A depleted Southgate L4s made the journey west to a windswept Ealing worthwhile as they came away 3-0 winners.

“There were just 11 players on the teamsheet, so we were grateful when Meg Lam arrived with her mum Karen fully kitted up and ready to take on the role of super-sub!” said team captain Kathy Hammond.

The squad had to work hard for the win especially after play-maker Niamh Cahill rolled her ankle early on and hobbled off for some ice.

Olive duly picked up where she left off last week and slotted home another bullet of a strike.

“We went into half time with the slender lead in tact thanks to some textbook defence from our Woman of the Week Rhi Duthie at left back,” added Kathy.

Pressure was relieved in the second half as Niamh found the backboard – and a way round an outstanding opposition GK – when a PC broke down.
At the other end, Southgate’s GK Vicky Paver was called on to clear her lines and produce some battling goal-line play as Ealing pressed hard to get back in the game.

It was not to be however, as Niamh scored her second and put the fixture beyond doubt with nine minutes to go.

“Another fabulous team performance, said coach Magda Charalambous. “It’s a real compliment that they changed their play in the second half as they could get no joy down our left-hand side. Stellar defensive work by Gen Tibbett, Meg Lam and Rhi.”

Next for the table-topping 4s are East London 6s, 10.30 at home on November 13.