Womens 1 Vs I-ES 1  

The hosts made the better start to the game, pushing Saints back on the defensive, as they attacked in numbers with both speed and intensity. Saints resisted the initial pressure, but went behind to a good finish as their forward clinically converted a rebound. As the half wore on, Saints gradually gained a foothold in the game. Katie Bates created a good opportunity as she outpaced the home defence and then Saints were awarded a penalty stroke as Tanya Sargeant`s fierce short corner strike was stopped by a defenders foot on the goal-line. Tanya efficiently converted the penalty stroke to equalise.

IES again came out hard at the beginning of the second half. Despite their possession, they struggled to create really clear opportunities against a resolute Saints rear-guard. When they did create shooting opportunities they found Player of the match Mel Harding in outstanding form in the Saints goal. Saints threatened when they launched swift counters, from one such break, mid-way through the second half, Kelly Bingham drove aggressively through mid-field, releasing Kirsty McKenzie who calmly converted to give Saints the lead. The home side pushed forward to the final whistle but, despite an increasing penalty corner count, they couldn`t deny a spirited Saints side a very hard-earned victory.

Next Saturday Saints recent run of good performances and results will be tested when they face the high-flying students of Cambridge University (I), 1pm at Longsands.