Bears met Loughborough for their first match of 2025 and their first game since mid December. The long lay off showed as Bears were slow out of the blocks, not showing their usual sharpness. However, they managed to weather the storm thanks to some no nonsense defending by Mia and Jasmine and some excellent saves by Kearna.
Loughborough continued to work hard and pressure Epworth with several shots from their number 7.
It took 20 minutes or so for the tide to start to turn and then Zarah curled in a lovely shot, against the run of play, to make it 1-0.
This gave Epworth the boost they needed and a few mins later Priya lobbed the keeper from out wide, putting Bears 2-0 up.
Epworth came out much brighter 2nd half and a perfectly delivered corner from Zarah was slotted home by Priya, her 2nd and Epworth’s 3rd of the game.
Epworth grew in confidence and there was some great work by Zarah and Lacey in midfield. Laila was also relentless in her efforts, running and constantly hassling the Loughborough defence. It eventually paid off as she slotted home Epworth’s 4th goal.
Loughborough then unfortunately conceded an own goal shortly afterwards, following a scramble in the area.
Priya sealing her hat trick, taking on several players and curling in number 6 of the game.
A bright start to 2025!
Parents Player of the Match was Laila for her hard working and energetic display.
