Folkestone Ladies 3’s expected a tough opposition in Gravesend 1’s at Three Hills on Saturday morning. Captain Polly geared everyone up for a hard game, stating the importance of passing and moving throughout the pitch to gain any sort of advantage.
At the first whistle Ops found themselves in the Gravesend circle significantly more than expected, creating plenty of short corner opportunities. Several short corners in without a goal meant Gravesend was making it difficult for the home side. However, it was Emm Pullen with the first goal 6 minutes in with a left slip and super strike, giving the Ops the first advantage. Ops continued to press with Imogen and Izzy combining well on the right. Gravesend managed to get in the way for the next 20 minutes, but Ops were not giving up.
Defence pushed up to help create opportunities for the midfield and attack. Lauren combined well with Sophie Bean, whilst Baxter found herself near the attacking circle a couple of times – an usual but positive sight! The second goal came from the excellent work from the defence to help the midfield force a short corner. Lauren sent it out to Baxter, who passed to Polly and back to Baxter for a shot. The keeper saved it, resulting in rebounds. Emm and Lauren had a shot, both saved again. Then Izzy scooped the ball up, turning the defence inside out and slotting the ball away into the corner. Ops up 2-0 at half time.

Coach Tom reinforced the dangerousness of a 2-0 lead and the need to consolidate further in the second half. Ops came out slightly startled by the Gravesend tempo, meaning the young defenders Sophie K and Emma had work to do. Some great marking and stepping in front by Emma meant winning the ball back on the left. Transfers back to Baxter and out to Sophie K on the right allowed Ops to regain momentum. Ops continued to press and look for chances but were blocked by a nifty Gravesend defender.
Mid way through the second half, Baxter fired a quick pass to Emm who found Imogen in the right midfield. Imogen skinned several Gravesend players before pushing the ball calmly to Izzy in the D. Izzy took a one-time shot that fired past the keeper, creating a satisfying smash of the backboard. Ops 3-0 up!

In the last quarter of the match Ops began to tire, but midfielders Sienna and Sophie kept us going. Goalkeeper Ailla finally had some action, seeing off plenty of shots by the Gravesend attack. After that period of defending, Ops had the opportunity to create another wonderful team attack, which saw their fourth goal come to light. Fantastic linking up front with Imogen, Emm and Scarlett forced a short corner and Polly was up for the strike. A nicely placed rocket strike into the bottom left corner saw Ops finish the match at 4-0. A fantastic result for the predominantly young side.

Ops face another tough opposition next week away at Tunbridge Wells.