After the Christmas break, Wootton were excited to kick off the second half of the season with an early trip to Milton Keynes. Following a sharp warm-up led by Bec, the team were ready and raring to go at the first whistle.

MKHC started strongly, moving the ball well and opening the scoring early with a well-placed strike. Wootton quickly regrouped and began to settle into their game, showing great teamwork and some lovely passages of play into the attacking half. Azaria, Iz and Jess linked up nicely with neat triangle passing as the pressure started to build, but the finishing touch just wouldn’t fall. MKHC extended their lead before the break, heading into half time at 4–0.

After an encouraging team talk from skipper Chloe, Wootton came out fighting and continued to showcase the skills and tactics they’ve been working hard on in training. Vicks and Fran combined well to create chances, feeding Jess at the top of the D for a powerful reverse strike. The breakthrough soon followed when Vicky played a great ball to Luce, who drove to the baseline and squared for Rach to chip calmly over the keeper to get Wootton on the scoresheet.Despite Wootton’s determination and positive play, MKHC added a few more goals before the final whistle to take the win.

The girls take plenty of positives into next week as they welcome Witney to the Shire. A big thank you to the umpires for making the game possible.

Player of the Match: Jess – for her tireless runs down the line and relentless determination right to the end.