It's back to business with a win a for Ladies 1's

Havering Ladies hosted Maldon for the start of the second half of the season. Having secured a narrow victory in the away fixture Havering knew it would be a tight game. Havering began strongly and took the lead through a penalty corner; Catherine Semon's shot was saved but Emma Isherwood put the rebound towards the far post where Anna Webb slotted in the goal. Havering saw several chances saved or go wide, Emily Gilkes-Tarsey, Chris Noller, Webb, Semon and Isherwood were all denied the chance to increase the lead. Maldon were quick on the break and equalised. Just on half time Havering thought they had regained the lead when Isherwood deflected in Webb's shot only for the goal to be disallowed, the ball being judged to have struck Isherwood's stomach rather than stick (obviously got abs of steel!). Havering began the second half slightly unsettled and Maldon were again able to score on the break and go into the lead. This spurred Havering into playing with more determination; the defence of Steph Prowse, Monica Dubb, Wendy Schofield and Sue Harwood held firm and began many attacking moves. For a while it looked like Havering would struggle to get back in the game as chances again went begging but a good ball through by Dubb found Noller in space in the circle and her first time shot was thumped into the far corner. Inspired, Havering dominated the last fifteen minutes with Amelia Acreman, Lauren Earle, Semon, Webb and Noller working hard in midfield. Rhiannon Goulden almost got on the end of Isherwood's cross and Noller also went close. As Havering continued to pressurise Harwood's ball down the line found Isherwood who drove into the circle and fired into the goal to put Havering ahead. Soon after Semon secured the victory picking up Prowse's pass and striking the ball past the advancing keeper. Havering held on for a 4-2 win that keeps them at the top of the Essex Premier League.