Actonians 3rds 3 - 3 AFC Leyton

Actonians took on 2nd placed AFC Leyton at home on 9th October. The game kicked off on a sunny yet slightly windy afternoon.

Right from the off, the tempo was high and the intensity was strong from Actonians, as the team began confidently. The team pressed as one and harried and harassed the AFC Leyton players into early mistakes and stray passes.
As Actonians began to gain control of the match, they were soon able to carve out some opportunities, notably from Naia who hit the bar from close range. Actonians won a series of corners expertly delivered by Kirsty and were looking a threat from set pieces.
However in the 15th minute, against the run of play and with their first shot on goal, an AFC Leyton midfielder won the ball and scored from just outside the area with a sweet strike that curled into the top right left hand corner.

Actonians did not get despondent – they continued to push forward and work as a team and carve out some more chances. This was rewarded just 7 minutes later. Nat R took a shot from long range which was tipped over by the goalkeeper, and Kirsty floated in another beautiful corner. The ball bounced around a couple of times in the penalty area, and Nat S was able to launch her head at the ball and score to make it 1-1.

Actonians were playing some great football and Kirsty was unlucky to hit the bar after yet another chance created had to be aware of the threat AFC Leyton posed. This was highlighted when the AFC Leyton striker had a goal correctly ruled out for kicking the ball out of Saoirse’s hands.

Shortly after, AFC Leyton fortuitously found themselves 2-1 up on 27th minute on a quickfire counter attack after the AFC Leyton striker broke through and hit a low shot that snuck in just by the post. This did not deter Actonians and in the 35th minute, Nat R struck a low drive from distance which the AFC Leyton goalkeeper spilled into the path of Naia who was quickest to react and bury the ball into the back of the net for 2-2 which is how the half ended.

2nd half began and it was more of the same from Actonians. The team were confident that they could actually take all 3 points. They were looking dangerous every time they attacked and managing to snuff out any major threat from AFC Leyton. Anty came close from a shot from distance.

In the 66th minute, Actonians scored a well deserved 3rd. Kirsty took yet another dangerous corner which resulted in a few attempts on goal before the ball fell to Frida in the 6 yard box to pick a corner and score. 3-2 and Actonians finally had their noses in front after coming from behind twice.

AFC Leyton changed their shape and began to threaten the backline and Saoirse as they tried to find their way back into the game. There were a few desperate last ditch tackles flying in, none more so then one from Rebecca flying in on the line to prevent a certain goal.
The threat was growing though and in the last 5-10 minutes AFC Leyton played with what looked like about 6-7 strikers in search of the equalizer.

Unfortunately in the 87th minute, this tactic paid off as the AFC Leyton striker managed to beat the offside trap and take the ball past the onrushing Saoirse. She was able to take the ball past the last defender and tap into an empty net.

Despite this, there was still time for one more dramatic moment. Shadia found herself through on goal, hit the ball well but unfortunately too well as the ball cannoned off the post.

3-3 final result.

After last week’s dismal performance, this was the perfect response from newly promoted Actonians against 2nd placed AFC Leyton, even with the disappointment of conceding a last minute equaliser. A great performance from everyone and lots of positives to take from the game.

POM : Alice

Report by Nat Randall