Following their emphatic victory against Witham last week, the L3s travelled to everyone’s least favourite A127 turn off - Basildon to battle against the undefeated league leaders.

Earlier in the season, the L3s were dismantled by the sambuca fuelled Basildon squad, however, following a fine run of the results, the team were hopeful that there was an opportunity to be had. The pre-match meet up was disrupted however, by Kathy Loades who was desperate in her new role as Tesco’s fruit and veg champion to advertise her Banana which in her words was a ‘great slow release of energy’, proudly holding up her banana for the whole of Basildon to see. Unfortunately, the majority of those in Basildon have never seen a banana and therefore her commission stats for the day are 0..

Back on the Astro, the 3s lined up in a new formation curated by Ruth Llewellyn. Despite this masterplan, Basildon were 2-0 up within the first 10 minutes due to a lucky deflection and the GK’s inability to shut her legs.

Basildon were not having their way fully however, as the 3s battled to find a way back into the game with great passing and consistent pressure to the old guard of Basildon. Although this didn’t lead to any goals, it showed great progression from a team who lacked confidence earlier in the season.

Shortly before half time Basildon were able to add a third but not before a minor incident in which a forward declared ‘you nearly broke my leg’ when a flying Rachel Garfirth decided to scissor tackle her on the baseline. When asked about the situation, Rachel said ‘she has another one, not quite sure what the issue is?’
Hayley Wren and Ellen Smith both made excellent goal line saves to prevent the 3s being 4-0 down at half time.
Half Time: Basildon L3s 3-0 L3s
The second half started with a fourth goal to Basildon much to the delight of exactly 0 home fans on the sideline. For the away team, the fans came in their droves to support the 3s and even started a chant of ‘Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimme directions out of here’ much to the annoyance of the staff of the poorly managed Basildon Sporting Village.

Despite the scoreline and the 3s did get the upper hand for the majority of the second half but they were unable to find the goal that they deserved.
Full Time: Basildon L3s 4-0 L3s
After the full time whistle captain Ruth declared ‘I can’t wait to play Thurrock next week!’ to which everyone kindly informed her she was actually playing Crostyx at KES and the look on the captain’s face was one of pure disdain.