Luton Town 1st XI v Saffron Walden 3rd XI

Travelling away to Saffron Walden you never quite know what you are going to get, so it was with some trepidation that Luton Town Ladies 1st XI travelled to face the Essex side this Saturday.

With half term and illness wreaking havoc with a normally consistent squad new blood was called in to fill the chasm in the form of midfielders Rebecca Hyde and Olivia Sturrock. After playing for about 5 minutes last season, before falling victim to injury, returnee Clare McCrudden hoped that she would fare better this time. Luton also welcomed back Christine Homann, who despite not having picked up a stick since about 1998, slotted seemlessly back into the defence. Despite much whingeing about her aching body she rolled back the years and unleashed the beast that clearly still lingered inside. Sister Suzanne Starkey was obviously spurred on by the appearance of her sibling and not to be outdone seemingly decided it was time to stop messing around in front of goal and actually stick the ball in the back of the net. This was a good decision with her superb hat-trick playing an important part in Luton's ultimate victory. A goal a piece from Charlotte Dunham and Rochelle Lewsey sealed the deal and to be fair the home side could not complain at the visitors 5-0 victory, their best win of the season so far and a thoroughly deserved result.

Player of the match was hotly contested with votes spread throughout the team. All the newcomers performed well and made significant contributions for which they should be congratulated, Rochelle Lewsey was solid as sweeper, Kerri Stinton put in some great work in the midfield and Beth Carlisle worked tirelessly down the right, proving an attacking threat as always, whilst at the other end of the pitch young keeper Sharna Gough ensured that Luton kept a rare clean sheet. It was, however, none of the above, but a trio of individuals who shared the honour. Tara Clancy's teammates appreciated her strength and determination coming back on the pitch to perform admirably after being struck in the head by an errant penalty corner strike, hat-trick hero Suzanne Starkey may have been justly aggrieved if she hadn't made the top 3, but her precision in front of goal was clearly appreciated and Charlotte Dunham's efforts down the left ensured she would not be forgotten. This weeks Mare of the Match award was a far less contentious issue. Captain Emma Whitehall was clearly feeling the stress of this week's struggle to field a team, with her internal Sat. Nav about as effectual as the one in her vehicle on the way to the game. In these circumstances a slight lapse in concentration and lining up for the restart in the middle of the oppositions half is completely understandable, if perhaps unforgettable for her teammates who came to an almost unanimous decision.

All in all a really decent performance, which should see Luton approach the final few games of the season with renewed confidence.