Hackney Laces 1, K.I.K.K Talang 1

Our fourth fixture in the league saw us return to Hackney Marshes to play K.I.K.K Talang. This was a close encounter in many ways, with only one point separating us in second from our opposition in third in the table before kick-off.  There was also little to choose on the pitch; the opening twenty minutes were cagey, tackles flew in and some good chances created by both teams, with both keepers forced into good saves.Without our talismanic keeper, the role was taken on with gusto by Katee who did an excellent job of calling, collecting and catching in her stint between the posts. Her guard was eventually broken with a precise finish from the K.I.K.K striker. Going behind for only the second time all season, Hackney Laces responded in the best way possible; straight from kick-off Jenny found herself in possession on the right wing, cut inside and unleashed a low fizzing cross straight into the box. The ball ricocheted off a defender and passed the hapless keeper, levelling the score immediately.In what was the most physically challenging fixture so far this season against a tough team, we battled on well to keep the score line the same for the remainder of the match. Girl of the Game Aneequa played fearlessly, intercepting any ball that dared to penetrate her defensive line, and calmly clearing it. Katee looked as though she had been a goalkeeper for years, and it was thanks to her bravery that we were able to keep the score to a draw. As well as another point gained to keep us in 2nd place in the league and our unbeaten record intact, the most promising aspect was that this was a truly team performance. Everybody helped each other to get through a gruelling match, giving us the ideal preparation for the next fixture, a cup match against a Bromley LFC, a division above us.  Taking the positives into this game will surely give us a fighting chance of progressing in the cup.