Crostyx 4 Havering 0

Scorers: Ciara (2) Gill (1) Edith (1)
Man of the Match: Ciara Newell

The Ladies 2s welcomed Havering 2s to Peter May in the hope of taking the 3 points based on both previous encounters and league form. This was especially important as Crostyx were keen to make amends for below par performances in recent weeks and to maintain their 2nd position in the league.

The match started well for Crostyx with some excellent link up play between the defence, midfield and forwards – something that had been lacking in recent weeks. This culminated in some good attacking opportunities for the home side who were soon rewarded with a flurry of short corners. Crostyx were unlucky not to take the lead when one of these corners was executed with a thunderous dipping strike by Eleanor Hopkins which missed by only inches.

This period of early pressure was soon to pay off for the Ladies 2s after a neat interchange between Madeleine McLeod, Edith Galliers and Carrie Curtis set Ciara Newell free to drive past the oncoming Havering defence and score with a now trademark accurate strike.

Havering then responded well to going a goal down by exerting pressure on the home defence. Strong tackling by Eileen Bruce and Juliet Drake kept the opposition at bay. However, in the run up to half time, Crostyx then conceded a short corner which Havering looked to have converted. However strong umpiring spotted the ball had not left the D. The resultant free hit to Crostyx was then quickly taken whilst the away team were too busy disputing the decision. This allowed Crostyx time and space to pass the ball around and for Carrie Curtis to set up her strike partner Ciara Newell for her second of the game. This gave the Ladies 2s a comfortable lead of 2-0 going into half time.

Crostyx then started the second half as they had finished the first. Madeleine McLeod worked tirelessly to curb any mounting attacks as she snuffed out one of Havering’s strongest players and Anna Feldman ran tirelessly to create options. This allowed Kat Hawes and Edith Galliers to provide some lovely through passes for the forward line to exploit. This good work by the home team was then rewarded when the ball broke loose in the Havering D and Gill Woods stepped up with a classy finish as her reverse stick flick found the top corner.

The Ladies 2s then continued to apply further pressure on the Havering defence with Anna Feldman and Carrie Curtis neatly working the ball around. This then allowed Ciara Newell to play a perfectly weighted ball to Edith Galliers who cut in front of the Havering defence and slotted coolly passed the keeper.

The 4th and final goal rounded off a good cool, calm and collected team performance by the Ladies 2s. This was especially notable given the at times aggressive nature of the match and the unnecessary brandishing of green cards.

The Ladies 2s now face Basildon away in the last league game of the campaign looking to finish the season with a strong performance and 3 points.