Ladies 5s 1 - 1 South Bucks

A great match against South Bucks. From the first push back we look determind and driven! There were some great runs up the left and link ups between Hattie and Annabel. This quickly lead to a long corner but we couldn’t seem to get in the right positions to capitalise on this and couldn’t keep the ball in the attacking half as South Bucks pushed it back. In fact most of the first half felt like a ping pong game. We would drive it up and then South Bucks would reply with their own drive back. One of their drives lead to a short corner but our great defenders (Helen, Hayley and Becky) soon cleared it. We countered with a drive of our own in the South Bucks D, a great cross from Tori to Sophie who then hit it… and it rebounded off the post! South Bucks then replied with a push up the pitch but this was intercepted by Tori who made a brilliant pass to Jess W at the top of the D, who then touched it on to Sophie. With great composure Sophie drew the goalie out and then slipped it between her legs to score. What a cracking goal!!
This focussed South Bucks, they really push the pressure on. Eventually one of their balls found a high forward who slipped through our defenders and TJ in goal to score to make it 1 all. South Bucks wanted to capitalise on this but Becky and Helen were determind not to let this happen and drove the ball back up the pitch time and time again, making good use of our wingers. And so the first half came to an End.

Our half time talk by Ruth was definitely a case of more of the same please. South Bucks started the second half strong but once again our defenders were on hand to clear it. We had some great link ups with Helen and Emily on the right driving the ball up the pitch. Despite South Bucks’ early push we dominated the second half with several drives up the pitch and attempts on goal. Quite often though we didn’t seem to know where to be in the D, but South Bucks also had a larger and experienced back defender who gave no quarter and was determind to deny us. Then South Bucks got a short corner against the flow of play and we all held our breath. We needn’t have worried as Hayley cleared it beautifully.

A last push from us and another attempt on goal by Sophie lead to our own short in the dying seconds of the game. A great short routine and it looked like we were going to score when the whistle was blown and another short given. Could we do it this time? Another push in and a cracker from Hayley, who was so overcome she fell to her knees, the ball sailed towards the goal, only to rebound on the post once again! This headed straight back to Hayley who was still on her knees praying to the hockey gods! Ultimately we were denied but it was a great match and everyone played so well. Well done to Rebecca for her great play up front and willingness to listen and learn. Man of the Match this week was a tough call with some great individual games but was awarded to Hattie and Annabel for their great link ups.

I must say a big thank to TJ for going in goal and Becky for playing despite being poorly and celebrating her 16th birthday. Also to Ruth for umpiring/coaching and to Tim for stepping in to umpire.