The first game of Brackley Ladies FC season began with a minute’s silence in remembrance of the late Queen Elizabeth II. A determined performance by ‘The Saints’, led superbly by captain and two-goal hero Nanda Carvalho, saw the ladies emerge 3-2 winners over Moulton FC.

Brackley had the better of a sometimes even first half, with confident and threatening play down the right a theme throughout the match. The team communicated superbly through the match, led by the confident Ellie Theobald, and the will to win was clear to see. The first goal came from the right boot of Nanda – a Brackley corner from the left was poorly handled by the Moulton keeper, with the ball eventually ricocheting to Nanda who fired home. Soon after came the second, with right winger Lucy Edwards – arguably player of the match and regularly impressing the onlooking crowd (approx. 45) – firing home after some confident play on the right wing.

Moulton started the second half very sharply, scoring after less than 30 seconds of play following a direct move through the middle of the Brackley defence. Intense Moulton pressure followed for the next 10 minutes, but Brackley stood firm. Brackley’s third (arguably a goal of the season contender) came from the boot of Nanda, with her free kick from 25-30 yards flying over the Moulton keeper and into the top corner.

Towards the latter stages of the match, a delivery from the Moulton left caused confusion in the Brackley defence, allowing their lively striker to pull another goal back. Brackley stood firm, picking up 3 points the victory. Onto the next game on Sunday 2nd of October and the first game on the St James’ Park pitch for the ladies – come on down one and all and show your support!

Brackley Town: Anna Harrison, Katie French, Nanda Carvalho, Sarah Zambardi-Christie, Amy Bennet, Lucy Edwards, Ellie Theobald, Georgia Nurden, Catt Lawrence, Emily Horring, Abby Adams.
Subs: Molly Rylott-Byrd , Victoria Fudge, Emma Bering, Gil Green, Beatrice Watkins

Goals:
Carvalho (30, 75)
Edwards (38)

Player of the match:
Nanda

Match Report and photo by Glenn Alcock.