BHTFC Women travelled to the delightful home of AFC Uckfield today to compete in the 1st round Sussex Challenge Cup.  A good turn out from the Hill massive lined the main stand who made their presence felt throughout. Both teams had the benefit of a lovely grass pitch and brilliant autumnal weather. It was mild and remained dry all afternoon. Huge thanks to AFC for hosting and providing a post-match meal which was most appreciated. 

Hill started on the front foot against a team one level below. However, they had to remain patient as AFC defended robustly and weren’t afraid to put their laces through the ball.  It meant a fierce early battle in midfield. One such battle ended with a Hill free kick around 25 yards on 15 mins.  Centre back Ellie Livingstone stepped up and smashed past the Afc keeper.  Just moments later Hill won another free kick. Rachel Walker was on hand to chip the loose ball over the keeper and off the underside of the bar.  Goals three and four duly arrived before halftime.

The contest was over just mins into the 2nd half.  A deep corner eluded the AFC keeper, and Walker was on hand to volley into an empty net.  Hill went on to turn on the style scoring another six goals as AFC tired.  Brogan Kirk with the pick.  A free kick screamer top corner keeper no chance.

The team celebrated a great performance with their travelling support at the end of the game.  While there was a lot of quality attacking flair on show, Elana Hoare a brilliant hat trick, the game was controlled in the middle of the park. Skipper and midfielder, Alice Horton was calm and assured in every situation and picked the right ball through out. Then she made several excellent challenges and later threaded two goal bound passes.  Alice is awarded the Player of the Match.  

Assistant Manager Jacob Bennett said later ‘its quite easy to make mistakes when you well up in a game but we have an experienced team and stood up to that well.  Clean sheets are very important to us!’  As to the support ‘we are very lucky to have this kind of support especially as we are a new team.  We are very grateful!’   

Our Women’s Team are back in home league action on Sunday 13th October 2pm against the Seagals. There is a little bit of needle between the teams and our visitors are top of the league. The fixture promises to be a feisty encounter, so all noisy Hillians in the Ashley Carr stand are welcome. Make and date be there!