Commanding win for Ladies 1's to set up tense finish to the season as promotion to East league still a possibility!

Havering Ladies went to League leaders Redbridge and Ilford knowing nothing less than a win would suffice; a draw or loss would promote the hosts and end Havering's slim hopes. Havering started with more determination and it was several minutes before Redbridge could get a touch of the ball. Catherine Semon, Vicky Lynch and Leah Carter soon imposed themselves on the game in the centre of midfield. Alex Semon saw an early shot go wide as Havering adjusted to the bouncy pitch. Redbridge began to try to assert themselves but struggled to get through the Havering midfield and when they did Sue Harwood, Steph Prowse, Hollie Dawkins and Wendy Schofield soon cleared away. Havering saw several other attacks go wide or get saved. Alex again and Catherine both had chances but it was Amelia Acreman who put Havering ahead, meeting Catherine's cross at the top of the circle, neatly turning the defender and smashing home a fantastic strike that struck the keeper and flew high into the net. Going in to the second half one up Havering knew they could get the desired result but it was Redbridge who made the stronger start and Havering keeper, Tamara Bailey was soon called into action but performed admirably to nullify the attacks. Havering gathered themselves together again and with Emily Gilkes-Tarsey, Lauren Cash and Nicola Earl finding ways down the right wing, felt another goal was in the frame. Nicola picked up Catherine's pass and put it past the waiting defender into the circle where Emma Isherwood met the loose ball and clipped it past the oncoming keeper to increase Havering's lead. A third came soon after almost as a repeat as Nicola again slipped the ball into the circle and Emma met it to slide past the keeper. Redbridge worked hard to try to get something out of the game and despite continued great defending found a way through to pull one back but it proved to just be a consolation goal as Havering retained possession for much of the last 10 minutes. Emma put a shot inches wide of the post and Sue thought she had scored from a penalty corner only to have the 'goal' disallowed, having been judged to have glanced her foot. The win means Havering have closed the gap to just one point and hope to win at home next Saturday and that Redbridge draw or lose away at Wapping, to gain promotion back to the East League.