Ladies League Hockey 29th November 2008
Middlesex Premier

Ashford 1st XI 0 v Eastcote 2nd XI 2

Ashford entertained second in the league side Eastcote 2nd XI Ladies at Short Lane on Saturday. Unfortunately injury and illness Ladies problems prevented regular squad members HAYLEY EAMES, ANNIE NEYTON and JACQUI BASHFORD from playing for Ashford, whilst other regular team members and defenders EMMA HYNES and JACKIE PARSONS were also unavailable. Coach MANDY WAIN therefore brought youngsters ELINE SIBIA and KELLY TAYLOR back into the squad and called up versatile midfielder SARAH SYMES for her first Premier League game of the season. In addition, Far East traveller PHIL WORSFOLD had returned to the UK, and was available to play again for the Red & Blacks.

Eastcote started the game playing with a lot of confidence and knocked the ball around well. However, Ashford rose to the challenge and with youngsters KELLY TAYLOR flourishing in her right sided, midfield role and defender ELINE SIBIA once again doing well up front, the Red & Black’s equalled Eastcote’s standard of play for most of the first half. It was therefore unfortunate that just before the half time the visitors scored from a breakaway goal to take a slightly unjustified 1-0 lead into the half time break.

The second half saw the Red & Blacks dominating the play with the whole team once again playing and combining well. SARAH SYMES in particular made some vital tackles and midfielders NICKY BENEDICT and player of the match, PHIL WORSFOLD were really combining well and creating space and chances for Ashford. Despite the home team being well on top the Eastcote defence remained resolute and Ashford were unable to get the ball in the net. The Red & Blacks kept their form though and battled on until the last minute of the game, but were unable to notch an equaliser. The result thus remained at 1-0 to Eastcote in a game which really should have been a draw. Coach MANDY WAIN was pleased with the team’s performance though despite the defeat. Next week Ashford has a spare League date and will be playing a friendly at home against Wycombe Rye. The Red & Blacks return to League action the following week 13/12/08, when they play their final game of the first half of the season at home, at noon to Mill Hill 1st XI, who are four places below Ashford in the League. Coach MANDY WAIN will be hoping to have a full squad to pick from and that the good work rate and team work shown in this game will continue.

Team; S. Grant (GK), E. Sibia, S.Smart S. Symes, L Young, L. Quinn (Skipper), S. Kenward, N. Benedict, K. Fry, A Protheroe, K Taylor, P Worsfold,