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We used our entire luck quota for the year today as all three points were nicked from a strong Gravesend side who look easily capable of a top half finish this season. We were totally outplayed for the first 20 minutes, the home side deservedly taking the lead through the excellent Claire Williams who outpaced our defence and placed a perfect shot beyond Tracey from 20 yards. We battled back into the game, and with our first real chance got back on terms, Hannah getting away from their defence to shoot past the keeper from just inside the box for her first goal for the club. We continued to look second best but took the lead in bizarre fashion, Sam's woeful daisy-cutter corner posing no danger until clipped up into the air by Kirsty's heel to allow Hannah to head over the keeper from five yards. Gravesend never seemed to get over the shock of going behind and we edged the second half, Ellie forcing their keeper into an excellent save 10 minutes in, and we went further ahead when Nat was gifted a dreadful goal kick straight to her feet, and she took a touch before drilling the ball back across goal. With Liz man-marking Williams, we looked comfortable until Kirsty clipped the heels of one of their players in the area about 5 minutes from time. Williams put away the penalty via the inside of the post, but they were unable to create anything more as we played down the clock.

The 2nds were only able to muster 8 players for their opening fixture v Eastbourne Borough in the new Sussex League, and were forced to default as the rules state a minimum of 9 players is required to start a game. More recruitment is vital in the next week if the 2nd team are to survive.

The 1sts made the long trip to Saffron Walden in the first qualifying round in the FA Cup and were made to fight all the way by the Essex League side who played to a far better standard than expected. A welcome surprise was the home club's superb facilities and excellent pitch, but the baking heat took its toll on both sides and lowered the quality of football on display. After a dreadful start in which we rarely threatened, the Essex side took the lead on 17 minutes as their big central defender was given time to punt the ball over Tracey from 25 yards. We then got back into the game, equalising through Ellie before Lisa battled her way past two defenders and the keeper to give us the lead.

After a stern half-time talk we came out looking far more determined and increased our lead within seconds, Ellie again outpacing their defence and finishing clinically low past the keeper. Another Ellie goal on the hour looked to make the result safe, but we relaxed and allowed Walden's dangeropus striker to score a good second goal which signalled a 10-minute onslaught as they tried desperately to get back into the game. We rode our luck as they squandered three good chances, but then started playing our best football of the match which was capped just before time by Liz's screamer on the half volley from 30 yards which gave a scoreline a rather flattering look.