Where we have Cher we have hope

Thank you 6 Nations, thank you very much for decimating the Ladies 4s availability for our face off with Edinburgh University 8s.

Captain Catie off instagramming the view from her season ticket seat (ooh err), Our very own Emerald Isle gem Kate F last spotted hooked up to a Guinness IV on Thursday ahead of the match. Julia MIA – Murrayfield Important Attendee, the list goes on. Not to mention Jenny's cultural trip to Dover which I can only imagine was by coach with those quaint floral curtains, Liv getting rowdy at the Ipswich derby (Alan would be proud) and Saskia off on a goalkeeping training camp in Iceland.

So that left 3 of us for the game. Luckily ranks were boosted with young 5s keeper Olivia and the formidable pairing of the Donaldson sisters. The team also welcomed new 2019 signings Naomi and Jen. After a warm up which ironically involved an entirely cooling hail shower, Ladies 4s were ready. Captain Rozy was clear on the game plan: put into practice what Ben had us working on in training (in between his sighs of desperation at our lack of focus, sorry Ben).

The game started scrappy by both sides but it was Uni who had their foot on the gas. The ball barely left 'Sonians' half during the first 5 minutes putting Jen at left back into action from the off. Eventually Ladies 4s got their heads in the game and started pushing Uni back. Some great work in midfield found Heather on a fabulous marauding solo run culminating in a cross to Michelle poised at the top of the D. Capitalising on the opportunity a clean strike at goal saw the deadlock broken, 1-0. The game ebbed and flowed with both teams fighting hard for possession in the middle of the field. Uni managed to pull one back from what felt like a 11 player + subs attack into 'Sonians' D. A commendable strike which beat Olivia took the score to 1-1 heading into the break.

What happened next is something bookies never thought would happen – the Ladies 4s forgot to open the Haribo. I know, right.

After a sugar-less half time talk the 4s reset with a vision to keep the chat up and put into action Kirstin's favoured three words 'Two V One'. The Second half saw Lucy, the younger of the Donaldson sisters play an elevated position up field running rings around the Uni defence. Not to be upstaged by her younger sister, Katie put in a spectacular performance in defence breaking down the play at key moments and sending 'Sonians on the counter. Ladies 4s were growing in confidence with the defence setting the tone. Jen, Turny, Kirstin, Rozy and Naomi all stepping up to the plate ably supported by Mel, Kate S and Francesca working overtime in midfield. The second 'Sonians goal saw some beautiful link up play from midfield leading to a cross by Imogen which was put away by Lucy. 2-1. Unfortunately within minutes Uni had equalised with a strike from JUST WITHIN the D to draw level. Committed to salvaging a point in the closing stages of the game, the Ladies in maroon put their heads down to grind this out. Some last minute flash saves from Olivia and exemplary work from the defence saw the final whistle go with a sigh of relief.

Congratulations to player of the match Jen.

Thank you to Iain for umpiring and to Katie and Becca for their side line support.