After a night of heavy rain, there were doubts about whether the match would even go ahead, but thankfully, the game was given the green light at Julian’s new home ground, Trinity Fields.
It was a confident start with Ivy and Anneli posing a constant threat down the wings, stretching the opposition’s defence and creating space for attacking opportunities. However, it was Lauren who broke the deadlock after twenty-five minutes with a stunning solo effort, making a run from outside the box and skilfully weaving past several defenders before driving forward and calmly slotting the ball home, marking Julian’s first league goal of the season in style.
Five minutes later, Amira doubled the lead with an instinctive strike from the edge of the area. Out of nothing, she turned and fired a low shot along the ground, neatly tucking it along the side of the goal. It was well-deserved, having found herself in excellent positions and coming close on several occasions earlier in the game.
With a 2-0 lead heading into halftime, Julian’s came out for the second half full of confidence. It didn’t take long for Lauren to strike again to make it 3-0, producing another impressive solo effort, sealing the result and her brace for the game.
As legs tired the game became a little scrappy, but chances continued to flow. Amira hit the post and Ivy nearly scored with a tricky shot from a tight angle. To their credit, Blackheath Wanderers also created opportunities, played with resilience and showed great spirit throughout the game.
But this was Julian’s day and a true team effort. Iris the playmaker threading balls between the lines and Zosia relentlessly pressurising the right flank. A promising central defensive partnership between Maya and Lola is forming at the back. Ruby, Phoebe, Aaliyah and Emily all played their part. Of course, Ella was a rock between the posts, making several assured saves and confidently dealing with anything that came her way.
The team showed remarkable composure as they adjusted to the new tactics, pitch size, and larger goals of 11-aside football. Despite being a squad that featured several new players the team is truly beginning to gel.
The season is looking bright!
Goals:
Lauren (2), Amira (1)