Oxted 1: Croydon 1
Croydon ladies got a great result in their friendly against premiership team Oxted, this Saturday.
They led the first half with a fantastic goal by Fiona Loxton, which was delivered by Helen Anderson. Fiona slid forwards in dramatic style to deliver one of Croydon’s goals of the season.
Croydon had the run of play for a lot of the match, and even when Oxted mounted an attack, there was defender after defender to thwart their efforts.
Jen Hall made some crucial tackles, being reliably calm as ever. Lisa Chalk (L.Bell), was Croydon’s player of the match. She drove the ball up her wing, she distributed the ball to the opposite wing, she ran back and hassled any attack from Oxted, and her positive calls rallied the team (more later)
Sharon Burke, in goal, made some great saves, she dived decisively, and I heard a couple of players afterwards praising Sharon’s reliable and consistent skills.
Annette Butt, acted as a great pivot between the attack and defence and made some great tackles. Helen Sant, again in defence shadowed and hassled with aplomb. It wasn’t long before Oxted were looking riled.
Hannah Duncan joined in the spirit of hassle, and made some great passes up to the forwards.
Helen Anderson, tried a stint in attacking centre mid, linking in well with Wendy. Both made some crucial passes, and showed that they were both able to play out of their usual positions excellently.
Oxted got a goal back and it was an excellent one. The ball had perhaps hit a foot before the final strike, but that would be splitting hairs.
Kirsty Burke showed her talent for versatility by playing an excellent game as right forward, and then back in defence! Impressive.
Nicky Robinson, delighted us all her reverse stick hit, which is fast becoming her signature move.
Oxted were not a bad side, in fact they had some extremely talented players, but Croydon, statistically the underdog going into the game, was also a team of talented players who played together as a team and were easily Oxted’s equal.
I am told it was a great match to watch, the spirit was fantastic, and as we nearly scored on one of the final short corners, L.Bell shouted, “let’s do it for Becky”.
Our captain, Becky, wasn’t here this week, but as L.Bell summarised we’re all about our team mates, absent as well as present.
Come on Croydon.
Player of the match: Lisa Chalk (3)
Fiona Loxton (2)
Sharon Burke (2)
The whole team (2)
Helen Anderson (1)
Jen Hall (1)
Thank you very much to Martin for agreeing quite last minute to umpire.
Thanks to coach
Thanks for Sharon for organising the game.
Thanks to the loud and loyal side line, which included Lili, Becky, Leonard and Lisa P (who had volunteered to umpire but is injured. Get better soon). We always have support even when the weather is dreadful. Thank you.
