Match Report - By 'Eyes on the sideline' - Russ Andrews
During the week, Saffron Walden had declined teas, opting instead for a team building visit post match, to the seaside for 'flipper and chips' down on the front. Unfortunately, Storm Austin wasn’t showing Southend up to its best with grey skies, rain and a falling temperature. Good job the 5XI had other thoughts and made the pitch shine with some super hockey and they turned the heat up to 10!
The first 5 minutes was all Old Southendian's. Consistently pressing hard and relentlessly around the D, it was surely only a matter of time before the first goal of the season would materialise. Family ties between Paige, Mads and Michelle pinging the ball around and driving hard down the wings ( 1 handed!) to the baseline. And then a cross to the left post where Steph, who had been vocalising her position, claimed first blood and first goal in the right end, this season! Rinse and repeat it was 2-0. Rinse and repeat it was 3 -0
It wasn’t a straight rinse & repeat, Poppie and Lexi also using sisterly telepathy, made strong runs right through the middle of the pitch distributing the ball to Cris and Zoe who found Steph each time on the left. Defensively when Saffron Walton did break away, Sheri, Max, Yvo and Guest Keeper Tash had absolutely everything under control. Not once, even in the short corners, did Old South look under any stress.
At the turn around, 3-0 up, coach Steve only had 1 piece of advice which was “Keep Going.” ( there were some comments about fill the gaps and run into space but that will come. After a win and the confidence grows the whole team grows)
The 2nd half was much like the first. Rolling subs for both teams (1 for us, 4 for them!) ensured fresh legs and a game that was played in very good spirits. The Old Girls kept the pressure on throughout the last half. Saffron Walden did not give up and did trouble the keeper a couple of times but to no avail. A super clearance from defence, a quick swish through midfield, and pass across goal and bosh! Michelle claimed goal number 4. More good passing hockey for the next few minutes and a copy of goal number 2 saw Steph claim her 4th, the teams 5th! The final whistle went and a team lifted by their first win, walked off reflecting at how their persistent belief in themselves and the fantastic coaching they have received, has paid off!! Although recognition was given to Poppie & Lexi for their usual brilliant play, the majority of the PoM votes went to Steph - clearly well deserved for her goalfest!