Oxted Ladies got April off to a flying start on the 7th, with our final home game of 2023/24. Our opponents were Reigate – for the third time this season – and we were hoping to make it a clean sweep. We began the game well and kept it going by scoring two goals in the first 18 minutes: the first scored by Chloe Robertson and the second by Kayleigh Stenning. Just before half-time Kay netted herself a second, making it 3-0 at the break. Reigate came out in the second half with a new lease of life and put us under pressure by bringing it back to 3-2 by the 70th minute.
The game became more challenging but we kept our composure and didn’t allow Reigate to get the better of us. In the last 15 minutes we dominated the ball, made some great passes, created some fantastic opportunities and Kay added two more goals to her tally. We ended the game with a 5-2 win and a chance to finish the league on a high. Kay was voted Player of the Match for her tireless effort, four goals and an assist.
Our final game of the 23/24 season was away versus Sutton Development, who we were yet to beat in our two years in the Surrey League. However, Sutton had lost their game the week before, so we knew it was possible. Both teams needed to win this if we wanted to finish in the top three of the league. We were carrying a couple of injuries and only had two subs, but we began the game strong and Kathryn Dudfield gave us the lead after just 11 minutes of play.
Sutton were not going down without a fight, however, and they levelled the score in the 21st minute. We were determined not to let this phase us, and took the lead again with a great goal scored by Kay in the 28th minute. This took her to 18 goals for the season, the second highest goal scorer in the league! The score remained 2-1 going into half-time. We were pleased with our first-half performance and wanted much the same for the second.
It began very evenly, with both teams showing their talent but being unable to convert their chances. Then, in the 72nd minute, Sutton broke through and slotted the ball into the bottom corner, levelling the score. Both teams gave it their all for the third place spot, but fitness took its toll against a young Sutton side and goal number five came in the 89th minute, making the final score 3-2 to Sutton. POTM was our right back Aimee Collier-Stone who, despite being injured, played on and gave it everything.
On 28 April we had our end of season presentation at The Ginistry in Oxted, giving us the chance to celebrate our success. The Golden Boot was awarded to Kay, for her impressive 18 goals and seven assists. Lucy Manning received Most Improved Player, for her goalkeeping skills that have kept us in a few games over the season. Players’ Player was awarded to Chloe, for always giving 100% and being a great role model to the team. Kay also received the Manager’s Player award, for becoming an irreplaceable member of our squad and scoring some fantastic goals.
I am incredibly proud of all of the ladies this season and everything they have achieved while I have been their manager. I will now be stepping down from the position, but wish the ladies every success going forward .
