Havering Ladies 2s travelled to Maldon in scorching conditions for their latest league fixture. A difficult opening half left Havering with a mountain to climb at 3–0 down, but a spirited fightback saw them win the final 35 minutes 2–1 and come away with plenty of positives despite the 4–2 defeat.

The heat made for tough conditions from the start, and Havering’s task became even harder when Nina Brennan, playing her first game back this season, was forced off with a calf injury after making a strong start to the match. With the squad reduced to just one substitute, everyone had to dig deep and put in a huge shift.

Havering regrouped at the break and returned to the pitch determined to get themselves back into the game. The improvement was clear, with the team moving the ball more effectively, linking up well and beginning to put the Maldon defence under pressure.

That pressure soon paid off. Some excellent link-up play between Emma Isherwood and Claire Brennan opened up the Maldon defence, with Brennan finishing the move confidently to get Havering on the scoresheet.

Havering continued to push and found their second through a penalty corner. Maldon had two players sent back to the halfway line after breaking early, meaning a lengthy wait before the corner could be retaken. Isherwood kept her composure throughout and, when play finally resumed, produced a superb strike from the top of the D to find the back of the net.

At the other end, Sophie McCoy was outstanding in goal, pulling off several excellent saves from powerful Maldon efforts and playing a big part in keeping Havering in the contest.

There was plenty of hard work across the pitch. Sacha Bennett-Ford put in a determined performance in her first game back this season, while Lottie Dickinson, following her Player of the Match performance the previous week, continued her strong form at right back. She worked tirelessly, getting up and down the wing and contributing at both ends of the pitch linking up well with Katie Mann.

In the middle, Sophia-Rae Ahmad provided a strong presence, holding the centre and making several driving runs past the Maldon players. Behind her, Nic Earl and Wendy Schofield worked hard through the defensive centre, breaking down numerous attacks and helping Havering withstand periods of Maldon pressure.

There was also a well-deserved 2s debut for Izzy Ridley, who settled quickly into midfield and showed great composure, holding onto the ball well even when under pressure.

Katie Mann, Rae Ahmad and Sophie Bridger battled throughout, working hard to regain possession and pushing forward to support Havering’s attacking play.

Although the final whistle brought a 4–2 defeat, the determination shown to respond from three goals down, particularly in the heat and with only one substitute available, gives Havering plenty to build on