2023/24 Season - Week 19

There was disappointment for Blueharts Ladies 3s who were beaten 3-1 at home by Shefford and Sandy in their top-of-the-table East Division 3 South West showdown on Saturday.

Victory would have kept the Hitchin side top but the visitors took an early lead – with Blues keeper Cindy Dixon performing brilliantly to keep her side in touch

Lizzie Bayley and Kiki Arellano worked tirelessly to drive the Blueharts attack but Shefford scored a second before half-time.

Blueharts skipper Racael Campbell reduced the arrears after a counter-attack instigated by Nicarra Barry.

The 3s forced a number of short corners in their search for the equaliser but Shefford grabbed the all-important fourth goal of the game to seal the win.

The Ladies 2s were also involved in a tight game at Bedford who went a goal up inside the first ten minutes.

Sophie Barker and Emily Frenay worked hard to stead the ship and their work paid off when Jules Rees levelled for Blueharts just before half-time.

Blueharts increased the tempo after the break with Isla Watts and Ally Antoniou to the fore.

The 2s were rewarded with a series of short corners, one of which led to Barker’s first goal for the 2s to give them a 2-1 lead.

Ellie Johnson thought she had made it 3-1 but the goal was ruled out for obstruction – that decision proved to be pivotal as Bedford broke away to equalise on the final whistle to make it 2-2.

The Ladies 1s won 2-1 at Broxbourne in the East Premier Division last week, after a first-half a debut goal from Lucy Nissen has set them on their way.

It was clear the next goal would dictate the final outcome and the 1s duly upped the tempo with Nissen finding Emily Fair who in turn sought out Harriet Marsh to make it 2-0.

With Broxbourne throwing everything at Blueharts, Nat Gilder led the 1s resolute defence and despite a late consolation for the home side, the 1s ran out 2-1 winners.

The Ladies 5s won 2-0 at Broxbourne with Milly Winton and Danielle Flood the scorers and player-of-the-match Talin Keoshgerian outstanding.

Hannah Ross was on target twice and Jenny Burr once as the Ladies 6s ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Bedford, Ella Lock taking the player-of-the-match plaudits.

Ollie Wright continued his prolific form this season by scoring on his debut for the Men’s 3s in their emphatic 5-0 against Harpenden.

Another 3s debutant Harry Storey was also on the scoresheet with his dad Sean scoring a hat-trick as the 3s stretched their unbeaten run to six games.

Importantly they were able to keep a clean sheet thanks to the work of young defenders Maxwell Clarke and Joe Dalrymple, while another young debutant Ollie Brigginshaw suppled endless energy to the 3s ranks.

Not such good news for the Men’s 5s who fielded an inexperienced side against a powerful Stevenage outfit and were beaten 8-0.

But the Men’s 2s maintained their grip on East Division 2 South West when they beat Stevenage 4-1 last Thursday and now lead the table by six points.