WH&E L2 4 : 1 West Hampstead L5
Following the high of the previous week’s win, the L2s were determined to have another smashing week and that’s what they did. With captain Pippa Deane stepping in goal, following in her sister’s footsteps in the hope of keeping another clean sheet, it became clear who the favourite Deane sister was as the opposition sadly scored a goal (it was a lovely goal, we will admit) in the second half.
This didn’t worry the team as Abbi had already scored 2 goals, but it set them on a new mission. After ensuring the goalie was protected, particularly after she managed to injure herself when kicking the ball, the combo of Charlotte and Abbi proved unbeatable, with Charlotte setting up goals for Abbi to score another 2! This resulted in another win of 4-1.
With some beautiful hockey and teamwork shown in the last two games all I can say is bring on the next match!!!
WH&E M1 3 : 5 Letchworth M2
A windy and rainy day for the league leaders Letchworth’s visit to Aylward. We had a strong squad on paper, but with injury to Mike Dutnall we had a changed back line with Jim Gatting dropping in after his forays up front last week.
The match started with plenty of possession for the opposition but was relatively easily dealt with and little threat appeared. We had a few penetrations ourselves but the control of the ball in wide positions just wasn’t what it should be this week. We struggled to get the ball out and retain possession. The weight of giving the ball away and forward running from the opposition took its toll and the threats came. Several short corners led up to the opening goal with one finally converted, sliding inside our right post just below the backboard.
As has been the pattern this season, we decided to wake up a little once behind. With a short corner of our own Gatting levelled the scores with a nice drag flick. Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach half time even, and Letchworth scored again to make it 2-1.
In the second half we mixed up the formation to try and get back into the game, but it backfired as we found ourselves 4-1 down after 2 goals more were bundled in by the visitors.
While we didn’t play as well as in previous matches, we showed a lot of fighting spirit. Another short corner smashed in from Jim, and a predator finish by Stan after Colin’s shot had deflected off the post brought us back to 4-3. However, all that effort took its toll and a really well taken volley after a short corner save brought the decisive 5th goal. A 5-3 loss to the league leaders, but we know we can play better and pick up points next week.
WH&E L1 1 : 6 Southgate L3
Ladies 1s played away against Southgate last Saturday.
Caroline Briers scored and we only lost 1-0 in the 2nd half which was a vast improvement from the 1st half… I think that’s all we need to say about that match!
MOTM was tied between half of the team, so I’m giving it to everyone this week for fighting until the end and making a brilliant improvement in the 2nd half.
DOTD goes to Sarah E-Q for blatantly and proudly stopping the ball like a goalie inside the D to give away a short corner… Unfortunately for Sarah someone dropping their baby (not naming any names) at teas happened after the voting so her win still stands!
Onwards and Upwards!
WH&E M2 1 : 12 MBDA M1
The men’s 2s made the trip to a wet, cold Stevenage to play MBDA on a beach of a pitch. This was a team that had beaten us 13-1 the previous season, and with a couple of late dropouts due to illness we knew we were in for a tough match with a young team. We started well, with some gritty defending and solid play in midfield kept the game fairly even at the start. Soon though there was one attack too many, and despite some great defensive work at the back by Ellis and John they found an unmarked man and got it through. The second quarter was tougher, with a lot of time spent in our half, with Guy and Luke aiding the defensive effort ably.
There were though flashes of attacking prowess, with good link up play between Leo (gamely playing despite his back issues) and the likes of Tom and Theo. No goal to be had though.
The score at the end of the first half was 5-0.
Second half we knew was going to be long, but as the game opened up MBDA found more space and the goals kept coming, despite some fantastic work by Balazs in goal. As they pressed forward in search of goals, we knew the chances would come, and some great work by Guy and Leo getting the ball up front and up to Noyan who calmly slotted home for a much-deserved goal.
The final score was 12-1 so better than last year (just!), but with a very young team, it was a good performance, with everyone playing well, just with the experience and guile of the opposition showing through. Looking forward to getting back to winning ways next week!
MOTM: John P. Coming out of goal due to our need for players, and press ganged into left back he pressed well, made a great number of covering tackles and overall held them at bay admirably. Great stuff!
DOTD: Sadly has to be Joe Small who turned up nice and promptly for a game at 3. Sadly, ours had been at 1. We’ve all been there. Hopefully he’ll get to the one at 1:30 next week.