A good game against another nice team this week. A pretty good result too, losing only 1-2 against top of the table Upminster 4s.

We came under a lot of pressure in our defensive half and in the D, at times, but also put pressure on Upminster at the other end of the pitch - in fact scoring first, with a nice tap in from Jemimah (great long ball in Susy) during open play.

Upminster were a young, fast team, who were able to throw plenty of people forward in attack (often six within our D), but who also had the legs to race back to put pressure on our forward moves. Nevertheless, we put together some excellent passages of team play, making good use of the width of the pitch.

Holly was on sparkling form - focussed and dynamic - which earned her our MoM this week, but Nell was a close second, making a fair few very dramatic dives to sweep the ball out of harm's way. Impressive work from both of you.

I think we did well to withstand most of the attacks, as we were short of some of our natural defenders. Particularly well done to Isabelle for stepping up to play in the unfamiliar role of right defender and making a good job of it :) We are all still working to improve our man to man marking in and around the D (especially difficult when the oppo have such fast turns of speed) but it is getting there, so well done defensive team.

Apart from those mentioned already, everyone played well and had their moments: Suzie and Nicky, solid as ever in defence, Ollie, this time putting in a fine turn in defence (your ability to play any position willingly is a credit to you), our hard-working and creative midfielders Jen, Katie and Susy (the post-match red cheeks were a testament to the extra mile you put in), and our speedy forwards, Ilayda & Jemimah (you worked so well together) and finally Sienna, who stepped up to play for us; her dynamism and determination were clear to see - great job.

Well played everyone. A week off this Saturday but then another strong team to play the week after.

Jane