It was a tough gig for a new team today, away against a well-oiled Rickmansworth 2’s. So ignore the scoreline, it is not reflective of how well we all played - this report shows there is much to be proud of!
Everyone played well in the first half but let’s focus on the second half as we definitely got better! A half time pep talk from Jo, a few position changes and a rallying call from Sophie, ‘let’s just get one goal’, did wonders.
The rotating midfielders of Tabby (even not feeling well she was super fast), Annie (such battling determination on the right, and having to mark the strongest opposition player to boot), Isla (showing she can play midfield just as well as defence, with amazing runs up into the D) and Anna (not one of the young gang but did her bit to control the middle - note to self, must get fitter!) started to get more balls up the field.
One of several great charges up the right from forward Nic (first ever match, you never would have known - & does she ever run out of steam?!) set up a chance for newcomer Rach (Yorkshire’s loss is definitely our gain) who duly fulfilled Soph’s demand for a goal! And what a GREAT debut goal it was, lifting all our spirits.
There were more runs from Joanne (glad you found your way here and good to have you back Jo!) and Martha (no matter what position she was in, never stopped battling, running endlessly up and down the line). No more goals but we certainly increased our possession.
We absolutely have to end this report with our sterling defenders. There was not a lot of down time for them in this match, the attacks were often relentless! Kudos to goalie Mathilda (who did not panic, even when balls kept coming back - she must have made 5 saves in 20 seconds at one point!), Sophie (admirably dealing with some very quick forwards, and threading the ball out wide through seemingly impossible gaps), Katherine (flying successfully into tackles without hesitation, as always), Sarah (another Back 2 Hockey graduate showing confident defending despite an injury) and captain Jo (how she manages to keep an eye on us all and provide vocal encouragement whilst performing repeated tackles I don’t know). You all deserve a long lie in tomorrow morning! But final word to our MOM, sweeper Hayley - seemingly in all places at one, thwarting advances, clearing balls off the goal line and feeding balls out to midfield. She didn’t even get subbed off, we were relying on her so much. Congrats Hayley, hope you got your nap before your evening out!
Big thanks to the parents who came to watch and also to (mum to be - so exciting!!) Katie, who was amazing in sorting subs out on the sidelines. We do appreciate all the support. Onwards and upwards, team - we didn’t let our heads drop and we will have far closer matches against other teams in this division!