The ladies started well and dominated the early exchanges and should of taken the lead after several close shots and a goal mouth scrabble. Essex FA came into the half as it went on but never truly tested the RN keeper with the half ending 0-0. Essex FA started the 2nd half brightly and were on top for the first 15 minutes, taking the lead through a looping shot that somehow went into the RN net. After this and a slight shuffle of personnel the RN Ladies came back into the game and wrestled control back which lead to an exciting last 10 minutes. In quick succession the RN Ladies scored 2 goals and took a deserved lead and should of had a 3rd but for some last ditch Essex FA defending. However within a minute of this chance, Essex FA broke and drew a challenge from the RN keeper resulting in a penalty, which gave them their equaliser. Not to be deterred, the RN Ladies kept the pressure on and would of got their reward but for the resilience of the Essex FA goalkeeper, with the result finishing 2-2. Very promising start to the season by the RN Ladies, who dominated the game for large parts and had a total of 16 shots, 8 corners and their high tempo football caused problems all evening. Essex FA were definitely the happier team with the draw. Next up for the RN Ladies is a home friendly on Wed 25 Oct 17, before returning to action in the Southern Counties Cup in mid November.