MHC Ladies 1's vs Wycombe 1's
Maidenhead 1st XI returned to winning ways
Unlike in recent weeks, Maidenhead played with fierce intensity right from the start, setting the tone of the game and creating lots of attacking chances. Two early short corners were narrowly missed, putting pressure on the home side.
Despite a few breakaway chances for Wycombe, Maidenhead remained the better team, with Maddy Dobson and Chantal Hankin making vital tackles. We maintained our composure and transferred the ball well, patiently waiting for our first goal.
Eddie Westacott was extremely effective at creating space for herself in the D, which culminated in Maidenhead’s opening goal, having deflected off a Wycombe defender 15 minutes into the first half.
Maidenhead continued to pressure Wycombe, and were rewarded with our second goal when Katie Parry intercepted the ball and passed to Sarah Fuller in the D, whose incredible lifted shot beat the goalkeeper and hit the top of the net.
The quality of the game took a turn in the second half - a clear exhibition of a local derby. Mistimed tackles and increased physicality led to Amy Martin receiving a green card, and Hannah Stone receiving a yellow card. Wycombe also picked up a yellow card, but Maidenhead regained their composure and battled on.
We continued to win short corners, one of which enabled Jacqui Bird to strike the ball beautifully in a shot that brushed past the post. Eddie Westacott then showed her experience by intercepting Wycombe’s transfer around the back, resulting in our third goal of the game.
Maidenhead continued to press for a fourth goal, which nearly came when Bex Miall’s pinpointed pass allowed Chantal Hankin to have a reverse hit at goal. The final whistle blew, signifying Maidenhead’s dominance in the region. Maidenhead’s composure and team spirit were rewarded with three goals and three points - the perfect springboard for next week’s fixture away to Southampton’s 1st X1.
Congratulations to Eddie Westacott for a well deserved Man of the Match award, and thank you to those who came to support the Mighty Maids.