I thought this would be the final Development Diary of the season but it’s been prolonged by some friendlies – news to follow – so still plenty to talk about. If this had been the final Diary entry it would have ended on a very positive note after we went down on penalties to title winners Stonewall in a very tense cup quarter-final.

Despite going 2-0 down very early after an aerial bombardment, we picked ourselves up, reorganised and arguably played the better football to bring the score back to 2-2 at the final whistle.

Annie McGrath was again the catalyst, scoring a ‘no assist’ goal through her own persistence and when Lauren Casey sublimely equalised from 25 yards it looked like we would exorcise the ghosts of heavy 7-1 and 5-1 defeats to Stonewall this season.

Unfortunately it didn’t turn out that way but not without a lot of effort tinged with a bit of penalty spot heartbreak thrown in for good measure.

However, we were able to take massive positives from the match, new signings Sarah Cole and Kierra Gabriel were introduced at half time and in football terms ‘run the show’ or ‘bossed it’ whichever cliche you prefer.

Stonewall were clearly rattled as per the game plan and we could have easily won the game in the last seconds if it wasn’t for the visitor’s excellent goalkeeper.

We left our best two performances of the season until last but there is much to learn. On the positive side we definitely have the ability but the good sides generally have the most settled teams. To this end we must ensure improved attendance at training and game availability and find the formula for ekeing out results week after week, otherwise known as consistency.

I was very proud of Saturday’s display and the team were a real credit to the club also staying to watch OA clinch their league in style. Congrats to Ellie and everyone involved in that achievement and thank heaven Jay and Sunny haven’t seen the footage of Brian and myself lo-lo-lo-ing at the final whistle aided by a mobility scooter 🛵-if I keep it quiet perhaps they’ll never know.

Yours in football, Neil