Reserves 3 - 3 Sport London E Benfica

An anticipated tough afternoon in store for the reserves this afternoon when they visited Rectory Park to face current league leaders Sport London E Benfica. No recognised goalkeeper in the squad once again this afternoon so midfielder Charlotte took her turn starting between the sticks.

Actonians initially enjoyed more possession out of the two sides but it wasn’t until the 10th minute when there was a shot on target. Calli seeing her effort get saved. Then with 20 minutes on the clock Jodie headed on a cross which was met by an overhead kick from Kate to give Actonians the lead. Benfica did look a little rattled after this but against the run of play in the 26th minute they got behind the Actonians backline and found themselves level. As Actonians spent the remainder of the half looking to regain their lead Jess had two efforts saved and Tash also saw one of her shots stopped by the keeper. Then 2 minutes into added time Actonians got their lead back. This time Jess made no mistake as she smashed home a screamer. A great time to score and a 2-1 lead for Actonians going into the break.

Half time changes included Charlotte moving out of goal to play in her usual midfield position. Sally going in goal for the second 45. Benfica equalised for a second time 5 minutes into the second half. Chelsea had a shot go wide with 55 minutes on the clock but 2 minutes after that Actonians conceded a penalty which Benfica converted to give them the lead for the first time in the game. The match was end to end stuff at this point. Actonians went very close to levelling on the hour but the Benfica keeper produced a double save from Ines and Kayleigh. A bizarre incident happened shortly after that when Actonians were playing out of the back and the ball seemed to touch both the referees feet giving Benfica possession in a potentially dangerous area but play was allowed to go on. Luckily it didn’t come to anything. Then Helene had a shot blocked in the 73rd minute and another goal was looking inevitable for either side. Fortunately Actonians got it in the 86th minute when the keeper could only get a hand to Charlotte’s long range effort but not enough to prevent the ball crossing the line. Both sides then searched for the winner without creating anything clear cut. Full time 3-3.

A good entertaining physical battle between the two sides where a draw was probably the fairest result and credit to the reserves for coming away with a point from the league leaders. All three scorers today were strong candidates for player of the match. Kate was very strong in midfield and Charlotte deserves a special mention for being in goal for the first half and getting on the scoresheet in the second. However I feel that Jess just edged it today. Our biggest threat to the Benfica goal and what a strike when she did convert which must have felt even sweeter against her former club. Back home to Gunnersbury Park for the reserves next Sunday when bottom of the table club Camden and Islington United are the visitors.

Report by Neil Hayward.