Another three points were added to the board for Broadbridge Heath Women on Sunday as the Bears battled to a 3–2 victory over Crowborough Athletic — although they certainly made hard work of it.

The Bears got off to the worst possible start, finding themselves 1–0 down inside the opening minute after a mistake at the back allowed Crowborough to capitalise and take an early lead.

Rather than letting the setback affect them, Broadbridge Heath showed the same resilience and never-give-up attitude that had been so evident the previous weekend. The Bears continued to press, created plenty of opportunities and began to take control of the game, although chances were proving difficult to convert.

The breakthrough finally came just before half-time. Nicole Cossey picked up the ball on the edge of the box and produced a brilliant strike to draw the Bears level at 1–1 heading into the break.

The half-time message was simple — reset, regain focus and get back to playing the calm, confident football the team know they are capable of.

A few changes followed, with Lucie Francis replacing Ellie Barry as the Bears switched things around and played with two up front. The change quickly had an impact and, within 10 minutes of the restart, Broadbridge Heath had turned the game around.

Naomi Cole played a perfectly weighted ball over the top of the Crowborough defence, allowing Cossey to use her pace to race clear and grab her second of the afternoon to make it 2–1.

The Bears continued to dominate much of the second half and created several more opportunities, although once again they were unable to make the most of them. At the other end, Crowborough continued to threaten with balls in behind the Bears’ back line, but they too struggled to convert their chances.

Broadbridge Heath eventually gave themselves some breathing room when Lily Hoare battled well to win possession out wide before delivering a superb cross into the box. Cossey’s initial effort was saved, but Lucie Francis was quickest to react and followed up the rebound to put the Bears 3–1 ahead.

Crowborough refused to go away and continued fighting until the end, grabbing a late goal in the 89th minute to reduce the deficit to 3–2 and ensure a nervy finish.

It was far from the Bears’ best performance and there will certainly be areas to work on, particularly around taking chances and managing key moments in games. However, another display of resilience ensured the most important thing — another league victory and three more points!

Next fixture is away to Hailsham on Sunday 11th October