Maidenhead U18 EH cup Round 2 v Epsom U18

A lovely Lucy hat-trick put the gloss on a convincing away win in our second round England Hockey Cup tie at Epsom
The score-line said it was a big win, but it was little victories all over the pitch that made the difference against the home side whose own players had plenty of flair.
We came out on top thanks to our high-intensity pressing game which forced mistakes and turn-over of the ball time and again. Also, our forwards were more clinical in taking their chances and our goalie stopped just about everything coming in her direction.
Epsom started quite brightly, but we took the lead on five minutes. Frankie, at right back, picked up the ball from a 16-metre hit-out and set off on a fantastic dynamic run to the other end where she passed to Izzy, who slotted home.
Back came Epsom who forced Varnie into a good save and a block. Then from a short corner Epsom had the ball in the net only for it to be ruled out for having never left the D.
Then it was our turn again. Jess E had two shots – one wide, the other blocked – and we were building pressure on the Epsom goal.
But it wasn’t until an attacking run by Lucy – cutting through the opposition’s midfield and then passing to Izzy unmarked at the far post who made it 2-0 in the 14th minute.
Six minutes later it was 4-0 following two Maidenhead short corners. First Stella was in exactly the right place to force the ball over the line after efforts by Jess E and Lucy had been blocked. Then Lucy made no mistake with a crisp hit after Holly had injected.
Now we were well on top and before half-time Erin had a fine run down the right wing and cross into the box; Izzy had one shot saved high by their keeper’s gloves and another ricocheted wide.
In the second half, the important thing was to start strongly, score quickly and put the game totally beyond Epsom’s reach. This we did with Stella’s pressing winning us a short corner straight away.
More pressure then won us a penalty flick which Lucy calmly converted, low to the left corner. She then went on to complete her hat-trick with a piece of superb skill. It was a re-run of the goal she had scored in last week’s friendly – a reverse cross-shot into the far-right corner which left the keeper rooted to the spot.
In fairness, Epsom deserved their consolation goal, six minutes from time. They had played their part in an entertaining game and had never given up. No doubt, Varnie will argue that all her fine saves and blocks deserved a clean sheet…but not this time.
This was a good team performance, where everyone can take positives out of their play and yet know there is more to come. Special mention must go to our Senior Year 13 pair Izzy and Lucy who lead the lines well.
But just as important were our two youngsters, Frankie – now converted into defence - and Cate, the lynchpin in midfield, who stepped up with pace and power plus skill and determination to help carry us forward into the next round.