Thorpe United Ladies 1, Barking 2

With both teams close in the the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Premier Division standings it was always going to be a tough game for both teams.

Thorpe United had a couple of chances with Emma’s long throws causing problems for the visitors with Bex Lake looking to speed past the standing defence.

Sophie Jermy had a chance after Bexs tracked down the goal keeper as she was unable to pick up a back pass but mis-cued her shot.

As with these things it would be Barking who took the lead with a strong header from an unmarked attacker.

With Thorpe now pushing to score an equalizer their best chance came from a Hannah corner which ended in Sophie having her shot saved.

Next to have a shot at the visitors’ goal would have been Mary-Ann Hoy but Bex Lake’s through ball was stopped by the Barking defender.

While Thorpe United went looking for their first goal of the game it would be Barking who scored next to make to score 2-0 on a fast break.

The score was against the run of play but Bex Lake got her goal that her effort deserved with good attacking play forcing the keeper into a mistake giving Bex a simple tap in to bring the score back to 2 - 1.

Following Bex’s goal the confidence came back to Thorpe who by now had taken control of the match even being down by one goal.

Half Time 2 - 1 Barking.

The second half started the same as the first with the visitors taking control of most of the action, but good defensive work stopped any threats on goal.

In the second half both teams seemed to be tiring and chances on goal were few and far between but Laura Wiseman had the best chance but the ball slipped narrowly wide.

Thorpe’s player of the match - Laura Wiseman and the visitors’ choice Bex Lake.

Squad from: Kirsty Andrews, Emma Hale, Hannah Bray, Megan Champion, Maise Cutting, Rebecca Russell, Sophie Jermy, Laura Wiseman, Lisa Marie Riches, Bexs Lake, Mary Ann Hoy, Bethan Sommerfield.