The Horsham Primary Schools Football League got underway at Tanbridge House School tonight with the first meeting in a series of three held on the newly refurbished astroturf there.

14 teams were entered to play in the all versus all round-robin format and the Southwater and Steyning A teams wasted no time in stating their credentials as likely title chasers. Both won all four matches they played on the night and whilst Southwater A meted out some big wins on their way to establishing a big goal difference advantage Steyning A claimed what looked like on paper the bigger scalps on the night, most notably beating Kingslea A 3-2 in a thrilling game. Indeed Kingslea A lie second behind Southwater A in the standings, on similar goal difference to Steyning A but above them due to having scored more goals, albeit they have played a game more.

Southwater A’s passing game was impressive, notably their willingness to play back in order to build new attacks. Captain Megan T contributed some brilliant goals, Rosie hit a hat-trick in one game and Evie T scored her first goals for the school. Kingslea A was delighted with its opening efforts in the league and goalkeeper Freya was picked out by her manager as their star player because of a number of great saves she made.

Steyning B and Southwater B aren’t far off their front teams in the standings. Just one point behind to be precise although they’ve both played one more game. Steyning B’s strength lay in front of goal as they netted nine times on the night whilst Southwater’s quality was more defensive, only conceding one…but an important one in a single goal defeat to Steyning A or else without that deficit they could have ended the night top. Manager Mr Showell was appreciative of Chloe’s goals and Laia and captain Maya doing so well in their first ever matches.

Heron Way A lie comfortably top of the mid-table pack showing some super team spirit and Isla B being their defensive rock. Four points behind are Leechpool A who had a mixed bag of results but can take heart from the excellent finishing of Eliza and defensive performances of Amelia. Shelley had a tough start with two defeats but rallied with two later wins to accumulate 12 points.

Also into double figures were Heron Way B and Castlewood. Nia R was the Heron’s defensive lynchpin backed up by ‘Goalie Grace’ making some super saves. Whilst Southwater A spooked Castlewood by the biggest winning margin of the night they showed defensive doggedness with the efforts of their ‘keeper, Emilia, and ‘The Wall’, Holly K, to register three goalless draws. Midfield dynamo Elodie was also impressive. All they need now is to dip into the transfer market for a striker to get some goals!

Kingslea B sit on nine points chiefly made up from two draws and St Mary’s Pulborough, one point behind, was relieved to register a victory over Heron Way B in the midst of defeats in their other three matches.

As ever Northolmes battled gamely in the first match they’d played together as a team. The fruits of their determination were realised with a single goal victory over Leechpool B. As for Leechpool’s second string whilst they finished bottom they can reflect positively on holding Castlewood to a draw and the fact that they only conceded a total of six goals in the evening, goalkeeper Amber M being a big factor towards that statistic and Kacy M playing her part too in the outfield. Ultimately they didn’t manage to score however but there’s always another chance next week!

A real pleasure to see around 140 young girls competing in the beautiful game with such enthusiasm and distinction.

RESULTS