Sunday’s road trip saw Blues’ Gran Torino cruise to the county border, where the sister-act faced a High Noon showdown against league new-comers Sandhurst Town Flames. As Blues sought their third successive win, would the girls leave their hosts floundering without a paddle, or would victory prove to be over a bridge to far?

The time for talking over, the magnificent seven took to their places upon the field of dreams and there awaited the Whistle Blower’s signal. Some like it hot, but the shining sun had gone; thankfully, though, there was deliverance from the rain, man!

How would the girls cope after a two week break? Would they deploy magnum force to make a sudden impact, or would it be hellboy? Early indications suggested the latter as Blues struggled to find their rhythm on a compact playing surface.

Then, after fifteen minutes the game burst into life. Jemima, dead calm between the sticks, collected the ball. Her drop kick found Katie, who threaded through to Alice. Alice accelerated past the defence, a catch me if you can determination etched upon her face, her right foot a lethal weapon as she slotted the ball home to send us on our merry way.

Five minutes later, Sophie became a lethal weapon too. Fine play by Beth saw the ball spin out to Amy on the left. Amy had a view to a kill as she crossed into the box. Beth bravely challenged, the loose ball falling to Sophie, who proved she could bend it like Beckham.

Georgia was unlucky not to make it three, her thunderball of shot whizzing over the bar following a good corner from Niamh. We were now in the kingdom of heaven, knocking balls of fury about the park, glory was seemingly ours as the girls worked tirelessly to seize the day!

The second half saw Sandhurst rally, and as the period progressed they grew in stature. At times Georgia and Niamh had to show true grit and Victoria, Katie and Amy had to show brave hearts in the challenge. Jemima was called more and more into action, her golden eye a match for Flames’ hot shots.

Then calamity (jane) struck! A misunderstanding left the goal unguarded and Flames struck to reduce the score. Blues now walked a tightrope as the hosts endeavoured to do the great escape, Jemima’s goal constantly in the line of fire. Could Blues hang on in a cliff-hanger of a finale?

Of course Blues could! This wasn’t destined to be a weepy of an ending; this is Blues and this is football, and together they are the greatest show on earth! The ball found its way to Sophie on the left; she of the red boots was gone like the wind, her cross a perfect ten to Tayla. Tayla laid the ball to Alice, who struck first-time, the thud of the ball hitting the back of the net the sound of music to our ears!

Let’s sure thank redemption for the three points. In 48 hours it will be the day after tomorrow. If Blues can manage victories in upcoming games against Frimley and Headley, they will truly be legends of the fall.

It’s a wonderful life.

This week’s million dollar baby award goes to Katie for her tireless performance.

TWJ