A trip to leafy Ham for the Women last weekend, the pitch in surprisingly good condition given its close proximity to the River Thames and the extensive flooding in the car park where local bog snorkelers were enjoying themselves in some of the potholes. The oppo were a bit of a mystery, this being their first season in the League, having won one of their initial four matches. They turned out to be a very youthful team, fit and keen but perhaps lacking some technique and tactical awareness. They should fit in just fine.

A much-changed Borough team saw Shyanne don the gloves from Chloe, and Kirsty, Jade, Lois and Hannah ‘R’ return to the fold. A return too for Manager George, fresh from a flu-ridden trip to Tenerife, which meant yours truly somewhat grumpily reverting to pure ‘lino’ duties.

Borough dominated from the start, and Lisa opened the scoring early on with a clever lob over the onrushing keeper. Unfortunately, soon after a long hoof down the middle caught out our defence, and it was 1-1 before we’d had time to bask in our lead. Encouraged by the goal, Richmond started to cause us the odd scare, but Motty secured a half-time lead with a strong drive from a difficult angle.

The second half saw the Wands establish complete control, and Richmond attacks dwindled as their youngsters tired. Their back four were vulnerable to the ball played in behind, and we began to take full advantage. The third goal was a real collector’s item, as Emma stabbed home from a corner to notch her first goal for the Borough, and only the second of her career! Pathe News footage of the first is available on YouTube.

Gemma soon added a fourth after a pacy run from the right, and Leah then rounded off the scoring with an impressive lob over their diminutive keeper.

So our first win after a couple of draws, and some good signs of the side starting to knit together and play some decent football. No shortage of effort that’s for sure, and team spirit is a definite strength. A good test of our progress this Sunday, when we take on early pace-setters Tooting Bec.