It was with a light heart that I skipped down to RE on Sunday morning to watch our reinvigorated Women’s team take on the League leaders. Thirteen players and a new coach meant that I was to be spared responsibility for the team and, most importantly, linesman duties. At last I would be free to watch the match unencumbered by the need to keep a laser-like focus on the straightness of our back four, ready to flag furiously the moment an opposition forward strayed offside by a toe or armpit. Alas, I was soon to be disabused of my reverie: two drop-outs and once again the accursed flag was to be thrust into my hand.

Still, there was plenty to be encouraged by before the game, as new coach David Newland put the team through their pre-match paces, a distinct upgrade on the usual half-hearted jogs across the pitch and a couple of uninspiring rondos. The girls looked well up for this one and properly prepared, both physically and mentally. A thorough team talk, and we were ready to go.

The early stages showed that there was little to fear from the opposition, despite their lofty league position. That said, they took the lead after 10 minutes when a good cross from the left was bundled home at the far post past the diving Amy Jenkins. Parity was restored within a few minutes however as Hannah Lovell went on a mazy run before sending Laura Mott through for her 4th goal in two games. The Borough continued to have the best of things for the rest of the half, Motty going close on another couple of occasions, and Hannah and Gemma Priest tormenting their defence with determined runs. The closest we came to a goal though was from the reliable Kirsty Mulcahey, who thumped a free-kick against the bar from fully 30 yards.

The half-time message was that there was plenty to draw on for the second half, and we took the field confident of victory.

However, we reckoned without one of those cruel blows that football occasionally hands out, as about 15 minutes in South London took the lead with the flukiest of goals. Their winger ran into the right-hand side of the box and, attempting a chip into the centre, sliced the cross and, caught by the strong wind, it sailed over Amy into the top corner. Their muted celebrations spoke volumes about their undoubted good fortune.

That proved to be the last time they seriously troubled our resolute defence of Sophie, Emma, Rachel and Lois, with Amy having little to do other than collect failed through balls and back-passes. Alas, the wind proved troublesome to us also in mounting attacks, and we could only manage a couple of half-chances created by Gemma’s skilful runs down the right-wing.

Though disappointed by the result, the girls could take heart from the performance and the improved culture and organisation of the side. David’s impact was there for all to see, and providing availability improves over the next few weeks, we’ll definitely see further improvement in the coming games. Up the Borough!

Linesman of the Match: the other feller.