Womens 1 Vs Bishops Stortford

The first Saturday match of the season and a friendly at Bishops Stortford. Last season a competitive goal-less draw was played out in monsoon conditions, whereas this year it was baking sunshine!

Stortford started positively, pushing Saints back on the defensive. Saints conceded a couple of early penalty corners, but these were successfully defended. Then Saints launched their first attack of the game, a swift break saw Kelly Bingham round the home keeper, but her strong shot was blocked by the leg of a defender on the line, resulting in a penalty stroke. Emma Ritchie stepped forward to confidently convert and give Saints the lead on 5 minutes.  

Mel Harding had made a couple of good saves to maintain Saints advantage, but eventually Stortford pressure told and they seized on a rebound to equalise. Soon afterwards the home side converted their next penalty corner, with a fierce strike from the top of the circle, to take the lead.

Saints now enjoyed their best period of the game, retaining possession well and breaking quickly. The Saints forwards all had opportunities, but couldn`t quite capitalise, the home keeper coming off her line quickly to save well on several occasions.

There were less clear opportunities in the second half, possibly due to the energy-sapping heat. As the game moved in to the final quarter Stortford extended their lead as their forward seized on a cross, rounding Mel to finish well. Saints responded well and finished the game in the ascendency – Paula Bingham converting a penalty corner at the far post, but the final whistle denied Saints any chance of a late comeback.

Overall a good pre-season workout against a strong Stortford side. Plenty of encouraging performances on the day in a spirited Saints display – several players settling in well into new positions and plenty of goal-scoring chances were created. There should be healthy competition for places within the squad with additional players due to return and a couple of new players joining.