By Harry Low
Supernova recovered from being behind at half time to return to winning ways with a scintillating second half performance as they beat Croydon Swans 16-10.
Ross opened the scoring to put the visitors in front before Croydon equalised, something they would do on five occasions throughout the first half. Jo made it 2-1 with a fine long shot before Ross bagged his second of the match from similar range.
Your correspondent converted a penalty after Jo’s free pass was twice interrupted by a defence evidently fearful of what was to come, presumably on the basis of her two-goal super-sub appearance the last time these sides met, coupled with the aforementioned goal.
Ross completed his hatrick to make it 5-4 following another long shot before the Swans grabbed two goals from close to the halfway line just before half time to make it 6-5 and take the lead for the first time.
The half-time team talk focused on making better use of the girls and that’s exactly what Supernova did, with Shalpin equalising almost immediately after the resumption. That was the first of four on the bounce as Tom and your correspondent scored penalties – won by the ladies – either side of a Rachel drop-off.
Ross continued to dominate the post, scoring his fourth of the fixture, but three Swans goals had the visitors feeling nervous as their lead was whittled down to one: 10-9 the score.
However, the Swans’ surge inspired Supernova as a deluge of goals rained down on the post.
First, your correspondent completed his hatrick before Rachel bagged her second runner of the day. Your correspondent made it a hatrick of penalties before JC popped up with his first goal since returning from the French Alps.
For the second time this season, a female substitute terrorised the opposition defence. This time it was Pippa Bolton’s time to score twice in quick succession to round off a highly satisfying display which saw Supernova complete their first double of the season.
Results elsewhere also went the Novans way, opening up a chance at a late title tilt after Croydon 3 and Bromley 1 drew 11-11. It means that, although Supernova remain 4th, they are just four points behind London Regional League 2 leaders Bromley – who they face for a second time this season in a fortnight – with a game in hand.