Maidenhead win away against Wimbledon

Maidenhead came away with an important three points to take them into second position in the league, in what was a tough and exciting game at Wimbledon.

Maidenhead quickly took control of the game from the whistle, making sure they fought for every ball against a strong Wimbledon side. The team pressed as a unit and Wimbledon struggled to get the ball out of their half, as Maidenhead piled on the pressure starting at the forward line.

Maidenhead created a few chances but couldn’t quite convert them as the Wimbledon keeper kept them out with some good saves. Lyndsey Harwood and Vicky Ruddick in particular, made some important tackles and interceptions to help maintain the Maidenhead momentum.

Eventually the team’s efforts paid off as Ali Lubbock received the ball just past the half way line, beat the opposition player and then made a pinpoint pass to the awaiting Holly Cram in the D who picked it up perfectly on her reverse to then slide the ball coolly past the oncoming keeper. And Maidenhead went into the break 0-1 up.

Wimbledon stepped it up a gear in the second half as Maidenhead appeared to take their foot off the gas for the first fifteen minutes. This eventually led to a controversial decision which left Maidenhead reeling as Wimbledon equalised as a result. This seemed to be the wake-up call the visiting side needed, as they started to take the upper hand once again.

It seemed that Maidenhead had a lot of space up front and a couple of chances went begging as time started to run out and it looked like it might remain a draw. However a determined run down the right by Ruddick beat the Wimbledon defence and she passed squarely to the awaiting Eddie Westacott as she entered the D. Westacott collected the slotted home with just five minutes left for Maidenhead to take the lead 1-2 and win the game.

Coach Jane Smith said: “I was pleased with the team’s performance today. Wimbledon were a tough opposition but we played some good hockey and every player gave 100%. We are taking some good steps forward as a team and I hope we can continue taking each game as it comes.”

MOM: Lyndsey Harwood