2024/25 Season - Week 18

Blueharts Ladies 1s suffered an agonising 2-1 defeat to East Division 1 South leaders St Albans on Saturday – when victory would have put them two points off the top.

The 1s matched their opponents throughout as they looked to inflict only St Albans’ second defeat of the season.

When Liv Byford levelled the scores at 1-1, it seemed as though they could push on for the much-needed win but St Albans regained the lead on the break.

Blueharts threw everything at the league leaders – with Laura Graham outstanding at the back – but couldn’t force a second equaliser.

The 1s next face a long trip to mid-table Colchester as they look to regain second spot in the table.

As with the Ladies, the Men’s 1s also faced table-toppers in City of Peterborough in the East Premier Division – and also played well before losing 3-1 in a match which was closer than the scoreline suggests.

Blueharts opened the scoring through Ben Apperly and were in control until Peterborough scored either side of half-time.

With midfielder Chris Gadsden in scintillating form, the 1s created a handful of chances – but they couldn’t convert with the visitors adding a third before the close.

The Ladies 2s also performed with distinction in a tough game against St Albans, with goalkeeper Sophia Gallagher and Niccara Berry outstanding in the 0-0 draw.

Meanwhile a goal from Addison Scott earned the Men’s 2s a 1-1 draw at Saffron Walden.

Amy Williams was on target twice for the Ladies 3s as they edged out Stevenage 3-2 in a game where Lyla Thompson-Wells scored the winner.

A Ben Keegan hat-trick was the centrepiece of the Men’s 3s’ 4-2 win at home to Bedford, Ashley Hammond scoring the other goal.

Both Men’s and Ladies 4s matches were postponed because of frozen pitches but the Ladies 5s were beaten 2-1 at home to Hertford.

However the Men’s 5s came through a five-goal thriller, beating Stevenage 3-2, thanks to goals from Philip Britton, Oscar Whitley and Harri Flinn plus some outstanding goalkeeping from Connor Hagger.

The Ladies 6s were held 2-2 at Welwyn Garden City but the 7s were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Shefford and Sandy.

The Men’s 6s and 7s’ matches were called off but the 8s resumed normal service after last week’s first defeat of the season as they thumped St Albans 6-0.

Mark Wakeling and James Moore scored twice, with Will Michie, Max Bond adding one apiece.