Ladies 2s Match reports

Match Report by Alice

The Ladies 2s travelled to Sevenoaks for an early start and began the game positively, with plenty of accurate passing and early pressure in the Oaks half. Unfortunately, a few decisions didn’t go our way and we were unable to capitalise on these early attacking opportunities.

Keen to maintain the pressure, we kept our defensive line high. However, playing with 10 players left us vulnerable when Sevenoaks broke forward and, unable to recover in time, we conceded the opening goal.

We continued to push forward, with Mini Mel making some beautiful runs down the right and battling for every ball. Panda’s distribution was excellent, consistently finding space and picking out Lily up front, who was unlucky not to get more reward from her impressive runs and attacking play into the D.

Sevenoaks managed to break again just before half time and somehow found the back of the goal despite our defensive efforts, sending us into the break 2–0 down.

At half time we regrouped and made a slight change in formation, with Elle moving to left mid. It proved to be a great decision, giving her more space to drive down the line and beat her defender, creating several promising attacking positions.

Katy moved into centre mid where she controlled the passage of play well, acting as a pivot and communicating effectively with the players around her.

Shortly after the restart Sevenoaks scored again to make it 3–0. Some key interceptions from Steph in defence and several outstanding saves from Daisy (as always!) ensured we held them to this scoreline for the remainder of the match.

Despite our best efforts we couldn’t quite convert our short corners, with their post player denying us twice. When we won long corners, Izzy’s support and calls for the ball were excellent, while Sara’s hold-up play was crucial in allowing the midfield time to push forward. She also worked tirelessly tracking back to defend right up until the final whistle.

Steph was unanimously awarded Special, while Panda and Mini Mel shared Player of the Match.

This was a strong team performance. Communication was excellent and we fought for each other until the end. We will continue to show up for one another, and our thoughts are with Helen and her family at this difficult time.

Anchorians vs Meopham – 3–1 Win

Match report by Panda

Anchs started strongly, with solid midfield control from Beth and Mini Mel setting the tone early. The side almost took the lead from a deflected short corner that went just wide.

The breakthrough eventually came through a great run and pass from Sara to Mel, who calmly swept the ball home to give Anchs the lead.

The remainder of the first half proved frustrating, however, as Anchorians were unable to build on their advantage despite continued pressure.

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Second Half

The second half followed a similar pattern, but after a loose 16, Meopham managed to get the ball to the top of the D and, after a few bobbles, it found its way into the goal to level the score.

Anchorians responded well, continuing to press and move the ball around the pitch. Izzy and Alice provided great support on the wings, helping switch play and keep the pressure on the opposition defence.

The second goal came when Evie joined the attack and delivered a ball into the D, allowing Katie to force it over the line.

Anchorians extended their lead again thanks to relentless pressure from the forwards. A save from the keeper saw the ball pop up to Sara, who showed excellent control to stop it in the air before calmly placing it into the back of the net.

Anchorians continued to push for more, but were unable to add to the scoreline.

Final score: Anchorians 3 – 1 Meopham.

A strong team performance and a well-deserved win.

0-0

Expecting a high press, Sara captained with Panda leading tactics.

Anchs dominated possession first half, playing lovely hockey. Defence of Alice, Izzy, Panda and Strangles held strong, with Daisy solid behind.

Midfield (Katy, Charlotte, Beth and Mel) created constant chances, but Sittingbourne’s goal seemed magnetically sealed.

There was a lively rules discussion involving Panda and an umpire — educational for all involved.

Second half saw Katy clatter with the keeper (no flick awarded), Charlotte and Beth covering miles, and Mel producing dangerous balls across the D.

Frustration with officiating grew, but Daisy remained unbeatable.

Final score: 0–0.

Frustrating but proud of the performance.

Player: Beth

Special: Lily (still learning left and right 😂)

Match report brilliantly written by Lily 💜

The Ladies 2s hosted third-placed Maidstone this Saturday for a 12:15 pushback.

