MIDDLESEX SUCCESSFUL AT AVELEY

On the evening of Wednesday, 18th December, the Middlesex Ladies representative team resumed its defence of the Southern Counties Women’s Competition title, which it won last season. They visited Aveley FC, to play Essex FA Ladies for what was, for both Associations, their second game in this season’s competition.

This match was Middlesex Ladies’ 98th in total. They had won 53 of the previous 97, drawn 16 and lost 28, scoring 264 goals and conceding 97.

The two teams produced an entertaining game on a wet and windy evening. They both played attacking football and there was plenty of goalmouth action, with the ball rarely remaining in midfield for very long. Essex took the lead in the 20th minute through Laura Bunton, who netted after Emma Vigolo had parried her close range shot and her follow-up effort had been blocked on the goal-line by Rachel Keightley.

Middlesex equalised in the 37th minute through Jenny Nagle, who netted from Shakira Kafero-Roberts’ low cross. Then, in the added time before the interval. Anya Kinnane headed home from Alissa Down’s corner to put Middlesex 2-1 ahead.

Mai Lourier extended the visitors’ lead in the 52nd minute by shooting high into the net from around 25 yards, following good approach work by Shakira and Jenny.

Ashley Cheatley burst through the middle and Emily Mackler made a fantastic double save, firstly from Ashley, diving to her left and then from Jenny, who had seized upon the rebound.

Essex scored their second goal in the 56th minute; through Daisy Canny’s header from Olivia Harris’ cross. Two minutes later, Shakira crossed to Ashley, who restored Middlesex’s 2 goal advantage and despite some close calls at both ends, there was no further scoring.

Final score: Essex 2 Middlesex 4

Our thanks are given to the Essex officials for their warm welcome and excellent hospitality.