A change to today’s home location for the first team this afternoon as we returned to the 3G pitch of Rectory Park to ensure the game could still go ahead with Cambridge United the visitors. A few notable absentees for Actonians. Angie out with a shoulder injury, Jennie still out with her recent injuries and Hana and Viv not available. Lois picked up an injury in the warm up leading to a last minute change to the starting lineup with Gabby coming in to replace her.

A bad start for the home side when Cambridge went 1-0 up with 3 minutes on the clock from a long range free kick. Actonians first attack with real purpose came in the 11th minute when Abigail’s goalbound shot was tipped wide by the keeper. Elisa made a fantastic save in the 17th minute to stop Cambridge doubling their lead. Actonians had a few more efforts. Kayra shot wide in the 18th minute, Mara’s free kick went over the bar in the 22nd minute and Claudia had a shot saved a few minutes after that. Cambridge were awarded a penalty on the half hour for what was deemed to be a handball offence. Elisa got down to the spot kick and pushed it onto the post for a great save. Unfortunately though as soon as the ball was cleared an unstoppable shot from 25 yards found the back of the net to put Cambridge two goals to the good. Claudia had a shot tipped over in the 37th minute but 60 seconds later Actonians pulled a goal back. An absolute screamer from Kat. Half time 1-2.

Elisa made a great save again 5 minutes into the second half but after that it became a bit of an Actonians onslaught as they searched for the equaliser. Abigail did find the net in the 58th minute but a debatable offside decision was given. Claudia had a volley saved in the 63rd minute and 2 minutes after Nour hit a scorcher of a shot which the keeper tipped over. This was Nour’s last bit of the action as a double change was made. Emma and Roxanne came on to replace Claudia and herself. Then Kayra had a shot go over the bar and in the 70th minute Abigail went oh so close again ending a run towards goal by hitting the crossbar. Both her and Jas were ready to pounce for the rebound but Cambridge managed to scramble clear. Three more efforts followed that went over the bar. A Mara header and shots from Olivia and Azwa. Then Jas ran into the penalty area in the 79th minute and was brought down. A penalty was correctly awarded which Kayra stepped up for and slotted the ball home. What followed after was unbelievable. Clearly with Actonians on the front foot they wanted the game to restart as quick as possible so Kayra went to retrieve the ball. A Cambridge defender stopped her from doing that by clinging onto the ball and then made a meal of Kayra’s attempts to get it back. The goalkeeper also did her best to antagonise the situation with some pushing and as the Cambridge players gathered round Kayra her teammates had to come over to get her away from being surrounded. The referees decision was to send off Kayra and give the keeper a yellow card. Despite being a player down Actonians were still attacking with purpose while having to maintain a level of cautiousness. Roxanne made a positive run in the 85th minute and hit her shot wide. The scoring was done though. Full time 2-2.

After a slow start Actonians can be proud of their performance and it was a valuable point gained. However the red card was harsh and it was felt that the Cambridge goalkeeper should have received the same outcome as Kayra after the incident whatever that may have been. It was a decision that lessened the potential of Actonians going on and winning the game as they were very much on the front foot at that point. A great team effort including Kayra having a superb game in midfield prior to the sending off and Elisa making some vital saves.

My player of the match today was Olivia. As usual solid at the back and made a positive impact offensively as well as further up the pitch after the substitutions were made. Next up another home game next Sunday with Norwich City the visitors.

Report by Neil Hayward