In a rain affected weekend that saw many postponements Watford Ladies FC enjoyed some notable successes in the Junior Premier League.
The U18 Warriors showed great resilience as they came from behind to win a gripping encounter at Wycombe Wanderers. Watford got off to a lively start with several early chances but couldn't find a way through an organised home defence. Tia Ginn made some fine saves before Wycombe scored a well-worked goal on the stroke of half time.
The visitors came out strongly after the break. Olivia Gilbert raced onto a long ball from Charlotte Forster and fired in a spectacular long range shot from the tightest of angles to bring the scores level. Wycombe hit the crossbar, but with 10 minutes to go Watford struck again. Francesca Grazioli collected captain Jessie Poulter’s cross-field pass before gliding past two defenders and cooly finishing past the keeper to send the away supporters wild. Wycombe battled hard but the Warriors held firm for a fine victory.
Watford’s U13 Warriors are looking like a force to be reckoned with. Playing only their second league game they demolished South Glos RTC 16-1. Poppy Goodkind got the ball rolling as she passed two defenders and fired into the bottom corner. The visitors drew level but goals from Kayla Palmer and Paige Wilson put Watford in a solid position.
The second half saw a dominant display as the goals, like the weather, rained down. Goal of the match came when Chloe Logan-Steel’s pass split the defence to find Freya Mahendran who in turn played the ball through to the on-rushing Eden Baron to score.
Meanwhile the U14 Warriors went to Broxbourne United for a County Cup tie. The match was quite even but after 10 minutes Emma Skipsey’s shot was saved only for Enya Brewster to finish from the rebound. Two minutes later Tabitha Richardson burst through the Broxbourne defence and scored making it 2-0 to Watford at the break.
Broxbourne fought back with keeper Maelie Rance forced to make two important saves. Watford found their form again though with Brewster’s fine goal sealing a place in the quarter finals.
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