SOUTHERN COUNTIES COMPETITION BEATS THE WEATHER AGAIN

Middlesex Ladies were delighted to entertain their Kent counterparts in the Southern Counties Competition on Wednesday last, 1st November, for the first time since January 2017.

The game was kindly hosted for us by Ashford Town (Middlesex). Unfortunately, the weather conditions were similar to those experienced during Middlesex’s first match in this season’s competition, at the same venue, six weeks earlier, when they were hosted by the Army in heavy rain.

Once again, the players of both teams defied the appalling conditions and produced a very entertaining match. Middlesex took the lead in the third minute, through an own goal and then dominated the proceedings throughout most the first half. However, they failed to score from any of the chances which they created, even missing a penalty.

The visitors took advantage of this wastefulness and Chloe Francis scored direct from a well struck free kick in the 42nd minute. Middlesex hit back and regained the lead in the added time through Alissa Down’s cunning lob.

The rain increased in its intensity during the evenly balanced second half but the players defied the worsening conditions, to play excellent football right to the end of the match. Middlesex added a third goal in the 67th minute, through a terrific drive by Zoe Cohen from around 25 yards.

Referee, Gemma Day and her colleagues did a great job in very difficult conditions. Our thanks is due to them and to the officials of Ashford Town (Middlesex) FC for their fine hospitality.

The hot food, which they provided after the match, was very much appreciated by everyone concerned.