ARLESEY TOWN VS C&K BASILDON

The blues' faced top of the table new-comers C&K Basildon, hoping to secure 3 points and a return to the form that saw them finish 4th last season during their maiden season in the premier division.

Fielding an unchanged team from their 1 v 3 win at Hethersett, Arlesey won the toss and started defendng the village end of the ground.

Basildon made a strong start, imposing themselves and pressing forward , winning a free kick near the home dugout. A high kick in found the Basildon centre-forward fractionally offside and the goal was disallowed.

Taking this as a wake-up call, Arlesey began to expose Basildon down the wings, with Becky Charter finding space to cross on a regular basis. Basildon too, were trying to counter-attack and break down the right. The 1 time they did find a way through, 1-on-1, Becky Scott stood tall and the shot was straight at her. Arlesey held strong though and somewhat against the run of play, the opener came on 31 minutes when Sarah Tayler slotted a ball through to send Kat Hamplova in front of goal. Initially drifting left, she dropped a shoulder and beat the defender, dribbling into the heart of the area and placing into the bottom corner. Expecting Basildon to try to hit back, Arlesey settled and increased their percentage of possession, displaying some impressive passing phases.

The 2nd half started with Arlesey trying to retain the momentum. In the 51st minute, a moment of wonder extended their lead. For the 2nd match in a row, Captain Tayler struck from distance, on the left wing, from 25 yards out. The flight of the ball suggested it was long, only for the ball to nestle in the back of the net. Measured to perfection.

Basildon kept faith and persisted to try to penetrate the Arlesey back line. Just as they thought they had Tayler under control on the left, marking her double, Charter wanted in on the action, recieving the ball on the right wing, controlling and striking sweetly from an identically parallel position as Tayler's goal, lofting the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. 63 minutes. 3 v 0.

Basildon tried to up the tempo and found themselves presented with a shooting opportunity only for Scott to save again. The only caution of the game was issued when Carly Eagles caught Tayler late and certainly after the ball had been played. The referee produced the yellow, reminding her that she had been warned in the first halve for persistent infringements.

Changes were made for Arlesey in the 79th minute. Lou Grocott replaced Sarah Langley. Amy Gillon replaced Mandy Cain. Mia Price replaced Sophia Pidgeon. Arlesey won a corner as the game approached the last 10 minutes. A long and looping delivery from Charter was claimed early by Kirsty Cooper and she ensured she met the ball with a powerfull header at the back post, directed down and under the goalie.

Basildon claimed a consolation in the 85th minute, Charlie Dolby capitalising as Arlesey's concentration lapsed. The game finished 4 v 1.
Becky Charter was opposition's player of the match.
Arlesey and Peterborough join Basildon at the top, all on 12 points.
The next fixture is Fa Cup at Sawbridgeworth on 2nd October.