Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.26 2022-23

AFC Stoneham 1 Badshot Lea 4
Badshot Lea clinched the Southern Region
League Division One South title in a 'winner
takes all' showdown with AFC Stoneham. The
Baggies gave an excellent performance to run
out winners by four goals to one in front of a
large crowd at the Hampshire FA Stoneham
Lane complex.
Badshot started on the front foot but
were hit by a fine opening goal from
Stoneham's Chloe Melton who fired in a
powerful shot after a strong run on six
minutes. The visitors continued to exert
pressure on the Stoneham defence and were
soon level when Lucy Cook was played clear of
the last defender and her low shot bounced in
despite a good attempt to save from Hollie Chloe Marshall in a chase with Rebecca Munro
Keefe. (www.jamesprickett.co.uk).
The contest settled a bit after a frantic start
and chances became more scarce. Both teams were defending strongly and it was
something of a surprise when the visitors took the lead. The impressive Nicola Moore,
whose powerful running was a feature throughout, latched on to a through ball and
finished well from close range on 32 minutes.
Stoneham needed a strong start to the second half and managed to pen the visitors
back for much of the opening quarter hour. However, the two Badshot scorers combined
to great effect to notch the crucial third goal on the break on 61 minutes. Moore broke
down the right and delivered towards Cook who flicked the ball past the advancing
keeper at the near post for a fine goal.
Stoneham kept their efforts up but the visitors were rock solid in defence and
keeper Jodie Gray-Piazza handled crosses with confidence. Badshot continued to create
chances, hitting the bar before Emma Gregory-Barns added the fourth from a Moore
free kick with ten minutes left.
Badshot Lea lost just one league match in their title win and will join North Division
champions Woodley United in the Premier Division next season. Both champions are
still involved in the Chairman's Cup which is at the semi final stage for a possible league
and cup double. AFC Stoneham may have missed out this season but are a thriving and
vibrant club who will no doubt continue to grow.
AFC Stoneham: Hollie Keefe, Sophie Hawkes, Niki Curtis, Laura Ingram, Lauren
Harper, Beth Tuck, Kat Bonning, Rebecca Moody, Chloe Melton, Charlotte Gatehouse,
Madison Payne. Subs: Emily Dancer, Jenna Sutton, Mel Burns, Susani Lucas, Chloe
Marshall.
Badshot Lea: Jodie Gray-Piazza, Annabel Giles, Rebecca Munro, Danielle Jones,
Sophie Sutherland, Rebecca Ansell, Megan Cotter, Ashleigh Cotter, Nicola Moore,
Jordan Thompson, Lucy Cook. Subs: Holly
Montgomery, Deanna Taylor, Steph Hamill,
Shakira Day, Emma Gregory-Barns.
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