A 4-0 scoreline was considered harsh on Brighton and Hove after a battling second-half performance in their South Clubs Women's League first division encounter in the rain at Oxford University on Saturday, with the home team's coach agreeing the game could have been a draw and commenting that it was a much better match than the result suggested.

"A high tempo training session during the week set spirits high in readiness for what was to be a very tough game," reports Brighton captain Amanda Billington. "There was plenty of middle of the pitch play in the first 10 minutes, with shots on goal at both ends. Oxford's short corner drag flick was deflected by Brighton's goalkeeper but the resulting long corner saw Oxford's reverse stick shot take a lucky bounce over the goalkeeper's foot to put the home side ahead. Oxford then extended their lead with a rebound from a straight strike short corner and a well worked 2 on 1 with the keeper, putting Oxford 3-0 up at half time.
"A few simple reminders by coach Neil Burlinson saw Brighton step up their game in the second half. Two golden chances for Brighton and still no goal. An unfortunate lack of concentration by the defence saw another goal being squeezed in resulting in a 4-0 win to Oxford."
After three hard opening fixtures Brighton will be looking to get their first points and goals when they entertain Basingstoke on Saturday and then travel to Maidenhead the following week.
To lighten the mood the team decided to task the DOD with providing a match report each week and Rachael Hore chose to provide it in the medium of haiku (apologies in advance for the language).

"Journey to Oxford

Got wet playing in the rain

Lost four nil. Bugger"

There was better news for the women's 2s, who moved to the top of the Sussex League Premier Division with their third successive win, edging out previously unbeaten Horsham 3s 1-0 thanks to a goal from captain Nivene Raafat.

The Brighton skipper reports: "A very early start in Horsham but everyone was awake and alert enough to get their heads around Coach Kenny’s formation and press, which we put to effective use from the get-go, winning three short corners in quick succession. On the third, Niv got on the end of a strike from Jo to put Brighton ahead.

"We absorbed a lot of pressure in the second half, with our keeper Jess being called into action numerous times, once deflecting a goalbound shot onto the post. In the end, we kept our composure and our focus and were able to walk away with all three points. Our MOM was Alice Heap for her relentless running and determination on the right, despite getting a (very questionable) green card in the final minutes."

The 3s were unlucky to lose 1-0 against Mid Sussex 1s in the pouring rain, despite great attacking play and fantastic performances from newbies Sam, Afra, Maia and Ciara.

Brighton women's 4s and Honeybees 1s shared the points in a 1-1 draw but both teams were soaked before the 4pm game at Blatchington even started, says Kate Smith. "The opposition came out fighting and the game got off to a very quick start. The first goal came from Honeybees putting the pressure on Brighton. The torrential rain continued but Brighton kept their heads up and remained positive to then equalise just before half time with a fantastic goal from Christine Cawte.

"The second half saw Brighton with most of the possession and a few chances were missed for them to convert several short corners. The final score remained 1-1. Emily Kennard had a great game in goal and saved several shots from the Honeybees. MOM went to Marianna Nott and Poppy Wootton."

The rain also poured down for the 5s game against South Saxons 1s. "We went one down early on to a lucky smash at goal," reports Rachel Slaughter. "A second followed for Saxons in the last few minutes of the first half, but we quickly responded with a well worked goal and a great finish from Cazza. Despite being 2-1 down at the break, we started the brighter and quickly got the equaliser - Sorcha scoring a beautiful goal from the right.

"Saxons came back strongly and managed to score several more (one being a very unlucky deflection). Game finished 6-2 to Saxons, but score doesn't reflect the amount of Brighton possession and opportunities. MOM was Cazza and DOD was Sorcha, who rocked the 'lucky pants' of the DOD outfit in the clubhouse after the game."

The 6s turned the table on South Saxons 2s by winning 2-1 away.

The 7s game in Burgess Hill was cancelled as the pitch was flooded "and would have only been useful for water polo" says Betti Jordan.

It's four wins in four matches for the Starlings and double figures for a second week in a row with a 10-0 victory over Mid-Sussex Fillies. Clare Cook reports: "Another excellent team performance with some lovely passing, moving off the ball and composure in the D. Centre forward India Harrison opened the scoring. Emily Cook got another hattrick, this week from midfield. Isabella Smith also got a very well deserved hattrick, with three fantastic finishes on or near the post, possible due to her excellent running off the ball and positional awareness. 11-year-old Dina Finn, playing in only her second Starlings game, scored her first goal, having helped set up others. Finally, Ella Kennedy-Martin then got a quick brace in the last 10 minutes when she moved from defence into midfield. Well done girls!"

While the Starlings lead the way in the Sussex Girls Development League, hot on their heels are the Gulls, whose 3-1 victory away to Horsham Hotstars keeps them in second place. The goals came from Alex Nann and Nia Simpkins in the first half and a spectacular strike from a short corner, scored by Leah Ogunsanya, sealed the win in the second half. "The Gulls are looking really strong going forward this season and countless well worked attacks were saved by an excellent Horsham keeper," said Sue Everton. "The Gulls played a new young keeper Tess White who grew in confidence as the game progressed. She was well supported by great performances from Leah Ogunsanya and Megan Everton in defence. Luckily the final whistle blew just as the rain became torrential."