The L1s started the season at home against Abingdon, a team we knew would be strong after some close fixtures last season.

The game began evenly but scrappily. Missing our loudmouth manager, we took some time to find momentum and set ourselves up. Mistakes from both sides meant possession swung back and forth, with some exciting chances at both ends.

Young Emily played a ball down the line to Julie, who battled to keep hold of it. Just when it looked like the chance had gone, a mistake in Abingdon’s backline allowed the ball to slip cleanly through two defenders’ sticks. Waiting right in the middle of the D was Sophie, who smashed it first time past the keeper for a tidy finish.

The opposition shifted gear after half-time, starting to get some strong shots on goal, but the Wanderers’ back four held firm and kept the goal clear.

We rode the single-goal advantage for the remainder of the game, using a little s***housery to maintain possession and give Abingdon as little ball time as possible—securing a 1–0 win.

MOM – Abby, for reminding us of her silky skills in defence and midfield