East Grinstead travelled to Worthing to play Penguins, who have been near the bottom of the league table for most of the season.

EG started positively and put Penguins under immediate pressure.  Forwards Briony Bray, Louise Keith and JoJo Blunt all created chances on goal within the first 10 minutes, but were unfortunately unable to capitalise on these.  However, Grinsteadmaintained composure and were duly rewarded after 17 minutes, when Louise Keith scored following an excellent passage of attacking play also involving JoJo and Briony.

Captain Lottie Gregory then extended EG’s lead 3 minutes later with a well struck short corner just inside the left post of the Penguins goal.

Penguins responded well with attacking moves of their own, but EG continued to work hard, with excellent tackling from Emma Pearson and Louise Shaill in particular.  Nikki Robinson kept Penguins off the score sheet, showing authority and composure in the Grinstead goal.  Ellie Farrow was inventive at right back, playing several superb passes through to Louise and JoJo.

EG’s third goal came shortly before half-time, following a long corner.  Vicky Griffiths passed the ball to JoJo in the circle, who then turned and struck the ball hard into the right corner of the goal, making the half-time score 3-0 to Grinstead.

The second half saw further pressure and attacking play from EG, but they squandered too many chances to extend their lead.  Nevertheless, the work rate was impressive, in particular Michelle Wolfe and Emma in midfield.

EG’s patience and perseverance was rewarded after 11 minutes of the second half, when Lottie scored from another short corner.  Nicky Hampstead injected the ball accurately and at pace and Vicky stopped it for Gregory to strike, this time into the right corner of the Penguins goal. 

Further chances were created by EG in the second half; Louise and Gemma Frisby combined well up front and stretched the Penguins defence.  The score however remained at 4-0 and EG were disappointed not to have scored more than one goal in the second half. 

EG are fourth in the league table, with three league matches remaining this season.  They travel to Oldham next weekend for their quarter final match in the EH Women’s Vase competition.

Scorers: Keith, Gregory (2), Blunt