Maria Paz Vera’s double wasn’t enough to secure victory for Camden Town WFC against Actonians Reserves at the Maurice Rebak Stadium

PLAYERS representing title-chasing Camden Town WFC have given themselves “an uphill battle” to conquer after starting 2026 with a frustrating 2-2 draw against Actonians Reserves.

Harry Sherman’s side were looking to make a statement start to the second half of the season on Sunday in Division One North of the London & South East Regional League.

But the home fans who gathered at the Maurice Rebak Stadium in North Finchley were soon left stunned when Kate Stevens headed home from a corner to give Actonians the lead.

The hosts responded superbly. On 18 minutes, Kelly Faye spotted the run of Maria Paz Vera and delivered a perfectly-weighted pass for the striker, who showed great composure to loft the ball over goalkeeper Elisa Llamas and ignite the comeback.

On the half-hour mark, Paz Vera struck her second of the afternoon, this time from close range, to give Town the lead. Great work down the right flank by Maxine Borden resulted in a dangerous low cross into the penalty area, where Paz Vera was waiting to pounce and make it 2-1.

However, the celebrations were short-lived as a defensive mix-up just before the break gifted Holly Reid a simple finish to make it 2-2.

A winning goal proved elusive despite all of Town’s “sustained pressure” in the second half. The result leaves Camden fourth in the table – 16 points behind leaders Hammersmith, albeit with three games in hand.

Explaining the demands that the draw puts on his squad, manager Sherman said: “It’s a frustrating result because I thought our performance deserved more, especially in the second half.

“The reality now is that we’ve given ourselves an uphill battle. From here on in, we know we need to be near-perfect in every game if we’re going to give ourselves a real chance of achieving the promotion we want.

“That starts with our response. The group is honest, hard-working, and we’ll be back on the training ground this week focused on bouncing back.”

Meet the players…

SUPPORTERS are being given the chance to get to know the squad driving Camden Town WFC’s success at a special meet-and-greet this Monday.

Players and coaches from the club will be gathering at the Prince Albert Pub in Royal College Street, Camden Town, for drinks and to talk about all things football.

The “Camden in the Community” initiative aims to bring together businesses, charities, and non-profit organisations to create new partnerships and shared projects.

Ahead of the free event, which is being held between 6pm and 8pm, Town chairman Richard Mahoney said: “Off the pitch, we’re just as committed to making a positive impact.

“The evening is an important step in strengthening our connections with local businesses, charities, and organisations across the borough.”