Womens 4 Vs Pelicans Ladies 3

It was the last match before Christmas (and potential COVID lockdown), and the Saints were raring to go, especially as they hadn’t played for two weeks owing to the great British weather. Donning colourful festive wear for the occasion, a 13 strong W4s squad did not let the foggy drizzle dampen their spirits either. Captain Alex Colby was confident but urged the team not to be complacent in her pre-match talk, the Pelicans might have had a bare 11 and be lower in the table, but the Saints had been caught out by that before.

The course of this match was to be one of much drama, and it started approximately two minutes in with a disallowed goal for the Saints. Some beautiful work by the forward line found the ball in the back of the Pelicans goal, the end touch thought to come from Fiona Humphrey. Sadly, following an umpire’s discussion, it was decided not to allow the goal and Saints started up again, empty handed.

Spectators did not have to wait long before the next dramatic event. A couple of minutes on saw Anya Poole sustain a head injury courtesy of a strongly deflected ball to the head in the Saints D. Thankfully Anya was alright but unfortunately that was to be the end to this match for her, caution exercised given the nature of the injury. A quick rejig of players saw Claire Piper from the bench take up left defence temporarily.

Unexpectedly, the Pelicans proved to be tougher than anticipated. Their press into the Saints D was strong and persistent. Some good defensive work from Ali Stubbs, Claire Piper and Mia Herbert, along with some classy footwork from Steph Simpson however stopped them in their tracks. There were also several opportunities for the Saints down the other end of the pitch. Counteracting the continued press from the Pelicans, Saints took advantage on the break. At the 12th minute, they were to be rewarded as Callie Wicks found Fiona Humphrey in the D, who confidently planted the ball in the back of the net, this time the goal being allowed.

Although being ahead in the game, the Saints continued to struggle with controlling the Pelicans, running into trouble when holding onto the ball for a little too long. The Pelicans easily picked the ball from them on a number of occasions, with several short corners being conceded. Saints held firm though, and try as they might, the Pelicans could not score. Going against the state of play, it was to be on another break that would see Saints score for a second time, with Marie Quintilla ably assisting Chris Deeks with a beautifully timed cross.

However, there was to be more drama before the end of the 1st half as the Pelicans responded quickly securing another short corner back down in the Saints D. This time, Saints were not to be so lucky. Claire Piper’s tackle from running one, was to cause the ball to shoot up into the air. As both teams watched the ball in slow motion ping up and over the D, Steph Simpson just couldn’t quite get a glove to it, and the ball landed just behind her in the back of the net. All eyes were on the umpires, did it go out of the D first? The whistle blew not in Saints favour. The Pelicans had scored. 2-1 at half time, the Saints were a little nervous.

The half time match talk included comments of not holding onto the ball too long, giving support to others and using the back pass, all to ensure the Saint’s game was upped in the second half. They were winning and they wanted to keep it that way.

The second half started and the Saints did not have to wait long before their hard work was yet again rewarded. 52 minutes in was to prove a momentous occasion for Willow Browne. She had yet to score in a league match for Saints and to say she was keen was a vast understatement. Today was to be her day. Yet again it was Marie Quintilla who provided the assist, for a goal hungry Willow Browne in the D. She promptly chipped it past the keeper into the goal, and cheers erupted round the pitch. Well done Willow!

Saints fought hard in the second half. The Pelicans did not give up despite being 3-1 down and a bare 11 team. The midfield must have covered a marathon between them, trying to keep up with the Pelicans and keep the ball out of the Saints D. Eleanor Masters and Alex Colby between them had the right midfield covered, blocking the Pelicans continual advance. On the left, Callie Wicks, Charlotte Simmons and Claire Piper played some beautiful hockey, supporting each other, making quick passes. It was to be from some of this hard work that a fourth goal was to come for Saints. Up from midfield the pass found Willow Browne (yes she got a goal and assist in this match!) who fed the ball neatly to Chris Deeks, who found the back of the net again to score her brace.

Try as they might, the Pelicans could not respond. They had had more of the ball than Saints and had proved tough opposition but Saints came out in the end triumphant. The match ended and the Saints cheered. A 4-1 win to end the first half of the season, now that is a nice Christmas present! Even bigger Christmas present for Claire Piper, who earnt player of the match, very well deserved.