We knew it would be a tough game, but we were ready from the warm-up, with Ralph the dog leading the way as our unofficial good-luck charm. Maidstone started strongly, keeping our defence busy, but Panda, Izzy and Evie were rock solid at the back with well-timed tackles and great carries out of defence. Despite this, Maidstone managed to slip the ball through within the first 10 minutes to take the lead.

Anchorians weren’t backing down. Alice, Helen, Mel and Katy worked tirelessly in midfield, moving the ball up the pitch and feeding our forwards. A lovely rebound from a Sara short corner brought us level at 1–1, and from that moment the momentum shifted.

Melissa, Beth, Lily and Mel controlled the midfield, offering width and space, and we soon earned another short. A great injection from Mel was stopped dead by Panda, slipped to Katy for a shot, and Sara was there again to finish the rebound and put us 2–1 up.

Anchs continued to press in the second half, with Elle and Sara dominating up front. Sara completed a well-deserved hat-trick after dribbling into the D from open play and calmly slotting home to make it 3–1. Maidstone responded to pull one back at 3–2, but that wasn’t going to stop us.

As the game neared its end, excellent team play earned another short corner. Mel injected cleanly to Panda, who smashed a powerful strike into the goal to make it 4–2 with little time remaining.

Maidstone continued to push, but Anchorians defended as a unit, with everyone tracking back and Daisy producing some excellent saves to see the game out.

Player of the Match was deservedly awarded to Sara. Special mention goes to Panda for her graceful roll in the D, described by Tris as “fantastic work”.

On to next week! 💜⚓️

This Saturday the Ladies 2s were away against BBHC for a 4pm pushback.

With multiple players unavailable due to illness or injury, and support drafted in from the 3s and 4s, we knew it would be a tough match. With just 12 players, we made the journey to the University of Greenwich.

Within the first 10 minutes we went a goal down, but quickly equalised after Sara earned a short corner and calmly slotted the rebound home.

Despite the best efforts of Steph, Hattie, Alice and Panda in defence, and the unfaltering work of Daisy in goal, BBHC regained the lead with their second goal. Anchs kept pressing and earned another short corner, which Panda dispatched beautifully with a powerful hit into the corner of the backboard.

Continued midfield effort, a strong defensive line, and countless saves from Daisy saw us reach half-time with the score level at 2–2.

In the second half, BBHC increased the pressure. Despite great tackles from Frankie and Steph, they scored with a neat touch past Daisy. The pressure continued, and although Panda produced a heroic goal-line clearance, it was judged to be more foot than stick, resulting in a penalty flick. Daisy, who had saved one the previous week, was unlucky not to repeat the feat as BBHC scored their fourth.

The midfield of Lucy, Freya, Evie and Lilly kept battling until the final whistle, supported by great runs up front from Sara and Tilly.

Player of the Match went to Daisy for keeping us in the game with a string of brilliant saves. Special mention to Evie — at least she kept us laughing.

The Ladies 2s hosted second-placed Deal at home on Saturday, knowing it would be a tough game — and that’s exactly how it started.

Deal applied early pressure, keeping our defence on their toes. Within the first 10 minutes they earned a short corner, which they scored from, but thankfully it was disallowed as the ball nearly took poor Evie’s head off (phew).

That moment sparked something in Anchs, and we began to move the ball well and create chances. Lilly and Mini Mel carried the ball brilliantly down the wings, feeding Sara and Elle up front. We were unlucky on several occasions, but eventually Panda drove forward and played a perfect ball into the D for a textbook deflection from Helen — on her first game back after a broken thumb — to give Anchs the lead.

The second half was a full-on battle. Charlotte was outstanding in the middle, playing an absolute blinder and taking more than a few knocks. Helen, Evie and Elle controlled the midfield, supporting everyone around them.

