After 5 straight wins, L5 should have approached an away fixture with Long Buckby with confidence. However, it was a side weakened by illness and withdrawals that made the long trip down the M6.

Despite missing 6 regulars and fielding a side full of youngsters (barring Megan S and Sam, our average age was 14!), L5 started the game strongly and threatened to take the lead several times over a closely fought first half, with Long Buckby struggling to find a way through L5’s makeshift midfield of Megan G, Caitlin and Hannah. On the occasions that they did, the defence, led by the calming presence of captain Megan S, and assisted by Girl of the Game Maddie, Trixie and Saoirse, were resolute in closing them down and snuffing out any chances.

L5s very young front line of Izzy, Tilly and Emily never stopped running and when the half time whistle went, Long Buckby’s defence would have been grateful for a few minutes respite.

Inevitably, as the second half wore on, L5’s lack of substitutes began to tell, and some tired legs and minds gave Long Buckby several opportunities on the break which they eventually were able to convert with a slick passing move culminating in a goal.

To fight back from 1-0 was a real uphill struggle for L5 but to their credit they never stopped trying to claw back a goal, with Caitlin, especially proving her worth as an attacking outlet on the left.

As is so often the case, the team chasing the game, leaves gaps that the opposition exploit, and so it proved here with Long Buckby making the game safe late in the second half with another goal after a period of sustained pressure.

L5 can be very proud of their efforts and received a lot of compliments from the opposition and their supporters for their skill and the way they played the game. Well done all.