Havering Ladies 2s stepped onto a sunny winter pitch for their final game before Christmas, but Crostyx arrived bearing anything but festive cheer, delivering a 7–0 defeat to the hosts. Despite the scoreline, Havering showed plenty of heart—and a sprinkle of Christmas spirit—throughout the match.

Crostyx were clinical from their “penalty-corner presents”, unwrapping several powerful strikes that proved tough to keep out. One fierce effort was bravely met by Nic Earl, who took the lifted ball straight to the arm—earning a bruise that arrived quicker than Santa on Christmas Eve.

Between the posts, Louisa Sillet was Havering’s very own Christmas miracle, producing a sackful of superb saves to keep Crostyx from running away with double figures.

At the back, Sacha Bennett-Ford, Sue Bartlett, and Wendy Schofield worked tirelessly like Santa’s most dependable elves, battling wave after wave of Crostyx pressure. Alex Semon took stints all over the pitch, bringing energy and determination to every play.

There were festive flashes of promise in Havering’s play, especially with some lovely transfers around the back and quick passing that twinkled like Christmas lights—encouraging signs for the new year, even if still a work in progress.

In midfield, Katie Mann, Jessie Watson, Sophia-Rae Ahmed, and Snowy Yii worked relentlessly, offering drive and determination right until the final whistle.

Havering did, however, struggle to thread the ball through to forwards Rae Ahmed and Sophie Bridger, leaving them few chances to conjure any late Christmas magic in the attacking circle.

Now heading into the Christmas break, the team will hang up their sticks, enjoy some well-earned festive rest, and return in the new year determined to rediscover their winning ways in the second half of the season.

Merry Christmas from Havering Ladies 2s – see you in 2025! ??