With highs of 23 degrees pitch side, the stage was warmly set for the opening game of the S&B season and the girls were ready to go.

Learning beforehand that our awesome second and third eleven had already achieved their first wins, it was time to see what the newly formed first team were going to bring to the table and they certainly didn’t disappoint.

The game started quickly as expected with the ball being played end to end. After taking a few minutes to settle the ‘Wonder Ones’ were in full swing and scored their opening goal of the campaign from a ‘Barker PC’ special! With a perfectly weighted ball from Nic B, Naomi gave the dimples her usual wallop and bang, bottom left corner and we were 1:0 to the good.

S&B had their work cut out in defence from a barrage of strong Chelmsford attacking play, but with incredible composure and confidence, Kerry, Charley, Gracie and Leanne collected and distributed the ball continuously out of the danger zone to prevent any chance of goals being conceded.

The midfield girls, Anna, Nic, Adele, Georgia and Chloe all took ownership of the ball between them with quick passing up and around the pitch, gradually wearing down the opposition in S&B’s favour. Lily, Naomi and Hollie always on hand to receive those incredibly placed balls into the attacking D which continued to keep the ball firmly in our attacking end.

Second half started on the front foot for S&B and a second goal was inevitable.
Nine minutes in and Chloe swooped in to pick up a rebound from a penalty corner and scored a quality lifted shot on target. A wonder goal!

Despite the 2:0 advantage and the increasing heat, the game continued at speed and Chelmsford were lucky enough to win a short corner or two themselves. However, with our defence as solid as it was, AND with Carmel covering her goal line to the inch, it was impossible for Chelmsford to make any impact to the score and that was where the game ended.

A comfortable 2:0 win away. What a start and what a team this is!

Players of the Match: Charley Edwards & Chloe Syvrett