Ladies 4s Match reports

2-1

2-0

1-2

Report by Sian

The Ladies 4s made the soggy journey down to a very wet Canterbury to take on Uni of Kent. The pre-match talk went really well, with the juniors giving us confidence by remembering everything we’d taught them — always a win.

There was some pre-pushback uncertainty with only one umpire and just ten of them until five minutes before the start, but despite the rain (and ongoing glove-related issues), we went forth!

First Half

The first half was genuinely brilliant. We had some excellent breaks, with all the juniors in midfield and up front showing just how much their games have developed. I managed to fluff a shot (obviously), but we were straight back in again with Jess and Peanut causing problems for the keeper. Lila and Charli followed up brilliantly, always in the right place for rebounds.

We created several more chances like this — some from Hoppo smashing precision balls through the lines, others from great play out of defence. We were unlucky not to find the back of the net.

All of this happened while dealing with constant interruptions from footballs flying across the pitch. Poor Hoppo had to look where she was hitting the ball and check behind her at the same time to avoid clattering an unsuspecting human wandering across the pitch.

Despite that, the first half showed just how much our juniors have progressed since the start of the season — massive pride 😍

Second Half

With only the bare 11 against their 13, legs understandably started to go. That said, we stayed strong defensively, with Char making some excellent saves and Hoppo, Denise, Frances, Jackie and Freya being rock solid at the back.

Some of the clearances were outstanding, and our tackling clearly frustrated them. They didn’t have many shots, but did manage to sneak in two questionable goals, followed by a third not long after 🙃

Even then, we fought right to the final whistle. Charli, Lila, Jess, Peanut and myself ran ourselves into the ground, tracking back and pushing forward again and again.

Final Thoughts

Proud moments all round:

Several older players managing not to get carded 🙈

Denise having to explain a few things to players on both teams 🫣

Our young players dealing brilliantly with rudeness and some very expressive facial reactions 👌🏼

Player of the Match could genuinely have gone to anyone, but this week it went to Charli 🥳

Special mentions to Lila for an outrageous comment 😝 and to me for being… me 🤷🏻‍♀️

Onwards and upwards to next week 🤩💜

The Ladies 4s travelled to Sutton Valence in a sadly depleted state, taking to the field with just 10 players, including a very poorly Jessica whose resilience simply to be there was nothing short of exceptional. Their opponents, meanwhile, lined up with a youthful squad complete with a strong bench.

Despite the numerical disadvantage from the first whistle, the first half was a remarkably tight affair. Every player worked at an incredible level, covering ground, doubling up, and making life difficult for Sutton Valence at every turn. It was genuinely a joy to watch the effort and commitment on display.

A standout performer in the opening period was young Charli Pitcher, whose calmness on the ball and decision-making were assured well beyond her years. She was joined by her mum, Francis, making her return to the pitch for the first time in over three years and instantly showing that class and composure never truly disappear.

Despite all the grit and organisation, the physical toll of being a player down eventually told, and Anchs went into the break 3–0 down.

A midfield reshuffle and change of formation at half time brought renewed structure, but against a large and energetic Sutton Valence squad, the second half became increasingly challenging. Energy levels inevitably dropped after the extraordinary work rate of the opening 35 minutes.

Sian found herself in several promising positions going forward, but with legs tiring across the pitch, Anchs simply could not get numbers forward quickly enough to support the attacks.

The adversity did not stop there. Peanut was forced off for five minutes after a knock, and Hoppo was also briefly sidelined following a painful foot smash. This meant Anchs played two spells with just nine players. With so many players running on empty, the pressure eventually told, and Sutton Valence were able to convert their chances.

The match finished 7 to 1 which is a scoreline that flatters Sutton Valence massively. Despite playing the entire game with 10 players and periods with only 9, the Anchs players out fought, out worked and out hearted their opponents from start to finish.

An immense amount of pride should be taken from today’s performance. The spirit, resilience and togetherness shown were outstanding. On to the next one.

Anchorians 2-4 Marden

Faversham 3-0 Anchorians

Anchorians 2-4 Burnt Ash

Anchorians 3s 1-0 Anchorians 4s

Fresh from a 6–0 win the previous week, Gore Court arrived confident and ready. For Anchorians Ladies 4s, this was their competitive league debut and they showed right from the off that they were no easy opposition.

A very thorough pre-match team talk set the tone, ensuring everyone knew their role and what was expected of them. The first half was a cagey affair, both teams not really testing each other. Anchorians, in their usual white and purple, were exceptionally disciplined and organised, limiting Gore Court to virtually no chances. The only real threat came on 30 minutes with the first short corner of the game, but the defence held strong and Emily in goal was outstanding, a theme that continued all afternoon.

After the break, tactical changes brought a more dominant midfield display. Denise and Sian combined to form a dynamic and tireless central pairing, while Hoppo in her familiar sweeper role and Jackie who was making her first start in the centre of defence were she impressed and a wonderful calmness, stood firm. Rosa and Carrie were equally reliable on the flanks of defence, coming up with some incredible goal line saves and playing with real determination.

Anchorians’ resilience shone through in a spell of four consecutive short corners, where every player dug deep to keep Gore Court at bay. As the game opened up, Jessica and Peanut began to find pockets of space on the right, with Sian and Charli pushing hard on the left. Despite heroic defending from Hoppo, Anchorians were finally undone from a short corner sequence, Gore Court breaking the deadlock 18 minutes into the second half.

Heads never dropped. If anything, the goal lifted Anchorians further. Their work rate and togetherness was clear for all to see. In the 33rd minute, a slick move starting from Hoppo’s inch-perfect pass to Sian nearly brought reward. A sharp one-two with Charli released Peanut through on goal, with Sian bursting into the D and Jess darting towards the back post. Sadly, the final pass just slipped away, but the move itself was a glimpse of the quality this side is building.

Special mention must also go to Lila, whose selfless work in shackling Gore Court’s number 16 completely nullified their playmaker.

The game ended 1-0 to Gore Court, but the performance was far greater than the scoreline suggested. This was not just a group of individuals, it was a team fighting for each other, working tirelessly and showing the potential to become a real force once they settle into their roles.

Players of the Match (as voted by the team)

• Sian for her relentless energy and work rate in midfield, a true player of the match performance.

• Jessica for her clever movement and creation of space up front

• Lila for her tireless work rate and excellent man-marking display

• Special Mention: Peanut, for briefly losing her head and concentration in attack but making up for it by looking stylish with tape stuck to her head

Game not played.