Report by Kathy Hammond

SHC Ladies vs Old Loughts

W 3 – 2

In the searing heat, Southgate’s Big Blue League ladies team claimed a narrow 2-3 away win at Old Loughts, thanks in no small part to Magda’s astute running of the bench. 

“Sport can come down to fine margins and no doubt about it, Magda was the difference for us this week, managing our water breaks and tired legs, without sacrificing the win,” said co-captain Kathy.

It was a funny old week with Anna and Liv hot-footing over from the golf-course having only come out of isolation at midnight while Tabs and Jenny were still shaking off their recent battles with Covid as they took to the pitch.

Lottie struck first putting ‘gate into a 1-0 lead before U14-Ella widened the gap from close range. The lead was reduced by half though as Loughts snuck one in before half time.

Undeterred, Helena showed why she was junior player of the year 2018-19 anchoring the team at CM and creating opportunities on the left before coming back to help at short corners too.

Going into the second half, Meg-locks was Southgate’s utility player taking turns up front and at the back in this most evenly matched game. “Sally is growing more accomplished in defence – as Emma and Dora are in midfield – week by week,” said Kathy, of some of her youngest squad members,”and Lucille is now really making the LB position her own.”

As the second half wore on, Lynn made vital runs in the heat drawing defenders and getting herself into threatening positions. None was more important than her lead to open the channel for Tabs’ (were you really on your sick bed just 12 hours earlier?!) fine solo effort that resulted in the winning goal.

OL were not done though and claimed a late consolation score before the team took to the shade to enjoy the Big Blue Quiz and vote a surprised GK-Kathy their player of the match. Next match July 31: Waltham Forest A, Olympic Park, Noon.