This weeks game was against Epsom and Ewell and an away fixture. There had been some doubt if it would go ahead after the weeks rain. The Eagles goalkeeper was sick so Lyla and Stella stepped in as goalkeeper.

The game started slowly for the Eagles. Epsom and Ewell had excellent shape and structure. They moved the ball well through midfield and the Eagles quickly found themselves exposed. Their strong defence was called into action, Ruby’s kick moved the ball back to the midfield although another attack quickly followed. Heidi was working hard on the right defence, stopping the crosses and never letting the ball get past her. Maiya had to work hard to keep Epsom out of the box. Initially tentatively then as the game progressed she created a robust wall, stopping their attackers.

The pitch seemed larger than usual and the Eagles passing game was struggling. The ball was often lost in midfield so they all found themselves tracking back. After ten minutes, exhaustion was starting to show in the Eagles, although they were starting to find their shape.

Molly started the game as striker and after the first five minutes looked comfortable, she was limited by an excellent opposing Goalkeeper who was quick to come off her line and closed the gap.

Ella was strong over all of the pitch, but sometimes found herself out of position. She tackled hard and was comfortable dribbling the ball in traffic but today the linking pass couldn’t be made.

Towards the end of the first half, the ball bounced awkwardly for the Eagles defence and after some confusion Epsom and Ewell pounced and neatly knocked the ball in the back of the net. The score was 1-0.

Half time brought a change of goalie with Stella taking over a cold shift for the Eagles. Lyla moved into attack as striker and Molly moved to left midfield. Freya having taken a breather on the bench came on as right midfield and this changed her play. She confidently and adeptly collected and chased the ball down the right hand side.

Liv also started the second half in attack with Lyla and she linked up well with Freya. After sustained pressure in Epsom’s half Liv found herself with the ball at her feet just outside the box. A beautiful side step and touch saw her push the ball into the bottom right corner. The score was 1-1.

Maeve continue to provide nearly limitless energy, she looked dangerous with the ball. Her first touch wasn’t always working for her but she made up for it with speed and tenacity. Stella as goalie was starting to look cold, the Eagles were nearly exclusively playing in Epsom’s half but the final shots weren’t happening. Lyla tried one thunderbolt from a range of 20m, it was just off target but the shot had the required weight. This wasn’t to be the last from Lyla, a few minutes later outside the box she hit a sweet looping shot across the keeper. Unbelievable the Epsom keeper initially miss read the shot and then jumped and caught the ball in her finger tips. It was great keeping although the Eagles were denied an excellent opportunity.

Tabitha could smell a goal, and with the Eagle playing 4 at the back to protect the goalie, she confidently moved higher up the pitch. The Eagles were pressing hard now. And then the game changed, all of a sudden the ball bounced favourably for Epsom. Their shape started to un-pick the Eagles. Stella who had spend the first 20min of the second half shivering was called into action. She moved off her line and came out to snuff out the attack. Stella kicked confidently from the hand and set the Eagle on another attack.

The final whistle was blown and the score was 1-1.