Deal then won a short corner, and an unfortunate foot from Steph resulted in a penalty flick. But Anchs had a secret weapon — Daisy, our super keeper — who pulled off an incredible save to keep our lead intact.

The defence remained rock solid, with Becs (back after injury), Steph, Panda, Katy and Izzy shutting down Deal’s attacks.

A fantastic performance from the ladies and a very well-deserved 1–0 win.

1-0

5-0 walkover

2-0

“Oh we do like to be beside the seaside” is all we can say for the Ladies 2s this Saturday.

We travelled to Herne Bay and started the day with Sarah’s whiteboard and a story involving a wand (much to Charlotte’s delight). It was cold, and we began with a small issue of the umpire wearing the same colour as us — but this was quickly resolved and Anchs started strongly.

With Lilly, Mini Mel, Mel and Katy attacking the D, we just couldn’t quite get the ball in the net at first. That didn’t last long though, as Mini Mel opened the scoring (with Lily attempting to steal her goal).

Herne Bay tried to fight back, but with our defence standing super strong and Daisy making some outstanding saves, we kept a clean sheet. We then made it 2–0 from a short corner, with Mel finishing a great rebound after a Panda strike.

We started the second half full of confidence, but a quick break from Herne Bay saw them pull one back. Anchs didn’t let heads drop, and fantastic passing from the midfield — Charlotte, Mel, Elle and Evie — made moving the ball up the pitch look effortless.

We attacked the D with real intent, and Katy scored our third, with confidence growing across the whole team. The back four continued to defend brilliantly, with Alice making superb runs from right back all the way up the pitch, Izzy winning every ball, and Panda and Steph providing strength through the centre.

Mel then received the ball on the halfway line and made an epic solo run into the D, scoring what was undoubtedly the goal of the match. Elle added our fifth (after a couple of slips 😂), and with just minutes remaining Panda sealed the scoring with our sixth from a short corner.

What a game — and hands down the best post-match teas ever 😍

Well done to Charlotte on a very well-deserved Player of the Match.

Ladies 2s took on Sevenoaks at home this weekend and what a game it was.

The game could be summarised as epic but keep reading to see if it was.

The first half was a little patchy to recall as no one can really remember but we think it went like this 😂

Tash with her first touch of the ball opened the score line or should I say the flood gates for Anchs and left oaks swaying in the wind. Mel followed in the goal scoring from a short corner and nicely tucked it away.

They scored - unlucky to Anchs.

Anchs provided a counter attack and Jess managed to gain a flick which was perfectly converted by Mel.

A team effort from

The beginning brought the opportunity to Jess to start her goal scoring day and scored 2 in quick concession both from open play.

Defending from the back Daisy lead the team with Panda, Alice, Steph and Izzy making the defence solid as rock.

This team effort lead to Sara slotting away a goal from open play securing a 6-1 first half!!

Anchs entered the second half 6-1 up Oaks thought it was all still to play for… but it wasn’t!!

The second half brought us another rainbow of goals, with the first coming from the ever speedy Tash who from the half way line weeved through the players like she was on ice and slotted the ball away back left.

Continuous hard from came from play Alice and Izzy down the wings to Mel and Katy striving it forward. This lead the terrific Tash slotting another goal from the top of the D.

Mel from the right - earned short Corner after narley tackle from oaks that brought out Amazon down but sadly couldn’t get the conversion.

Continuous hard work from Jess, Mel Charlotte and Katy in the middle and Sara Katy upfront meant Anchs kept Sevenoaks defence on their toes.

A third came for Anchs after a well earned attack which started from Alice in defence earned us a short corner which was nicely converted by Jess.

Sevenoaks managed to get one back but that’s enough on that. And we sent

Tash back on and from open play manged to find her self In the D once again to calmly slot away another away.

The game ended we think 10-2 to Anchs but some think 10-3 but we won so 🤗

Special Thanks to the umpires - Laura and Andy and an even more special thanks to the extra loud Tristan for his continued support even if he didn’t know the players names 😂

Anchorians Ladies 2’s drew 2-2 to Meopham at Gravesend despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances.

