidery pavilion toilets ;).

In the first half it was a very even game played at a fast pace and at a high standard. Chelmsford were very quick on the ball and pressured us hard but we seemed to lift our game to meet the challenge. Our youngsters were particularly fresh having not had earlier school games this week.

In the 24th minute, we managed to score from a short corner. We now have five cunningly numbered short corner routines. To date, they haven't quite gone to plan, despite Susy etching them on her forearm, but Jemimah took advantage of the general confusion to score one of her trademark close range numbers, proving the adage that most goals are scored from the "scramble zone" (or as A.I. tells me "most goals are scored from the goal-scoring zone" . Such wisdom from such a young technology.)

The second half was a different affair altogether. Having only 11 players to our 14, Chelmsford seemed to have burnt through their energy reserves, allowing us to dominate for most of the rest of the game. We kept up our standard, and if anything played even more convincingly. The team work was splendid: solid defending, great backing each other up, high energy and accurate passing.

Our hard work was rewarded in the 48th minute by another open play goal. I did ask Sylvie for a recap of how it went, but as she had no recollection of it, I don't feel too bad at not remembering the detail. I'm sure it was a splendid effort.

I do, however, remember our final goal, which came from some beautiful teamwork between Mel and Jemimah. They weaved up the pitch with a whole string of 1 - 2s until Jemimah made the finishing touch from the right side of goal. With 5 goals to her name so far, she is challenging for the club golden stick award :)

Nell, in goal, wasn't pressed into action that often, but when she was, she made some very dramatic saves - much applauded by our crowd of supporters. I don't know how our oppo feels, but she certainly scares me with her impressively loud pre-PC routine when I'm waiting behind the goal line to run out!

Close runner up for MoM was Mel, for her extremely effective and dynamic work in midfield, but winners this time around were Jemimah and Isabelle for their impressive energy, skill and goals. I would say though, that absolutely everyone excelled, so well done the team :)

We did award a DoD this week to Rach, for somehow losing a shoe whilst playing. I'm assured it wasn't her fault.

Amazing stuff everyone!