Match report January 28 2012

A weekend best consigned to the bin with the outstanding exception of the Ladies who beat Cheam 4-2 to prove their draw at Wimbledon a week earlier was no fluke

Ladies XI 4-2 Cheam
Last week the Ladies came away with a point from Wimbledon – one hit away from taking all three – and the key seemed to be if that result would be a springboard to better things or a one off. Having been beaten by Cheam in the first half of the season by several goals and not getting great results in the rest of our games, they knew it would be tough.

We started in the kind of form that won us the title last season. Our defence was immense, our midfield dominated and we look dangerous on the attack. We took the lead in the third minute and doubled it on ten, both goals being scored by newcomer Fletch. Cheam did put on pressure – Julia produced two good saves – but we looked assured and a skilful reverse slap hit from Philly shortly before the break gave us the three-goal cushion at half-time.

The Cheam coach gave her side a thorough going over and either inspired or petrified, they came out all guns blazing. We held firm put were having a tougher battle and on 47 minutes they scored. The game was probably settled by Fletch who restored out three-goal lead on 50 minutes - although Cheam scored their second within a minute, we continued to hold firm and the two-goal lead was just too much for the visitors.

London Edwardians 2-1 1st XI

2nd XI 2-1 Purley Walcountians

Oxted 3-2 3rd XI
A trip out to the country, to play at the Alma Mater for a few members of the team, was well received by the 3rd XI. We were also buoyed by a full complement of players and a sub (who lasted 1 minute on the pitch!). There were some tactics from the off as we switched ends to take full advantage of the sunlight, which disappeared beneath the cloud before push back! We started the first 5 minutes well, but were soon on the back foot as Oxted commanded the midfield and pinned us back. Our heads dropped after the first goal and we were then on the receiving end of a well oiled attacking force. It was 3-0 to Oxted at half-time.

Rousing half-time speeches from captain Nick and Andy left the team feeling more positive. We dug in and then started to pass the ball sweetly around the park. It was fairly evenly matched and it remained 3-0 with 15 minutes to play. Some great passing in midfield and a great pass through from Steve H to CD saw our first goal. We were then brimming with confidence and smelt an opportunity to pin Oxted back. Steve H then put Ed through who expertly chipped over the keeper to secure our second. Unfortunately we couldn’t quite secure a further goal before time was up. 3-2 to Oxted, but a second half performance to be proud of.