Anchorians started strongly, with Mel Y scoring a great team goal set up by Jess. Sara scored a second goal, assisted by Mel Y, and the team looked comfortable at half-time everyone supporting the play.

In the second half, despite Anchorians dominating the majority of possession, and some great hockey winning lots of short corner opportunities, it was Meopham who scored two penalty strokes to level the game. Anchorians were left disappointed, having had the majority of possession and chances, but ultimately coming up short. Well played, ladies!

Special was awarded to Evie C for depositing masks behind the wrong goal at the start of the game and player was Jess in midfield for her brilliant running and passing causing havoc for Meopham all game.

We started with Sarah getting a telling off by Steve for using the whiteboard in the clubhouse - oh dear! With a motivational talk from Sarah and captain Steph, Anchs started us off fast and hard, showing awesome passing and putting pressure on Folkestone when they had the ball. The midfield worked tirelessly to move the ball around well and made some awesome opportunities.

Towards the end of the first half, we slowed down and Folkestone started to put more pressure on, but our defence continued to work hard with well-timed tackles, keeping the score at half-time at 0-0.

We started fast again in the second half, but it was end-to-end with lots of great runs coming from our wings, especially our Player of the Match, Katy Pitcher. Then we had our breakthrough with the ball being brought into the D and Mel Young scoring a goal from open play. Unfortunately, Folkestone scored with a hard hit from a short corner. However, Anchs kept fighting and our forwards were forcing balls into the D and gained quite a number of short corners in a row, finally allowing Mel Y to score with a super hard hit straight into the backboard.

With everyone playing for each other, we kept the score at 2-1 and had a well-deserved first win of the season. Panda took on Dod with a pass straight to the Folkestone player at the top of the D, but with super speed got back and we managed to stop that goal. Well played, ladies! 🏆

Anchorians 0-1 Sittingbourne

The Ladies 2s started their away game at Maidstone with plenty of entertainment courtesy of “What’s in Izzy’s car?” (you really don’t want to know), and the learner-driver hotspot car park also provided its fair share of laughs.

After Charlotte was left unsupervised getting to the game — as her mum had selfishly gone on holiday — she, of course, arrived late. However, with some strong words of encouragement and a focus on teamwork from captain Steph (main objective: talk!), Anchs showed a united front right from the warm-up.

The defence was led by the almighty Daisy in goal, with Izzy and Evie L on the wings, and Evie C and Steph holding strong in the middle. The backline came out on top of every 50/50 and made it look easy, with crucial tackles flying in from Evie L and Izzy. Sadly, around 20 minutes in, Izzy took a knock to the ankle, which meant the one and only Strangles (who had been perfectly happy warming the bench) had to make an appearance. With the correct contact lenses in and her boots dusted off, she stepped on — and the ball only hit her foot once in the first half.

Charlotte opened the scoring for Anchs after some quick thinking from Evie C, who fired a ball into the D for Charlotte to neatly slot home — 1–0 Anchs!

Maidstone tried to respond, but our midfielders weren’t having any of it. Lily and Alice controlled the wings, while Charlotte and Jess commanded the middle with power and precision.

After dominating most of the first half, it was only a matter of time before the second goal came. It started with long-legged Jess, who dribbled from the halfway line, weaving through multiple players before reaching the D and passing to Alice for a shot. The keeper saved it, but the rebound fell perfectly to Katy, who calmly finished at the back post — 2–0 Anchs.

Half-time came, and Anchs were 2–0 up — but definitely feeling it.

In the second half, Jess was quickly man-marked — every time she touched the ball, a second Maidstone player appeared out of nowhere. But Anchs adapted, used the width, and made Maidstone do all the running.

Play was briefly paused when a hooligan on a bike rode onto the pitch and started circling the umpire like prey. The kid didn’t take the umpire down and was swiftly moved on so play could resume.

