Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

Ladies League Hockey 18^th October 2008
Middlesex Premier

Winchmore Hill & Enfield 1^st XI 2 v Ashford 1^st XI 0

The Red & Blacks had to travel to North London to play seventh in the League team Winchmore Hill & Enfield 1^st XI in their fourth League game of the season last Saturday. Unfortunately Ashford were without experienced players JACKIE PARSONS and ANNIE NEYTON, as well as defender KIM FRY and speedy forward HAYLEY EAMES. They were able to welcome back midfielders PHIL WORFOLD and ANNA PROTHEROE though. In addition, Coach MANDY WAIN called up second XI defenders ELINE SIBIA for her second of the season and KAREN FOWLER for her first; and continued with MARIA CAVILLA and LIV YOUNG upfront. Despite the changes, Ashford combined well to start with but didn’t really show the excellent form and team work of previous games. They seemed unable to utilise the width of the pitch as normal, but did mount several attacks and gained some short corners. They were unable to convert any though. The home team meanwhile were playing some controlled hockey and midway through the first half, one of their attacks led to the first goal. The forwards broke through and although the Red & Blacks keeper SAM GRANT bravely came out to try and thwart the approaching forward, the Winchmore striker slipped it wide of SAM to another waiting forward who slipped home to put Winchmore Hill & Enfield 1-0 up. Ashford battled on with midfielder NICKY BENEDICT amongst others working hard to get some moves going and an Ashford equaliser. The score remained at 1-0 to the home side though until the break.

The second half continued in the same vein and unfortunately Ashford suffered an injury when full back KAREN FOWLER hurt her hand and couldn’t continue. The squad of twelve battled on to try and raise their game and get back into the game. It wasn’t to be though and later in the second half a good shot by a Winchomore striker beat the Red & Blacks keeper SAM GRANT and youngster ANNA PROTHEROE bravely dived across the goal line to try and prevent the goal. Her stop was illegal though and the home team were duly awarded a penalty flick, which was well converted to make the score 2-0 to Winchmore Hill and Enfield. Ashford battled on though and didn’t let their heads drop and despite playing poorly they kept the score at 2-0.

The result means that Ashford 1^st XI move down to second place in the League, with Hampstead & Westminster 2^nd XI moving one point ahead of them. However, Ashford actually play Hampstead & Westminster 2^nd XI at Ashford at noon next Saturday, so the Red & Blacks will have a good chance to get back to their winning ways and regain the top spot.

Team; S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, E. Sibia, K. Fowler, A. Protheroe, M. Cavilla, L. Quinn (Skipper), P. Worsfold, J. Bashford, S. Kenward, S. Smart, N. Benedict, O. Young.