By Holly Cobb-Webb
Women’s 2nd XI vs Bexleyheath & Belvedere
Cliftonville Women’s 2nd XI travelled away to Bexleyheath and Belvedere last Saturday and hoped to build on their win against Herne Bay the previous week.
At first it seemed like a quest to make it to the game: a start so early it should be illegal, a motorway closure, country lane diversions and no entry signs all tried to deter us, but the whole team made it in one piece and raring to go.
They started the game brilliantly, with Cliftonville dominating play and creating a number of chances. The defence sat high up the pitch and the team launched wave after wave of attacks. The B&B keeper pulled some good saves and Cliftonville were unlucky to not score in the first half. The team effort and togetherness were unrivalled as everyone worked tirelessly for each other. It felt as though the fates however were not smiling on us as we went in at half time 0-0.
The second half started much like the first, with Cliftonville dominating play. Despite losing Julie Cobb to a green card for a short spell, the team remained resolved to get a result out of this match. Once again, the B&B defence remained firm and kept out the CHC shots. Captain Kingsland came closest to breaking the deadlock but the score still remained tied going into the final minutes. A late surge by B&B put the CHC defence under some pressure but to no avail. The final score finished 0-0.
In difficult circumstances this team can be very proud of this result. Their spirit, resilience and hard work earned them a well fought point. It says a lot about this team that they came off the pitch disappointed with a point, but to have earned 4 points from 6 in the opening 2 games of the season is a great start and one they look forward to building on.
Moving on to next week’s game we can’t wait to see what dramas unfold as they travel away again to Bromley and Beckenham.
Squad: Chloe Kingsland (Capt), Tracy Ballard, Olga Borovyk, Julie Cobb, Holly Cobb-Webb, Paula Gaffney, Cheryl Macer, Sally Maiden-Tilsen, Laura Moor, Sara Patterson, Hannah Perez and Jemima Ratcliffe.
Results round up:
Men 1 vs Burnt Ash (Bexley) 1 – Away
Loss 2-1. Goalscorer: Aron Walker
Men 2 vs Newenden Nomads 1 – Home
Loss 0-2
Men 3 vs Herne Bay 6 Development – Away
Draw 2-2. Goalscorers: Rob Macer, Graham Cammish
Women 1 vs Marden Russets 2 – Home
Loss 2-4. Goalscorers: Kat O’Hara, Jen Chapman
Women 2 vs Bexleyheath & Belvedere 3 – Away
Draw 0-0
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