Sizzling Season Opener at Campion

Havering Ladies travelled to Southend for their opening game of the season with 7 of last season’s squad unavailable for various reasons but with several returning and new players.

The match began as a cagey affair with neither side dominating. Havering’s defence of Alex Semon, Bukki Olodo, Charlotte Chamberlin and debutante, Laure Burke were quick to intercept and breakdown potential Southend attacks. New GK, Louisa Sillett pulled off a couple of early saves whilst Emily Martin and Sue Harwood saw their early chances saved. It was Southend who took the lead after some strong play down the centre of the pitch. They added a second just before half time.

Havering began the second half strongly and were rewarded when good work from the midfield of Tess Meehan, Bethan Isherwood, Emily Gilkes-Tarsey and Alison Isherwood set Harwood up and she saw her shot deflect off the defender’s outstretched stick into the goal. Havering continued to battle and Harwood and Olodo both saw a couple of shots saved.

A lovely ball from Cidney Peyton put Gilkes-Tarsey through and she slipped the ball to Bethan Isherwood but the shot couldn’t quite come as the Southend defence worked doggedly to crowd out space and shooting opportunities. The heat and lack of subs began to take it’s toll and Southend took advantage of this to nab a third goal not long before the full time whistle went. Despite losing Havering Ladies can take heart from their performance.