The women’s team secured a fantastic 2–0 away victory this weekend against Pagham Ladies, bringing home all three points and a well-earned clean sheet.

After Pagham narrowly edged a 1–0 win against the Bears earlier in the season, there was clear determination to put things right this time around — and that’s exactly what the team did.

On what could only be described as a heavy, boggy, energy-sapping surface, with long grass and sticky mud making every run a challenge, the women battled superbly from the first whistle.

Within the opening 20 minutes, the Bears were awarded a free kick just outside the box following a Pagham handball. Lilymae Van Drongelen stepped up and delivered a pinpoint ball into the area, perfectly finding Maddy Davies who rose powerfully to head home and give the Bears a deserved 1–0 lead.

There were plenty more chances before the break in what was a competitive and evenly contested first half, but the Bears went into half-time with their advantage intact.

The second half saw a few tactical changes, and the pressure continued. Captain Emma Flood quite literally took one for the team, entering the referee’s book with a yellow card for time wasting as the game edged towards its conclusion. Pagham refused to back down and continued to test us, but a beautifully weighted through ball from Alice Jack released Lucie Francis, who calmly slotted home — after a few earlier offside runs (which we’re sure she won’t mind us mentioning! ?) — to make it 2–0 to the Bears.

There was nearly a third late on when Nicole Cossey found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but a recovering defender made a superb last-ditch tackle to deny her and turn the ball out for a throw-in.

All in all, a strong and disciplined performance from the women as they now turn their attention to their Cup Semi-Final on Sunday 8th March.

Date for Your Diaries!
The women’s team will be hosting a Quiz Night on Wednesday 1st April, 19:30 start.
£2 per person entry
Teams must be booked in advance
To book or for more information, contact:
broadbridgeheathwomengirls@gmail.com

Come along and support the women off the pitch as well as on it!