1st Half
With Broxbourne starting on the front foot Upminster struggled to retain possession, a determined drive to the D by Bella Boyle produced the first of several short Corners for Upminster from which Lauren Slater-Harvey and Drew Bailey’s efforts were saved by the Keeper.
With Broxbourne moving play across the pitch and towards the baseline Upminster were having to defend deep in their own D (Player and Defender of the Match) GK Charlotte Triggs was called upon on several occasions saving on the post, blocking an effort with her foot and forcing an attacker wide as she closed in on goal.
Looking to relieve the pressure, Upminster’s long passes downfield found Lucy Quinlan with space to drive into the Broxbourne D, allowing her the opportunity to test the Keeper from distance and be denied as the Keeper came off the line.
A period of pressure by Broxbourne resulted in a Short Corner, with the ball not cleared a mishit strike was deflected past Triggs and put away at the back post 1-0 29 Mins.
As the half came to a close a precise pass from Imogen Hodges sent Izzy Uzal away into the Broxbourne area although a further Short Corner was awarded Upminster were unable to level the score.
2nd Half
Upminster began the 2nd Half sharper, closing down the space and restricting Broxbourne’s play out of defence with Alexa Marston and Uzal a persistent threat to the Broxbourne defence.
Pushing forward left space at the back, Boxbourne’s attacking play forced two S/Corners which the well drilled defensive unit cleared.
Searching for the equaliser Amy Byrne skilfully evaded the last defender and bore down on goal but was denied by the Keeper as she came rushing off her line.
Continuing to push forward Broxbourne forward play exploited the space earning a Short Corner , working the ball around the D enabled an effort on goal which beat the on rushing Triggs 2-0 on 50 Mins.
Upminster continued to move the ball around and across the pitch with Uzal, Megan Miller and Quinlan keeping the Broxbourne Keeper busy and winning further Short Corners, a Slater-Harvey straight strike deceived the Keeper making it 2-1 on 61 Mins.
With the game in the balance Triggs was called upon to make several fine saves whilst late in the game great anticipation and quick thinking by Bailey saw her intercept a cross field pass outside the Broxbourne D and send her shot just the wrong side of the post with the Keeper beaten.
Result 2-1
Report Don Triggs