Womens 4 Vs Haverhill Ladies 2

Saints Team: Ladies 4s                     Opposition:    Haverhill 2s            Score (SNHC first): 1-0

Venue:            Longsands Academy              Date and PB time:     3rd October 2020 at 10am

Weather: Dismal and wet – an ark would have been a useful half-time shelter    

Spirit: The weather was not doing it any favours…

First half report:      

It was a soggy Saturday morning that saw the Saints look out onto the pitch with great reluctance. This was going to be a damp one, and they weren’t wrong. The first half started tentatively; Haverhill were strong. With two double-ups from their 1st team, Haverhill dominated the first 10 minutes. It was clear from the outset that the planned four up front was just not going to work for the 4s this match.

A quick swap round of positions saw Ali Stubbs drop to defence and Alex Colby drop to right midfield. Now the game was on and Saints picked up the pace. However, this was to be a difficult match and the 4s struggled to settle into a rhythm, looking a little disjointed at times.

Liz Owen, back from injury, provided some solid defence, supported well by Anya Poole and Bridget Bickley. The midfield worked hard and some chances were created by the 4s in the first half. Unfortunately, none found the back of the net. The first half ended seeing neither team getting the better of the other.

Score at Half Time: 0-0       

Second half report:

After an encouraging pep talk at half time, and a further change in formation, the Saints were back out and raring to go, now very damp. Their positive play was rewarded very quickly with two short corners. For the first, Ali McMurray delivered a powerful injection to Becky Roberts, who fired a shot towards goal. It didn’t find the back of the net, but it did lead to another short corner! This time Becky slipped the pass to Claire Cooper, who confidently took a shot on goal, and this time, the net was found, with a little help from the Haverhill goalkeeper’s foot. Congratulations Claire, who is settling well into the team.

The remainder of the match continued much like the first half. Some excellent defensive play kept Haverhill at bay, but there were some hairy moments at times. Claire Piper worked hard on the left hand side, and a big pat on the back goes to Steph Simpson, with some cracking saves, performed skilfully and effortlessly. The forwards also continued to battle, with Chris Deeks, Jay Dickinson and Iris Fearing, linking well up front, but try as they might, a second goal was not to be found.

The final whistle blew, and the Saints had won. The whole team worked hard in difficult conditions against a strong side, many of whom possessed young, long legs. Well done 4s, two league matches down and two wins. The future looks bright, well maybe after Storm Alex has blown through.

Final Score: 1-0

Best goal for Saints: There was only one, but it was a great one from newbie Claire Cooper!

Best save for Saints:  Steph Simpson made some great saves today, but the award for best save and best defensive moment has to go to Bridget Bickley, who played some fantastic hockey today, defying Haverhill a goal several times with her expertly timed clearances from the goal line.

Funny moment: When Captain, Alex Colby, made a fairly standard tackle, only to leave two Haverhill players flat on the floor in her wake, as they took themselves out!

Anything else: Alas, the 4s mascot was sadly missing in action today, the weather being far too inclement for her delicate paws.

Where is the team placed now in the league? We are currently third on goal difference, right where we want to be