Womens 4 Vs Shefford & Sandy Ladies 3

Saints Team:   4s (Ladies)                  Opposition:     Sandy and Shefford 3s                  Score (SNHC first): 1-0

Venue:                        Longsands                               Date and PB time:    12.9.20 11.30pm

Weather:         Sunny and a tad warm

Spirit: Buoyant

First half report plus score:    

The 4s could not wait to be back on the pitch and it was a beautiful day for it. They welcomed into the fold four new young players, all who were trialling out in the friendly. Shefford and Sandy started strong and it was a tense first 10-15 minutes as the Saints settled back into playing and the existing team learnt the playing styles of the new members, and vice versa.

However, some fantastic play ensued, and it was not long before short corners appeared and several chances were created for the Saints. The goal came from a beautiful piece of play later in the first half, finished expertly by Aoife Stokes, making her debut in the team.

Score at half time: 1-0

The saints were beaming….          

Second half report plus final score:

The second half started much as the first half ended, with some brilliant play, multiple chances and again more short corners. However, try as they might, Saints just could not get the ball into the back of the net again. Shefford and Sandy looked tired, Saints were strong. Louise Abell defended the right comfortably. You would never have known she had not played with the 4s before. Ruby Lane worked wonders in midfield with some brilliant runs into the D, well supported by Georgie Bettsworth, who was solid in midfield. Both were newbies with both showing great potential for the future. Aoife Stokes demonstrated great skill in the forward line, another one who will go far this season.

Overall, the 4s dominated the second half and, although the game ended on the same score line, the team should be proud.

Final score 1-0

Best goal for Saints:   There was only one and it was a cracking goal scored by Aoife Stokes!

Best save for Saints:   To be honest, there weren’t many to choose from as Shefford and Sandy did not have many chances!

Funny moment: When the umpire realised several minutes into the start of the match, that the 4s cannot take a sideline hit as an extra goal was on the pitch. Lots of scrambling over to the goal to help, humping and heaving with shouts of “don’t get too close though for COVID purposes” ensued….

Controversial moment: A great deal of deliberation was had as to why Bridget Bickley was sent up to the halfway line at a defensive short. Murmurings were had she sprinted too soon, Bridget is sure the injector dummied……

Anything else: Missing in action were Liz Owen, resting a knee injury (get well soon Liz!), Claire Piper, who for some reason decided a marathon should be run rather than play hockey (I know, she is bonkers! But hats off, she completed it, congratulations!!) and Becky Roberts, who had a prior engagement, the social butterfly!

Overall, a fabulous first game back and some cracking play from the new younger team members. All in all, it bodes well for the upcoming season!

Where is the team placed now in the league? Nowhere, it is yet to start!