The sun was shining and spirits were high as the L1s approached what they knew would be a tough match. The first half was a real battle as the team got to grips with their formation and battling against a determined and strong Bury side. There was some lovely play through the back lines, notably by MoM Hannah Kenyon on the outside, reading the game and challenging every Bury pass. Defence were in good form (including Nicola in her second consecutive match of the morning!), working together to push back against the incoming attackers. Unfortunately the purples went 3-0 down for their half time Haribo, but were determined to swap things round.

The second half was more representative of what South could do. This time the forward lines were starting to find their rhythm, accurate passing improved and we stepped up to the pace of the game. Although as team fitness was a joint winner of the lemon vote, we've all got some running to do! Speaking of lemons, the 5'10" stroppy Irish toddler Katie earned herself the title. Although in my defence I had to do something to stop the mistaken identity of myself with Alison. Note to self: changing hairstyle would've been the better option. This half of the game was far more satisfying for the South team and Bury were only able to get one off us, which could have been two if it was not for the glorious dive/slide tackle from vice-captain Blythe, throwing herself in the line of fire to stop a shot on goal.

Shout out to Hannah Snow, cracking in midfield, but who needs to work on clarity in proposing MOM and LOM votes as we weren't entirely sure who they were for… Looking forward, the girls will be ready to fight hard from the first whistle, and try to play each first half as they normally play each second half(!), and gear up to enter the league with a win.