This afternoon our thoughts are with our captain Lauren Woodiwiss who is scheduled to be on the operation table for an acl, pcl AND meniscus operation. This major injury has kept her on the sidelines for the the best part of 18 months. We all wish Lauren a successful operation and a full and speedy recovery. It will be a long road but we know that she has a very strong mentality and stable approach with a caring family who will support her through this tough journey that should see her able to resume her love for both the athletics running track and her football. Our thoughts are with you Lauren.

On Sunday last week, Remembrance Day, as well as to the fallen who gave their lives for us all, our thoughts were also with vice-captain Libby Conway, another of our squad who was on the operating table, on Sunday morning, for an emergency appendicitis operation. Libby has had a successful op and will be out for 4-6 weeks at the moment. Currently not very well at all but again with the support of her strong and loving family, we look forward to seeing Libby make a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes Libby.

Last Sunday’s game saw our also vice-captain Issey Bines succumb to knee ligament damage which is forecast to be 2 weeks out at the moment. It hurts a lot but we hope that this injury is able to be treated by physio!

Also on Sunday Robyn Long, our very welcome and liked new recruit this season tried to return but soon pulled up with a repetition of a knee injury which is worrying primarily for her and secondarily for us, take care Robyn, R&R, strong will in your head needs to be managed to ensure that there is no long term damage done!

Other niggling injuries are attacking the squad which is not helping our very slim numbers, we need to stick together, work hard, battle through it and ensure that our 1st season in open age football is one of “learning” “development” “consolidation” “resilience” & “survival”, virtues that we have shown before against the likes of West Ham, Tottenham, Leyton Orient & Southend United when we competed in the Essex A league and virtues that will stand you all in good stead in all walks of life as you mature.

This weekend is a weekend off with the International Break (sic!), there are tough weeks ahead but life is tough, we get knocked down but we get up again, then someone gets on the end of a hiding from us but it needs EVERYBODY to be fully committed from next weeks training session onwards. Without this requested full commitment, we are in danger....

Onwards and upwards ladies and to those on the road to recovery, be strong, be careful, we will see you all soon & if you can walk you can still be with us!

David & Wayne