Actonians 6 - 2 Chesham United

A rare Tuesday night game under the lights for Actonians this evening at Bedfont Sports with Chesham the visitors. A similar squad to the previous game against Fulham with Jen returning after suspension to replace Dom who was out with an injury being the only change.

Actonians dominated possession in the early proceedings and got their reward after just 8 minutes. Tori ran from just inside the Chesham half beating the offside trap and finished into the bottom corner as she entered the penalty box. The next 2 minutes saw Actonians go close again. Firstly from Molly and then Ikraam but on the quarter of an hour mark the lead was doubled when a tidy finish from Shakes made it 2-0. Actonians continued to dominate the half with Jas, Molly and Amina all coming close to adding to the scoreline. After a defensive error and totally against the run of play Chesham pulled a goal back in the 41st minute. Jas hit a shot wide with half-time looming and the last bit of action was Molly heading the ball off the line to prevent a Chesham equaliser. Half-time 2-1.

4 minutes into the second half Jas made a superb run down the left side and Tori met her cross to convert her second goal of the game. Chesham made it 3-2 after 55 minutes but almost instantly Actonians went back on the attack. Molly cut inside her marker and finished beautifully to restore the two-goal advantage. Molly went close again on the hour mark but her shot crashed against the crossbar with the rebound being hit against the post. The first changes were made in the 61st minute with Meila and Camila replacing Ikraam and Amina. Tori then smashed the ball home in the 64th minute for her hat trick. Shortly after Amber Dredge replaced Molly. Tori was sent through on goal in the 71st minute but this time the keeper was out quickly to block her shot. Olivia came on for Naomi in the 81st minute and Meila and Camila came close to scoring before Chi replaced Tori in the 84th minute. Jas and Amber had efforts saved before another amazing run from Jas down the left ended with her squaring the ball to Shakes for her to make it 6-2. The last notable piece of action was in the 92nd minute when Mara’s free kick was tipped over the bar.

It ended up being a convincing win for Actonians after almost letting Chesham back in the game. Overall a brilliant team performance with Tori getting another hat trick and Jas and Molly putting in very strong performances to add to the attacking threats offered. My player of the match today though was Naomi. She kept everything under control in her defensive midfield role and was the glue between the defence and the attack. Just 5 days to wait for more first team action as Actonians visit AFC Sudbury.

Report and photo by Neil Hayward