Week 25

It certainly was a game of two halves as Staines faced Epsom in the top of the table clash. With a solid performance Staines took the lead through Sarah Chandler's skillful display. The Staines defence continued to hold against many attempts from Epsom and outstanding goalkeeping from Maggie Owens maintained the 1-0 lead at half time. However things were to change for Staines when the opposition scored two goals in the second half and despite further attacks from the Staines forwards they were unable to level the score. A well fought game still leaves Staines top of the table as they face Purley next week.

Expecting a tough game, the SHC Glorious Fours were assisted by Emma and Clare from the SHC Lovely Fives (with Millie supporting on the sideline-thank you!) and Jeanette and Lauren from the SHC Fabulous Threes to make up numbers as the SHCG4's were missing a few this week including Captain Caro. I'm not sure where she was exactly, her dedication to duty usually doesn't allow any interruption to the cause of the SCHG4's but I heard she sent text messages to team members that morning requesting they tell her the result of the match later and that she had to get back to her massage .... I presume she was receiving rather than giving the massage...

Following a Wendy Warm Up the game started with no team really dominating the play. We had two short corner opportunities which we couldn't convert - their goalkeeper was outstanding - but we also managed to defend their short corner chances too. A steal of the ball by A&C up in their defensive half meant we were caught off guard by the reversal of play allowing A&C to outnumber our defenders and push one in past Karen. Undaunted, we pressed on and were rewarded shortly before the half time whistle when Julie P's shot on goal was stopped by what would have been an imrpressive on-the-line diving football save by one of A&C's defenders who bravely went to ground and kept the ball out with her shin pads. Penalty flick awarded. JP confidently stepped up to take it (no-one else wanted to and no-one else can do it quite as well!) and just as confidently flicked the ball into the back of the goal - that'll teach them to stop her goals...

The second half saw continued pressure from both sides though we had the majority share of the attacking play, much to A&C's frustration. None of this led to a goal, again the quality of A&C's goalkeeper proved a major factor in keeping the score line at one all.

The Glorious Fours came off the pitch feeling confident, the challenging game had prepared us well for next week's league match - there had been some excellent passing moves in the game and we'd played really well as a team. Captain Caro - if she'd spared a thought for us whilst being pampered - would have been proud.

MOM to Jana for running around like a gazelle on Red Bull. DOD was a close call between Caroline and Wendy but Wendy got it for an interesting airshot in the goal area and managing to break herself (again).