Womens 1 Vs Colchester 1

Disappointment for Saints, as they were edged out in a 7-goal thriller, returning without reward from the long trip to face Colchester. Saints were first out of the blocks and nearly took the lead in the opening minute, but Georgia Grant was foiled at close range by the home keeper. A couple of minutes later Saints trailed as the hosts took the lead with a well worked deflected penalty corner goal. This unsettled Saints who went further behind when they conceded possession and the Colchester forward finished well from the edge of the circle. Saints were troubling the home side with the pace of their attacks and Paula Bingham latched on to sister Kelly`s cross to finish well and bring the visitors back in to the game. Unfortunately just before half-time Colchester extended their lead with an excellent penalty corner strike from the edge of the circle.

Saints had caused Colchester enough problems to know they were still in the game and within 5 minutes of the restart Kate Clark applied a close range finish to reduce the arrears. As play switched from end to end Colchester again proved dangerous at set pieces, winning a penalty stroke which crept agonisingly under Mel Hardings arm as she nearly got enough on the ball to make the save. A spirited Saints continued to push forward as they enjoyed the better of the second half and Kirsty McKenzie again cut the deficit with an opportunistic finish. Unfortunately, despite pressing until the end of the game, this goal came a little too late and the home side held on for victory.

So a thrilling game, with the home sides clinical finishing, particularly at set-pieces ultimately proving decisive. However lots of positives for Saints who had played particularly well for good periods of the match, especially in the second half. Georgia Grant deservedly took the player of the match plaudits leading the Saints forward line tirelessly and providing a constant threat with her control and skills. Saints will look to build on the many encouraging aspects of their performance when they face local rivals Bedford at home, at Longsands 1pm, next Saturday.