3rds bag first league win of the season

The Third team travelled the distance to Luton to play for the first time in two weeks after last Sunday’s postponement due to the weather.

It was a hectic start to the game which saw Luton earn a succession of corners in the first few minutes, which Actonians were able to scramble away.

After the initial corner bombardment, Actonians found their flow and were able to pass the ball around nicely. On one such occasion, only 5 minutes in, a nice ball from Emma evaded the Luton defenders and Cat was able to brilliantly take the ball away and run through on goal. Her goal bound shot was nearly stopped on the line however she was able to follow through and tap the ball home for 1-0 Actonians.

The sun was shining and visibility for both teams were tricky but there were some nice passages of play from both teams. However many of Luton’s attacks were foiled by the defence or their attackers were forced to take an early shot, which didn’t really trouble Saoirse. Up at the other end, there were some great balls to our strikers/wingers but found the Luton goalkeeper very high off her line and alert, sweeping any threat away from danger. Neither team were able to fashion out any real clear cut chances but midway through the first half, Rebecca had to remain focused with a goal line block to prevent a Luton equaliser.

HT 1-0 Actonian’s.

The 2nd half began and Actonians almost scored instantly when Keri ran down the left wing and sent a tempting cross in for Cat, at an acute angle to fire narrowly wide. Luton had nothing to lose and were trying to throw what they had at Actonians who were holding firm. The game was turning a little physical with strong tackles flying in from both teams. Zea came close when she burst through on the right and shot just wide. Luton changed their shape a little to try and force the equaliser but Actonians defended resolutely as a team to cling on to their winning position.

However, on the 85th minute, Luton’s right winger crossed in which Saoirse was only able to parry into the path of Luton’s dangerous no 9 who was able to head into an empty net from close range. 1-1. This was a real sucker punch and it almost went from bad to worse when just minutes later, the no 9 Luton striker headed a corner over Saoirse’s head towards goal but up popped Rebecca with yet another amazing goal like clearance to head the ball away.

One thing we know about Actonians however is they never give up and true to form, in the 92nd minute, Saoirse launched a long kick which Keri controlled brilliantly and sent through a perfectly weighted through ball to Emma who found herself one on one with the goalkeeper. Emma showed great composure to round the goalkeeper and score to make it 2-1! The final whistle blew seconds later!

FT : Luton Town Reserves 1 - 2 Actonians Thirds

Actonians finally got their first elusive win of the season and remain unbeaten away from home. It was a great battling performance from the whole team and they fully deserved their win.

POM : Zea