They triumphed over Hampshire, the current holders of the title, in an absorbing and excellently contested match, by a single goal scored by Enfield Town’s Emma Thomas midway through the second half.
The visitors attacked from the start and dominated play for the first 20 minutes or so, with Cassie Thorpe (Portsmouth) particularly prominent. Middlesex survived a particularly ferocious assault in the 4th minute when several close range shots were charged down. However, our defence withstood the onslaught with centre backs Claire Gooch and Mel Bidewell looking very solid.
Middlesex goalkeeper, Cherie Rowlands, produced the save of the match in 21st minute when she somehow got to a well struck dipping free kick from Justine Lorton (Portsmouth) which was streaking towards her top left hand corner of the net.
From this point Middlesex started to come into it more and took the game to Hampshire as the interval approached. Cherelle Albert shot just wide following a good run in the 42nd minute. Holly Sandow went close in 45th minute, following good work by Emma Thomas and Sheree Oliver just missed in added time.
The action fluctuated from end to end at the start of the second half until Middlesex took control for a spell which culminated in what turned out to be the winning goal. In the 59th minute the ever dangerous Cherelle Albert made a penetrating run but was forced just wide enough for her shot to be safely dealt with by visiting keeper, Louise Worsfold (Portsmouth). Cherelle went close again a minute later when her left footed drive from outside the area was well saved by the keeper and then her dangerous low cross was scrambled behind for a corner.
Middlesex captain, Cheryl Williams just cleared the cross bar with a well struck freekick after 66 minutes but almost immediately Emma Thomas hit her match winner, a viciously dipping cross shot into the same part of the goal that Cherie Rowlands had successfully defended with her save in the first half.
The home side had further chances. In the 73rd minute Emma Thomas shot just wide from Holly Sandow’s pass and 2 minutes later Cherelle Albert just cleared the bar. Then with 10 minutes left a penetrating Hampshire move was thwarted by a point blank save by Cherie Rowlands, Thus, Middlesex Ladies achieved a well deserved victory over a very good Hampshire side with what was a magnificent team effort to which every player and Manager John Abbott contributed.
The match was well controlled by referee Mark Sennett and his assistants Paul Savva and Steve Simpson. Our thanks also to Ashford Town (Middlesex) FC who were, as always, superb hosts. After the match Alison Read was presented with her County Cap to recognise her 8th appearance for Middlesex. Alison actually played in our first ever ladies representative match against London on 10th March, 1998.
Team: Cherie Rowlands and Becky Hipgrave (both Barnet), Mel Bidewell (Queens Park Rangers), Kelly Hughes and Claire Gooch (both Enfield Town), Shannon Moloney (QPR), Emma Thomas and Sheree Oliver (both Enfield Town), Cherelle Albert (QPR), Holly Sandow and Cheryl Williams (Capt) (both Barnet).
Subs: Alison Read (Barnet) (for Cherelle Albert (80 minutes) and Kerrie Marlborough (Enfield Town).
Manager: John Abbott Physio: Georgina Kling.