Saxons Mixed off to a good start!

Saxons settled into the game and allowed Folkestone to test Saxons defence for the first 5 minutes. Saxons held firm with some fine defensive play from trio Caitlin Merison, Tommo and Dave Waters.

Saxons drawing on the Folkestone’s high press and keenness to pressure the ball switched play and found a way out down the right, Saxons moved the ball back across midfield to utilise Oli Beal’s pace on the left. Beal drove along the baseline and dropped the ball back to centre forward Ellie Studholme setting up Abi Merison, who calmly found her mark and flicked the ball past the advancing keeper into the net. Buoyant from their first goal Saxons mounted another attack this time Olli Beal cannoned a fierce reverse hit shot wide of the goal. Saxons continued to put pressure on Folkestone with goal bound attempts from Busbridge, Studholme and Jemima Beal, but remained thwarted by a resolute Folkestone defence.

Saxons welcomed the half time whistle and the opportunity for a break. Refreshed after a team talk which was basically keep playing as we are, Saxons returned to the field.

The second half was end-to-end Saxons midfield of Abi Merison, Alex Coombs, Nat Palmer, Tom Waters and Paul Merison worked hard to create further scoring chances for the Saxons forward line. Despite some defensive gaffs Folkestone were clearly determined not to concede a second.

In the closing minutes a creative attacking play from Folkestone further tested Saxons defence. However, a determined defensive ‘bloody’ display by Player of the Match , ‘Dangerous’ Dave Waters saw him put his body on the line to keep Folkestone at bay.

A late break from Folkestone broke the Saxons defence who were grateful to Mike ‘the cat’ Sutton who sprung from his lair to clear the loose ball before he forced Folkestone’s forward to perform an acrobatic somersault.

Saxons were grateful for the final whistle and a ‘cold’ pint in the bar. In summary a well deserved 1-0 victory and a memorable team performance that played to Saxons strengths.

Team:
M. Sutton (GK), D. Waters, P. Tomlinson, C. Merison, A. Coombs, P. Merison(c), N. Palmer, A. Merison, O. Beal, J. Beal, J. Busbridge, E. Studholme and T. Waters.