It was a Waterside first. 9.30 in the changing room, ready and waiting for Linda’s pre-match chat (and before this, a bit of extra time to for us to welcome back Kate and hear the tale of her romantic New Year proposal – congratulations, another Waterside wedding confirmed!).

In the silence, the atmosphere was tense, Alex even commented ‘This makes me feel so nervous’, but it was those nerves, along with our good coach’s words of wisdom – not to mention inspiration from the recent Newman news of the Waterside next generation – that gave us the positive start needed as we headed out for a full 30 minute warm up!

From the off, Waterside held possession, with some great triangles and passes around the back. We were on it, and we all knew it. And with our confidence booming over the Winchester side – who narrowly took victory in our last meet – it didn’t take long for the first attack, which saw Katie smash a beautifully lifted shot over the line. Sadly however that one was not meant to be, as the ball had not quite made it into the D. But I’m glad to say this only lifted our confidence, whilst planting the seed of doubt in the opposition’s defence.

Though on top, Winchester had their fair share of attack, but they could not withstand the might of the defence, with Tina at the helm making some great saves.

The slick passing, encouragement and game-changing communication continued, quickly leading to our first goal from Marie, which from my position on left hand side, I can say was something straight from the coaching handbook. We were working together like we never before! From there another came, taking us to 2-nil for the half time break.

Into the second half, we needed to keep our heads, and despite a Winchester goal from an annoyingly skilful dribble through the defence, we did.

Winning a few short corners and the press holding the Winchester defence in their own 25 yards for a short period – not to mention a number of text book attacks – we were finally rewarded with a third goal, securing our road to a 3-1 victory.

All in all, it was a fantastic Waterside performance from everyone, but it was Marie and Emma who won most of our hearts with a joint POM win.

Is this the win that will take us to… The top of the middle of the table?