Middlesex Premier

PHC CHISWICK 1st XI 3 v ASHFORD 1st XI 1

Ashford travelled to Hammersmith on Saturday to take on the undefeated League leaders PHC Chiswick 1stXI. Experienced striker SHARON McGLINLEY returned to the squad, but evergreen midfielder/striker ANNIE NEYTON wasn’t available, which meant that the Red & Blacks only had a squad of twelve. The lack of numbers of numbers seemed to spur the Red & Blacks on though and despite it being an earlier than usual start (11am), they started better than PHC Chiswick and were on top in the opening quarter of the game. Once again it was the basic skills and good team work, that coach MANDY WAIN had been working on in training, which shone through and initially put the League leaders under pressure. Ashford unfortunately weren’t able to convert their early dominance and chances into goals in what was developing into a good game of high standard hockey. Gradually as the first half wore on, the home team got more into their stride and put the Ashford defence and especially goalkeeper SAM GRANT under a lot of pressure, but SAM responded well and kept them at bay for a long time. However, they eventually managed to beat her with a well taken goal to take a 1-0 lead into the half time break.

After the turn round PHC Chiswick increased the pressure by playing some more fast and skilful hockey and scored another good goal to go 2-0 ahead. Ashford responded well though and hit back via wide midfielder ANNA PROTHEROE, who slotted home from the left after injecting a good short corner ball to make the score 2-1. The game continued at a high pace with the home team showing why they are undefeated by playing some excellent hockey. Ashford held them well though, but after fifteen minutes of play, hard working Ashford midfielder NICKY BENEDICT sustained a calf injury and had to go off for the rest of the game. The Red & Blacks rearranged their midfield and continued to play and combine well, but were unable to grab an equaliser. Near the end of the game PHC Chiswick scored a third goal to make the final score a slightly flattering 3-1. Ashford coach MANDY WAIN and the squad weren’t disheartened by the defeat though as they had given their all in what was a good and fairly close game. Young defender ELINE SIBIA was voted player of the match, but once again the whole team deserved credit for another high standard performance.

Next week the Red & Blacks are at home at 12 noon to Premier League newcomers Eastcote 3rd XI, who have lost their first three games. Coach MANDY WAIN will however ensure that there won’t be any complacency from Ashford and they continue to work hard for each other and to display their much improved team work. Unfortunately though they will probably have to do it without the injured midfield dynamo NICKY BENEDICT.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, S. Smart, J. Bashford, P. Worsfold (Skipper), L. Douglas, A. Protheroe, E. Sibia, K.Taylor, N. Benedict, L. Uttley, S. McGlinley