2023/24 Season - Week 16

Blueharts Men’s 1s came from behind on Saturday to beat Old Southendians 3-1 and leapfrog the Essex side into third in the East Premier Division.

After falling 1-0 down, Ben Apperly produced the equaliser with a drag flick just before the break.

Second half goals from Graham Burr and Nick Ross turned the tables in favour of Blueharts who were superbly marshalled at the back by man-of-the-match Tom Russell.

The Ladies 1s went down 2-0 to Upminster but a Meme Brown goal gave the 2s a 1-0 over Broxbourne after a cross from player-of-the-match Ellie Johnson.

The 2s were on top throughout, forcing the Broxbourne keeper into a number of great saves.

As well as her assist, Ellie Johnson’s ball-winning determination saw her take the player-of-the-match honours.

There were two big inter-club men’s clashes on Saturday and there was little to choose between the 3s and 4s who drew 1-1.

The 4s went into the game on a nine-match unbeaten run and opened the scoring through Hayden Haywood.

But the 3s preserved their unbeaten home record this season as some slick passing in the D ended with a deft equaliser from Ben Keegan.

Both sides missed chances for the winner in the second half, with 3s keeper Paul Marston making an important save from a Paul Buckland drag flick.

Overall though this was an entertaining game which showcased some real Blueharts talent at the club.

The other all-Blueharts encounter was somewhat more one-sided and something of a one-man show with Paul Krishman scoring six of his side’s eight goals as the Men’s 6s beat the 7s 8-1.

Dave Moore and Mark Russell were also on the scoresheet, with Chris Platt on target for the 7s’ consolation.

The 6s were helped by man-of-the-match performances from Max Schad and Edwin Robinson – with another set of local rivals Letchworth next up.

The Ladies 3s enjoyed a fine 2-1 win at Rickmansworth 1s as they stay top of the East Division 3 South West on points difference.

Josie Layton opened the scoring for the Blues with a rebound from a Kiki Arellano shot, then turned provider for Rachel Campbell to double the lead with a reverse lift over the keeper.

The 4s were also in fine form with a 2-0 win over Broxbourne 3s on Saturday, thanks to a Katrina McLarty double – with Honor Bentley, Chloe Major and Charlotte Aves all outstanding.

But they couldn’t follow up on Sunday as they went down 2-0 to a fresher Bedford side, despite a player-of-the-match performance from Rho Keen.

Table-topping Blueharts Men’s 2s still lead East Division 2 South West by three points despite being held to a 2-2 draw at Royston.

Adam Wells scored both for Blueharts who looked like earning all three points only for Royston to equalise with just four minutes remaining.

The Men’s 5s made a lightning start against a powerful Potters Bar side, with goals from Pete Mitchell, Ashley Hammond and George Gregory putting them 3-0 up inside the first 20 minutes.

But the free-scoring visitors showed why they’re near the top of the table this season by scoring seven unanswered goals, six coming after half-time.

Jenny Burr’s brilliant reverse flick put the 6s ahead against Broxbourne – with Kirstie de Sousa’s excellent assist setting up Izzy Marshall for the second in a 2-0 win.

Meanwhile, goals from Emilia Kelly and Katharine Carlyle gave the 7s a 2-1 win over Shefford and Sandy 2-1.