It was one of those away games… a late start, often meaning a missed meal, an hour-long journey, often meaning one or two late-comers, and a few missed players, meaning there was no choice but to work our arses off!  
It didn’t take long for both teams to get their game on, with plenty of passing, intercepting and one or two short corners from the off. But then, a fumble in the Waterside goal, a blow of a whistle, and just a fraction later, the ‘thud’ of the backboard… ouch… but much to the dismay of Haslemere, the whistle stood, and the home team were awarded a short corner… which much to their delight, they converted. 1-nil.

But unlike days of old, the Waterside winning spirit was not dampened. Heads held high, and ‘composure’ being the word of the day, the Waterside battled on, with some superb possession play and some sweet one-twos moving us up in to the D, where the counter attack began with a few saves from the proficient keeper, and a close shot from Alex, hitting the woodwork.

Finally – although we didn’t have too long to wait – the reward came, with a re-bound goal from Alex following some superb skills from Jo and great positioning from Abi. 1-all.

A bit of back and forth play sustained, Haslemere crept through a few times, but they were no real match for Tina and her back line, and the magnificent shields – one of whom was next up for glory. With her eye on the top goal scorer prize, Becca’s shot came. Parting the D like Moses and the Dead Sea, the orange blur flew perfectly in to the top right corner. B. E. AUTIFUL! 1-2 – Waterside were on the up!

Confidence booming, and let’s be fair, a Match of the Day, ‘Goal of the season’ to contend with, Joey was next, with an equally exquisite top of the D strike, again achieving some air! 1-3 – and half time.

Marshmallows and some top talk from el Capitano, Coolio, along with the Waterside encouragement we all know and love, we headed back on to the pitch knowing we had to hold on to this victory… which, is exactly what we did.

The second half saw Waterside domination, with a constant pressure being applied to the Haslemere back and front lines, forcing a number of errors and exuding confidence until the 70-minute whistle blew.

Massive ‘big up’ to everyone, especially Linda, who stepped in to the umpiring shoes – and managed to keep her coaching voice quiet. POM was indeed close this week, being won by Dudley for her silky left rear skills!

Have we broken the away game rut?!