Womens 1 Vs Wisbech Town 1

Following their promotion to East League 1, for the first time last season - when they were Champions of Division 2NW, St Neots Ladies 1s were delighted to secure their status in League 1 for a second successive season.

This wasn’t a vintage display from Saints in a tight home encounter with Wisbech. The visitors enjoyed the greater share of possession in the first half, with Saints turning the ball over too easily and frequently. When they did break forward with pace, though, Saints threatened - providing encouragement for the second half.

Indeed, Saints were much improved after the break - but a swift Wisbech attack stunned them and the visitors took the lead with a clinical move. Saints responded well, now producing their best hockey of the game, maintaining patience and belief and building pressure through the speed and intensity of their attacks. The equaliser came through an excellent right wing move, as tireless player of the match Tanya Sargeant supported the attack and then combined with Annie Cerveno - who supplied a great cross which was expertly turned home by Georgia Grant. Saints then urgently pushed forward looking for a winner. The game was entering the final 5 minutes when Paula Bingham seized on a rebound at a penalty corner - forcing the ball home and claiming a vital win and 3 points for Saints.

Saints had started the season well, taking eight points from their first four games - but then followed a tough run of fixtures with the side suffering 5 consecutive, narrow, defeats as they adjusted to league 1 hockey. The squad showed great character and continued to work hard in training and play with the "Saints spirit". This lead to a fantastic run of 8 unbeaten games after the Christmas break as the young, new and experienced players gelled and produced some excellent hockey and terrific team performances. 

With just 2 games now remaining, Saints will be looking to maintain the momentum of this excellent sequence of results and to secure a finish in the top half of the table. Next weekend they face a long journey to the seaside for a tough game against Lowestoft - who are still in need of points to secure their own league status.