Up front, superstars Sara and Katy were seeing more of the ball in the D than ever before — they could hardly believe their luck! Sara tracked back, making crucial tackles and interceptions, while Katy worked tirelessly both ways and even brought blondies for post-match treats (instant legend).

Alice made a strong bid for a penalty flick after colliding with the goalkeeper… though some say she just fancied a little lie down.

As tired legs set in, Maidstone managed to claw two goals back during the second half. Thankfully, Daisy kept us in it with some outstanding saves, helping Anchs hold on for a well-earned 2–2 draw.

Player of the Match was too hard to call — everyone worked their purple socks off.

Special mention went to hop-along Izzy, who, after coming off injured, was told the ice pack hadn’t been popped. At half-time she casually mentioned that it was “broken” and not cold — she blames Jessie G’s boyfriend (yes, we approve), who she claims she gave it to. Sorry Izzy… you still get Special! 💜

The 2’s played a tough game Bexleyheath, unfortunately we lost 3-0 but we played our best and the score really does not reflect the game at all.

During the first half we lost one of our players to injury within the first 5 minutes. Once we got back into the groove of things the team worked insanely hard together, the passes around the back were amazing, working the ball around the pitch and around the opposition.

The midfield did great at getting the ball up the pitch and to the forwards but unfortunately our attempts at a goal were denied.

During the second half we started to feel defeated but got out mojo back and started working really well as a team again.

Player went Mika, Daisy and Evie for their perseverance on the pitch and in goal. Special went to Tammy for thinking she got hit with a ball when she actually has damaged her ankle quite badly so we all hope for a speedy recovery.

The 2’s played an excellent game vs Deal but unfortunately lost 4-2.

The team work was amazing and the team worked really together, the little passes that were done to get the ball to the other end of the pitch were brilliant. Even though it was hot we still played our best with only 1 sub and multiple players playing with injuries.

Mel scored the first goal by running the ball up the pitch and then slotting it past keeper. The second goal came from a short corner where Katy got an amazing rebound.

It took the team a while to settle as most of us hadn’t played together but by the second half we all dropped into a great rhythm. With Evie L playing defence, doing some amazing defending alongside Steph, Izzy and Freya, with Daisy making some amazing saves as well.

The midfield was held strong by Mel, Katy, Lucy and Tammy. They did amazingly well with working the ball up the pitch for Melissa and Sara to take the ball to the goal.

Everyone played really well together but it was a tough game, the score definitely does not represent how well everyone played.

Player went to Tilly for her amazing runs and always being in the right place for the game. Special went to Daisy for asking why there were leaves on one end of the pitch.

The ladies 2s took on Folkestone today at home.

With 2 new ladies joining in Elle and Tammy, some of last seasons regulars not around and Freya and Hattie stepping up was a slightly new team for us .

We started strong and a had a short corner quite early on unfortunately not hitting the back of the net. Sara and Elle worked tirelessly up front with amazing back up from Mel and Helen in the middle.

Unfortunately after defending 2 short corners Folkestone managed to convert one and we went into the 2nd half 1-0 down

We did not start the 2nd half well, with a little bit of confusion over positions and subs we let Folkestone take full advantage of this and they made a break and scored .

This however did not dampen the ladies in the 2s and we came back fighting. With Freya, Hattie and Izzy playing amazing has right and left backs. Pushing forward and making amazing space for both Lilly, Melissa and Tammy to make some amazing runs. We finally got a break with Mel slipping the ball to Sara in the D for a great goal by Sara.

We never gave up and continued to put huge pressure on the Folkestone defence with Alice playing sweeper and providing an essential pivot for our midfield to shine. Unfortunately we had many chances but their goal keeper kept them in the game.

Daisy has always was our rock in goal producing some amazing saves.

Was a shame we lost 2-1 but the hockey was good and everyone enjoyed the game.

Was great to be playing again.