Sunday saw our Women’s team make their home debut in Tier 6, the London & South East Regional Women’s League Division One South.

Having got off to a positive start the previous week, with an 8-1 win away to Montpelier, a large crowd knew they were in for a competitive contest against a very physical Steyning team who themselves had won 4-0 on the opening weekend.

Chris Day made two changes to last week’s team, with Molly Hill coming in for Izzy Payne, and Daisy Taylor coming in for Lily Ray.

The opening exchanges saw a few half chances for The Sports, whilst Steyning’s striker Tia Stone was being dealt with superbly by Boroughs two 16 year old centre backs. The deadlock was broken on the 20th minute when Lola Dulake’s cross was flicked on by Nicole Baitup into the ever dangerous Molly Hill who finished superbly.

10 minutes later Molly Hill doubled her tally, and Borough’s lead, when the Steyning goalkeeper failed to hold Charlotte Gurr’s through ball, and Hill reacted with a clever finish from inside the box.

Steyning rallied well, and pulled a goal back 5 minutes later after some good work on their right hand side.

Half time saw Izzy Payne introduced for Megan Griffiths on the right, and Payne quickly caused Steyning problems with her intelligent hold up play. Ruby Starkey then came on for Abbie Tucker, who had worked tirelessly down the right.

With just 10 minutes left of the game Daisy Taylor played a superb through ball under high pressure to allow Borough an opportunity, with Payne finishing well at the back post.

Steyning were then reduced to 10 players after Tia Stone was shown a red card, and Borough increased the pressure – with Lily Ray and Phoebe Cram replacing Beth Creese and Nicole Baitup.

Payne then added her second goal, with a brilliant solo effort from distance, before Hill completed her hat-trick after captain Kellie Larkin’s shot was spilt by the Steyning goalkeeper.

Just before full time Borough made one more change, with Erin Howard making her senior debut in goal, replacing Soph Moule.

Manager Chris Day said: “The team showed real character and resilience in a tough battle, and the depth of our squad will be key to us having a successful season.

“I’m delighted for Molly Hill to hit a hat trick in her first start for us since her injury last season. Our Talent Pathway is also showing its value now, with us finishing the game with three 16 year olds on the pitch.”