Southgate travelled away on a unseasonably hot Saturday to league strugglers Bishop’s Storford. The game started with high intensity from both sides with a few chances at either end. We remained composed and controlled at the back and soaked up this initial pressure. Southgate turned up the pressure with a number of good passages of play which resulted in a fairly agricultural challenge on Filly’s silky skills in the D. Our penalty corner was upgraded to flick which was smoothly converted by Jess O.

Bishop’s Storford continued to play with intensity and managed to claw back a scrappy goal to even the scoreline. Molly made a few important saves to keep the scoreline under control. We knew we would be able to grind them down with our ball pace and movement. Shortly after we were awarded a penalty corner and they conceded a green card in the process. Emma Mac scored a lovely deflection from a well-worked corner and the visitors finished the quarter 2-1 up and a player up.

The second quarter brought more further misery for Bishop’s Storford, with a number of cards being issued for poor challenges. Southgate were able to capitalise on this advantage with Jess O scoring her second with some quick reactions to a strike from Ellie Rob.

We continued to move the ball well, remained well organised in the press and looked able to out pace the opposition in midfield. A lovely bit of build up play led to our fourth goal which Emma Mac was able to sneak in from a Jess O strike. Southgate were now looking truly dominant.

The second half bought further cards, including a couple of unfortunate green cards for the visitors and some confusion over numbers. Southgate continued to pile on the pressure with a few further short corners. Connie was able to impressively convert another well worked penalty corner for the visitors’ 5th goal. The six and final goal of the game came from an excellent selection of passes, most notably Helen’s delightful cross-goal ball which allowed Jess O to complete her well-deserved hat trick.

Southgate will look to continue their unbeaten streak when we take on East London on Saturday 5 November at home. We look forward to seeing many of you there!