England Hockey Cup – Tier Two Maidenhead Girls U16’s v Slough Girls U16’s

By Jim Taylor
Maidenhead’s mean goal-scoring machine was too slick for Slough in a one-sided England Hockey Cup tie on Sunday.
The coaches’ orders were Go For Goals! as we faced our neighbours from down the M4 and our constant attacks eventually broke down their deep-lying defence and dominant goal-keeper Savarna.
But, it still took until mid-way through the first half before we scored with Amelia – breaking free from her more defensive midfield shackles – firing home from the edge of the D with real power.
Until then – despite making a fast start down both thanks with Frankie’s skills shining brightly – we had very little end-product to show for so much pressure and possession.
When Slough could break out, Katie and Hattie snuffed out their attacks before they reached the danger zone, but on one rare occasion it needed Holly to clear five metres from goal.
Holly was then in the thick of it at the other end. First, she had two shots saved by the Slough keeper, but it was her third effort in as many minutes which produced the second goal as she finished from close-in after Emily’s effort was parried.
Two minutes later – and on the cusp of half time – Ellie started another attack which resulted in a penalty corner. Holly and Emily were involved again and as the ball was slipped left, Maisie rifled home.
After the break, the goals flowed more readily with first Havana, then Jess with a lovely reverse shot and a Slough own goal from an Ellie shot to move the score along to 6-0.
That was the point to replace a poorly Alexis in goal. She had come from her sick bed to play but hadn’t touched the ball.
However, no sooner had Keira taken over than Slough launched two attacks. Kiera saved and kick clear the first, but was then beaten by Slough’s midfielder Fiona who finished a superb solo run which she had started in her own half.
That prompted a final 10-minute onslaught from Maidenhead with first Jess creating a second goal for Maisie and then Frankie finishing with class following Tilly’s cross from the right wing.
It was a good team performance against a young Slough team who – despite the score – defended bravely with determination. There was a good A-team debut for Caroline, while Anna and Lizzie went about their defensive duties on each flank with confidence and concentration.
The win keeps us level with Reading on seven points each at the top of the table after three matches. Reading beat Wycombe 6-1 at home on Sunday and have a two-goal better goal difference than us at the midway point.
Unbeaten so far this season, that was the A’s last competitive match before Christmas. In the England Hockey Cup, it looks as if our away game against Reading in February will be decisive.