Our long wait finally over, the snow and rain giving way to clement climes, the girls resumed their disjointed season. Like segments of a chocolate orange they huddled around Ian who, in whispa’d tones, delivered this morning’s topic; how to overcome our hosts – Aldershot.

All was not accordingly to plan; Blues endured early pressure as Shots sought to stamp their home advantage on the game. Jemima, twixt the posts, made timely interventions to dissipate danger and thwart Shots’ eager forwards.

After eight minutes or so - perhaps nine, maybe ten, but most definitely after eight - Blues commenced to ply their craft. This was not a hostile takeover, more a subtle intervention as our matchmakers began to find their way. Katie, Victoria, Sophie and Alice linked well, probing Shots’ defence and testing their keeper with long range efforts.

Niamh, with the heart of a lion, barred Shots way with a crunchie tackle; Katie passed the loose ball to Victoria who slotted through to Sophie, and she of the red boots gave Blues a boost by shooting past the despairing hands of Shots’ forlorn keeper.

Blues were in the ascendancy, dominating play. Georgia, Niamh, and Lisa – making her debut – won every tackle, Katie’s passes finding the wing where Alice found space to twirl past her marker.

Shots were being stretched and Tayla took full advantage to burst through the defence before delivering a perfect strike to extend the lead. “Hurrah,” shouted Debbie, her curly wurly hair blowing in the breeze.

‘Where’s Cathy,’ Tom, nibbling a Kit-Kat, asked Alice at half time.
‘Mars not coming today,’ Alice replied.

The second half saw Jemima a virtual spectator twixt the sticks as Blues set up camp in Aldershot’s half. Shots and crosses rained in. Georgia was mightily unlucky with her free kick that screeched past the post. Beth, in on the action, linked well with Sophie to see another shot well saved.

Player of the match Tayla then made it three with a well taken shot that saw the match ball flake apart. Hats off to Tayla, who thoroughly deserved her double decker.

The referee blew time out to signal end of play and, as our heroes left the field with a wonderful bounty of three precious points, it would appear everything in the garden was coming up roses. However, one star bar does not make a milky way. The season is not a sprint; it is a marathon. We must focus now on next week's game at Wey where I am sure, with the right attitude, we'll be driving home down quality street.

Players: Jemima, Niamh, Georgia, Alice, Katie, Victoria, Sophie,   Beth, Tayla, Lisa

TWJ