Published on 6th Jan 2019 by Rachel Garfirth
SOUTHEND LADIES 3s 4-1 OLD LOUGHTONIANS
For the first game of the new year, Southend’s third side travelled to Chigwell to play Old Loughtonians. The squad included stand in goalkeeper extraordinaire Rachel Garfirth and newbie Maria Allen.
The blues started brightly passing the ball around the middle of the pitch and had early opportunities which did not amount to anything. However, the midfield of Liane Isles, Kristina Drake, Stella Preece and Gail Swain continue to threaten the inexperienced defence of Old Loughts.
Old Loughts did have a couple of chances in the opening stages following confident counter attacks but were unable to come up with any finishes. It wasn’t too long in to the match before Liane Iles was on the receiving end of a reckless body tackle which resulted in play being stopped due to a very painful shoulder injury. Fortunately she was able to return the pitch following a very sensual massage from former player and team photographer Angie Eastabrook.
During Liane’s time of the pitch, captain Gail Swain pushed forward as did Jenny Gallot and following some great pressure, the ball fell to Jenny to score, what could only be described as, a ‘worldly’ goal. The goal was a pinpointed shot in to the bottom corner from an unimaginable angle. Not only did this break the deadlock but also broke the curse that had hung over Jenny for 20 years. As soon as the ball hit the backboard, Jenny burst into celebration. I suspect this will carry on through the weekend. So if you fancy a 24 hour bender - speak to Jenny.
The match continued and it was long before Southend were breaching Old Lought’s last line of defence and were scoring their second courtesy of Sophie Galbraith. The second goal gave the 3s a strong lead and the confidence to go on and score more in the second half.
HALF TIME: SOUTHEND LADIES 3s 2-0 OLD LOUGHTONIANS
Following a half time talk from Ali Snelling about going and scoring a lot more goals, the blues went back on the pitch with a confidence never seen from them before. However, Old Loughts were the team that scored first. Following one of their routine counter attacks the ball was saved however, the rebound was scored despite the best efforts of Christine Baker and Jaylei Taylor.
The blues’ head did not drop and it wasn’t long before the ball was going in to the goal following brilliant play from sisters Sophie and Lauren Galbraith with Sophie doubling her tally for the match. The game continued with end to end play mixed in between some questionable stick tackles from both sides. There was also another minor injury when Gemma Fitzgerald was struck on the arm with a dangerously high ball.
The fourth and final goal was scored following a Old Loughts short corner. The ball was missed by their attack at the top of the D and this was then pounced on by Gemma who fed the ball down the line to Sophie who then swept the ball to the back post for the sprinting Katie Ann to hit in to the open goal.
The game came to an end with thankfully, no more injuries but also no more goals. However, the celebration for Jenny’s goal has only just begun….
FULL TIME: SOUTHEND LADIES 3s 4-1 OLD LOUGHTONIANS
Player of the match and club legend: Jenny Gallot
Thankfully not seriously injured: Liane Iles
Forever running: Katie Ann and Kerri-Anne Hughes
Newbie: Maria Allen
Best Captain: Gail Swain
Best Coach: Melanie Lamb
Best Supporters: Emily Daelemans, Angie Eastabrook, Kathryn Winter, Linda Galbraith and Mandy Taylor.