31st August 2025 - Pre Season Friendly Match vs FC Bucklebury Sabres

The rain clouds held off just long enough to get a victory in our first and only pre-season friendly. Having not played a 90-minute match since May it was bound to be a tough one, but we held strong and battled hard for the win. Despite anxieties about our opponent having a much younger average age than us, we didn’t let that deter us. We played our game and ended up victorious with a brilliant 4-1 win over FC Bucklebury Sabres.

Shortly into the first half, Viv sent a sweeping corner into the box which Hannah latched onto in true fashion opening the scoring. Our confidence boosted we pushed on, continuously driving the ball up the pitch and into dangerous areas for the defence. Moments later, another wicked delivery from Viv caused chaos in the box, and Lucy’s quick reactions saw it poked home.

2-0 down but still battling, Bucklebury tried to come back but our defence was solid, and they could not get past. In the box once more, Lucy sent a through ball to Hannah – with a defender on her back she kept her cool, beat the keeper and made it 3-0.

To their credit, FC Bucklebury never gave up, their perseverance finally paid off as they broke our defensive line and sent the ball soaring into the back of the net just before half time.

The second half tested our legs, Bucklebury kept charging at our goal, despite the score line and a few injuries amongst their squad, but our defence stood tall and refused to give anything away. We took every chance we could to get the ball up the pitch and into the box, but the second half remained goalless. That was until a slick one-two between Ash and Hannah which ended with Ash smashing the ball into the net for our fourth.

Both teams played well and showed determination, resilience and passion but ultimately it was our side who came out victorious. A masterful show of calmness, game control and teamwork sets us up for the season ahead.

We were delighted to welcome new players into the squad, and they immediately impressed by putting in a tremendous shift. Their work rate, attitude and adaptability allowed them to slot seamlessly into our style of play, showing they fit perfectly both on and off the ball.

Our new young signing, Emily, delivered an outstanding performance on the wing that earned her the Manager’s Player of the Match award. Despite it being her first ever competitive game of football, she showed real tenacity and quickly proved herself to be a vital part of the team.

Using her speed to break down the defensive line and drive the attach forward on the wing, Lucy was awarded Players Player of the Match. Her relentless running and never-give-up attitude earned her a goal and an assist, while constantly posing a threat to the oppositions defence.