Last match of this epic season and despite being 10 points clear at the top of Division 4, the Watersiders needed to finish the season on a high after a brief wobble in form. Could the team return to their top goal scoring glory? Could Tina and the dynamic defence keep her sheet clean – just how she likes them?

There were no April fools on the team as the intrepid ‘Siders team took to the pitch. It was a bright sunny Saturday morning in Portsmouth and at the 11th hour an 11th player was found with 4 (+1 in the oven) keen supporters (thanks KT, Gina G, Hugh & Elodie). Alex had even managed to find us an umpire (thank you!). Things were looking good for Waterside.

The starting whistle went with Portsmouth & Southsea having the opening pushback. Waterside were straight in, creating pressure and breaking forwards deep into Portsmouth & Southsea’s defence.

For the first 10 to 15 minutes ‘Siders worked hard, continually pushing forwards with many short corners resulting. The opposition goal keeper was working hard covering all the angles – denying Waterside the opportunity to score from their many shots on goal. The hard work and persistence of the ‘Siders paid off when Becca claimed her first goal, deflected in off a Portsmouth defenders foot.

The second goal of the match from the mighty ‘Siders came much more quickly on a short corner (a number 5) and allowed Becca to claim her 2nd one of the match.

Becca, intent on ramping up those figures on the score sheet – decided to return her ‘solo artist’ form from the early part of this century, and took the ball through their midfield and defence to take a shot on goal and score her hat-trick for this final match. This earned her the prestigious and much coverted ‘double horn’ from Tina.

The second half started and continued much as the first half had progressed. On the occasions when needed the Watersider’s defence (Nat, Esther & Rita) and shields (Emma & ‘El Capitan’ Coolio) were strong – bringing the ball safely and swiftly away from the danger zone. Midfield and defence continued to pass the ball around with confidence with some lovely direct passes and bringing the ball forwards for the Watersider’s to continue with their relentless attack. The Waterside players showed real determination and persistence to regain the possession of the ball on the odd occasion when Portsmouth did manage to get their sticks to it.

Fabulous work by Jo and Vicky up front, keeping the play wide with some good sneaky switching from left to right and back again by Vicky. Lovely work by Cherry also coaxing

the ball up the left wing. With the change of end in the second half there was less opportunity to get short corners, despite there being enough obvious feet in there to make a centipede proud! Watersiders however continued to pressure the Portsmouth defence and the hard work paid off when a series of beautiful passes and amazing team play resulted in Jude hammering a goal home from Jo’s feed in. (Yay! Just a slightly excited celebration!)

By this time some of the ‘Siders defence were getting slightly bored. At this point Esther decided to surprise everyone by making a break and surging up the field with the ball herself to join the attack.

With not much more time left on the clock of the 2015/2016 season, ‘Siders continued to push forward and attack and eventually Becca once again took to one of her solo efforts and grabbed the glory for her forth goal of the match (What’s your goal tally this season?!!). Last minute strong efforts by Emma to secure a goal for the season were cruelly denied by the Portsmouth goal keeper. ☹️

By the time the final whistle had blown, the ‘Siders could be more than satisfied with their 5-0 stellar performance and a triumphant end to a magnificent season. Tina was more than pleased with her clean sheet.

A pat on the back for the whole team who have dedicated their best efforts throughout the season and worked hard to secure promotion. Also thank you to everyone that has provided support from the side of the pitch or from home this year. Great thanks finally to Steve and Linda who have once again provided top notch coaching and support for the 2015/2016 season.

Quote of the day:

“I haven’t felt the urge to dive yet!” on the subject of diving as a goalie and in admiration of the opposition’s goalies talents. Don’t worry Tina – the urge may have to come next season in Division 3!

Player/Melons of the Match: Jude – yay!