

Havering Ladies 4s got their season off to a winning start with a 2–1 victory over Southend & Benfleet 4s in the first game of the day at home. After a long summer break, the opening stages saw Havering slowly find their rhythm and get back into the flow of hockey, allowing Southend & Benfleet to take an early lead in the first half. Going into the break 1–0 down, Havering made some positional changes to create more of an attacking threat. The changes paid off, with Sophie Runcorn opening Havering’s goals for the season after a lovely cross from Charlotte Mailey down the right-hand side. Havering continued to apply pressure and created plenty of opportunities in the Southend & Benfleet D, but their defence stood strong and made it difficult to find the back of the net. With just five minutes remaining, Havering won another short corner. After the initial shot was saved, followed by two more rebounds being denied, constant pressure eventually paid off as Charlotte Mailey buried the ball on the third rebound to put Havering 2–1 ahead. Havering held on to secure a fantastic comeback win and get their season off to the perfect start!
A special mention goes to Mahmoona Shah whose amazing defensive skills throughout the game earned her well-deserved Player of the Match.