An evening kick off last Wednesday saw AFC Sudbury Ladies travel to nearby Braintree Ladies in a pre-season friendly. Last season the two teams were separated by a gulf in terms of league status, with Braintree Town competing three leagues above Sudbury.

The match saw Sudbury field a number of their new players including the debuts of two 16 year olds, Emma Jeans and Kayleigh Steed. Steed was fresh back from her recent triumph as part of the Dana Cup winning side in Denmark last week.  Sudbury were missing some of their squad due to holidays, unlike Braintree where the manager had a choice of 22 players on the night.

Sudbury’s young side handled themselves well against a very physical and experienced Braintree side. On the half hour mark it was Sudbury who took the upper hand when a defensive mix up allowed Emma Squirrell to intercept the ball and finish from close range. Braintree were however level before the half time whistle. A series of one two’s into the Sudbury box saw the ball rolled across the six yard box and calmly put into the net, leaving stand in Sudbury keeper Charlotte Churchman no chance.

Half-time score Braintree Town Ladies 1 – 1 AFC Sudbury Ladies.

Braintree took the lead early on in the second half when Sudbury were slow to close down on the edge of the box leaving time and space for a stunning Braintree shot to fly into the back of the Sudbury net. Braintree extended their lead shortly after with a simple through ball splitting the Sudbury defence, before calmly being slotted into the net across the keeper into the bottom right corner of the net.

The match was however opening up and Sudbury looked to have got themselves a chance to get back into the game when a penalty was awarded with 20 minutes remaining. The keeper however saved easily down to her left from a weak spot kick.  Despite failing to convert the penalty, Sudbury soon got themselves on the score sheet again. Hannah Davies made full use of a defensive error by taking the ball one on one with the keeper, the keeper was left no chance as Davies calmly slotted past for Sudbury’s second of the match.

Braintree were however to have the last goal action of the match as firstly a close range effort appeared to cross the line, but was not given by the referee. Braintree then did seal a fourth and final goal from a well taken corner which was diverted into the net.

Full-time score Braintree Town Ladies 4 – 2 AFC Sudbury Ladies.

The result, despite a loss, was full of positives for a young Sudbury side competing with a physical team from a higher league. The match also gave debuts to many new Sudbury players who are yet to fully settle into the side but who performed well. With 2 weeks until the start of the new season and with established team members to return to action, Sudbury look to have an exciting season ahead following their promotion.