S&B knew that they needed the points today to move up the table in Division 2SE, however, Witham arrived with the same mindset. The game started very evenly, with end to end play: Caitlin Meredith and Lily Cole linking superbly on the right, and the defence of Leanne Neicho, Charley Edwards and Nicola Ellis keeping Witham at bay. However, 20 minutes into the first half, Witham won a short corner, with the shot being fired in to the corner and S&B going down 1-0. We responded quickly though, with some brilliant passing play through Nic Bryant and Hattie Bowden in the middle of the pitch. The hard work paid off, with Player of the Match Adele Cole firing the ball towards the goal, with Caitlin Meredith getting the deflection and bringing the score to 1-1 just minutes before half time.

The second half started much the same as the first, but Witham caughtS&B on the break and broke through with a goal in open play, bringing the score to 2-1. S&B responded immediately, with passing play between Bowden, Meredith and Ashlie Bolton leading to a goal from Bolton from close range. With the scores again level, S&B were awarded many short corners, but the Witham defence were keen to keep the point, defending superbly with shots saved off the line. With less than 10 minutes to go, another quick break from Witham got through the S&B defence, leading to the winning goal. S&B continued to fight until the end, attacking and pressing Witham all the way to the final whistle but to no avail. An extremely disappointing 3-2 loss for S&B 1s, with a break next week to recover before playing their rearranged game v Maldon.
Player of the Match: Adele Cole