The Ladies travelled away to Brook House FC in our second league game of the season. Although a new team on paper, Brook House had reformed from Hillingdon Ladies who were in our Division last season, so we were aware that they carried a threat and it was important that we started on the front foot and aim to dominate the game from kick off.

We immediately applied pressure and in the first minute of the game forced a corner on the right hand side. A neat short routine allowed Alice Cox to combine with Lauren Smaje and the shot easily beat the static Brook House keeper to take a fantastic lead and a dream start. Practically straight from the kick off, a neat through ball in the 3rd minute and close control from Lauren Smaje allowed a strong shot that the keeper could not hold and India Cox followed up to score with ease, 2-0.

Brook House were shell shocked and completely disorganised, totally unable to deal with our attacking threat and excellent support behind the ball from the defensive unit. The 3rd goal came in the 6th minute, Alice Cox again instrumental in the movement from right back and connecting well with Tilly Richards in midfield. Another finely threaded ball through to Lauren Smaje had only one outcome, a smart finish: 3-0 and flying.

Even though all the opposition players were behind the ball, their lack of structure left gaps to exploit and akin to second goal, in the 9th minute, another long range shot was parried by the goalkeeper, this time Chloe Bagshaw was in the perfect position to capitalise on the error and slot into the net, 4-0.

The 5th goal came in the 15th minute, Lauren Bagshaw stalking at the far post, collected a neat cross from the right hand side. With close defenders and a tight space, a pivotal spin on the spot and an impressive low drive inside the 6 yard box gave the keeper no chance.

It was clear that the game was already secure, which is an impressive statement to make after only 15 minutes of football, but goes to the credit of the whole team. We were either able to penetrate as a first option or recognise the game state as being compact in midfield and requiring a switch the play into wide areas. In the 28th minute, Lana Cashmore, playing as part of the double pivot found Lauren Bagshaw wide left with an excellent cross field pass, a strong run by Lauren Bagshaw who out muscled the Brook House right back allowed a pin point cross, which Chloe Bagshaw met with skill to convert, 6-0.

Two minutes later and the ball was back in the net again, relentless forward play and closing pressure on the Brook House centre back led to a ricochet ball. India Cox was quick to take the advantage and found herself 1v1 with the advancing goalkeeper, a skilled finish high to the keepers left and goal number 7.

At 7-0 the half time instruction was an easy one, continue to adapt to the game state, exploit space in behind and stop the opposing CB attempting to play out and make connections. We needed to consolidate and to keep pushing and increase our goal difference. We also had the ability and luxury to make changes, bringing hard working additions to the field from the bench.

Brook House changed to a more compact 442 and had some resilience in the opening exchanges of the second half. When they did combine in wide areas, we quickly applied counter pressure to win the ball back. This resulted in them adopting the ball over the top as a tactic, supported by the wind. However, we were exceptionally strong defensively and dealt brilliantly with every situation, supplemented by Mia Caulcrick who was unflappable and commanding in goal.

The 8th goal took us 8 minutes to secure and in the 53rd minute, great combination play and wide attack gave us left sided corner. Step up Lauren Smaje with a brilliantly weighted right footed inswinger that left the Brook House keeper flat footed as the ball sailed majestically into the top corner.

Space became a little bit tighter in midfield as Brook House became more compact but still unorganised. A few rash challenges, side line coaching from the opposition linesman and dubious calls by the referee nearly brought the game to boiling point, but we remained composed with “smiling faces”. From build up play on the left side in the 59th minute, we were awarded a throw in just inside the Brook House half. With Lauren Smaje in a wide position, a quick throw from Lynsey Kania avoided the defensive cover, allowing her to collect, drive forward and place an unstoppable long shot past the keeper, 9-0.

Our rout and 10th goal came 10 minutes from time. In the 80th minute a poor clearance and scrappy penalty area scramble saw the ball break loose to hardworking Tilly Richards, who calmy placed the ball home to get a deserved goal.

In summary, another superb game. Dominant, resilient and hardworking from start to finish. Ruthless as an attacking force, commanding as a midfield unit both in and out of possession plus a solid display from our back 4 and keeper. We hit the crossbar and the upright too on numerous occasions in both halves, unlucky for those players who deserved individual goals. We still need to work hard and continue to get better, complacency can be a hidden threat but we will ensure this does not seep into our game and we will approach every opponent in the same way, underpinned by our will to win.

Player of the match went to Lauren Turnbull for her defensive display and exceptional forward running.