Camden Town WFC drew 1-1 against Hammersmith

PLAYERS from Camden Town WFC reinforced their title credentials on Sunday as they look to shake off a stuttering start to their league season.

A combination of work being done on their Maurice Rebak Stadium home ground and extended cup runs has resulted in Town only playing five games so far in Division One North of the London & South East Regional League – while the teams around them have played eight or even 11 matches.

Despite the frustrations, Harry Sherman’s side were still at their competitive best at the weekend as they became the first team to take points off leaders Hammersmith this season when they battled to a 1-1 draw at Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub.

Town’s league record now stands at two wins, two draws and one defeat. Club chair Richard Mahoney has seen enough from the squad to be excited about what’s in store.

He said: “That was a brilliant team performance from start to finish. Every player gave everything for the badge, and it shows just how strong this group is.

Debutant Ginny Somers fired Town into the lead

“With the challenges we’ve faced off the pitch, to put in a display like that speaks volumes about the character in this squad. It’s shaping up to be a really exciting season.”

The clash between Town and Hammersmith lived up to its billing as one of the season’s early marquee fixtures.

Camden’s pre-match challenges continued with a goalkeeping crisis forcing them to act swiftly, bringing in Hayley Jacobson on a short-term loan from Hutton FC. Jacobson rose to the occasion brilliantly, commanding her area with confidence and producing several key saves that kept Town in the game.

At the other end, it was another debutant who made the breakthrough midway through the first half when Ginny Somers reacted quickest to a loose ball in the Hammersmith box to prod home.

But that lead was short-lived, as just minutes later a cruel slice of misfortune saw Sanaa Williams send the ball into the back of her own net.

Williams recovered to put in a player-of-the-match performance as an entertaining encounter ended all-square.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the players today,” said Town manager Sherman after the final whistle.

“We came here against an unbeaten side and completely matched them in every department.

“The effort, intensity, and togetherness was outstanding. If we keep performing like that, the results will take care of themselves.”