Ladies 1s 1- St. Albans 3

Back on home turf this week with a very welcomed bunch of supporters.
As per the match preview, this was going to be a tough game for the Ladies 1st team. The opposition started quickly and showed Brentwood that they had a fast game ahead of them but the Ladies reacted and responded to the initial threat. Haylee Adams, Lisa Payne, Nat Gilder and Zoe Hall kept St. Albans’ rapid forward line at bay putting in some strong and well-timed tackles. After some initial pressure, Brentwood had some significant moments of attack themselves and the linkup between the midfield players; Francesca Hayden-Sims, Emily Walker, Lily Wiltshire and Beth James, helped the attack down the field to relief their defence for a moment or two. Despite some chances from penalty corners and open play, they could not quite convert their chances, however, St. Albans managed to create a goal from an effective penalty corner, ending the first half 0-1.

The half time talk was very positive and the home team certainly felt they had matched the opposition and were certainly not out of this game.

Brentwood started the second half strong; Bev Simmons, Shirley Osmotherly-Hull, Lauren Blackburn and Lizzie Tyler pilled on pressure to the St. Albans’ defence, and after a couple of penalty corner chances, Hayden-Sims’ pass found Wiltshire on the right hand post for a deflection and the home team to equalise. The game remained end to end for a while, St Albans created another penalty corner and a quick rebound back in to the Dee was slotted past keeper, Lorna Parsons, who had worked hard to keep everything else out. Brentwood responded fast, a quick pass from Walker to Gilder on the right, was moved quick to Osmotherly-Hull in the Dee who’s shot was saved by a St. Alban’s’ body on the line and a penalty flick was awarded. Simmons stepped up but unfortunately her shot was saved by the keeper. Brentwood soaked up the pressure again and just before the final whistle, an overload enabled St. Albans to score once more and the result was 1-3 against the home team.

The team were disappointed with the result of the game but overall, were certainly not disappointed with their performance and the hard work that went in by all. They felt they deserved a point out of the game but unfortunately, they were pipped to the post once more to St. Albans. Recognising the efforts of the team, coach believes firmly that they can learn from the game and take it in to their away fixture at Waltham Forest next weekend.

Man of the Match went jointly to Beth and Lizzie with Fran, Lily, Lisa, Zoe and Shirley all receiving votes too.

Dick of the Day went to Mrs Hayden-Sims for a not so subtle trip up during the team talk. Not too many fines this week but it is worth noting that Parsons successfully threw the watermelon rinds over the fence at half time!