30/11/08
Wimbledon U18 0 v Ashford U18 2
Match report written by Eline Sibia
With the disappointing defeat of last season strong in the minds of the U18 Ashford girls, they faced Wimbledon determined to win. With coach LAURA QUINN unable to make the game, the team had the extra incentive to make her proud. The first half showed that the U18’s weren’t about to let the Wimbledon girls walk all over them, with 3 attacking short corners, it was unlucky that none of them developed into a goal. Wimbledon did succeed in getting a break, which ended in a short corner but the fast running of ANNA PROTHEROE and a great deflection from goal-keeper SARAH STEDFORD stopped the opposition from scoring. The rest of the first half showed great balls down the line and some lovely passes particularly from new-girl EMILY REED, BECKY HEWES and MEGAN CONELL. The end of the first half came quickly with the score 0-0.
After a quick chat from manager ALISON BOXELL the team was fired up for the continuation of the match. The U18’s were quick to start and the second half brought the first goal of the match as EMILY REED dribbled past numerous players and took a hard strike at goal, which was sure to go in but at last second the goal-keeper stepped in to prevent it, luckily NIKKI CROXON got a tap in and the Reds were up 1-0. Little did they know the drama that was about to occur, as skipper KIRSTY HULL managed to get a team green for some unfortunate tackles which only seconds later, resulted in a yellow card for what mistaken as sarcasm and back-chat, by the umpire. With only 10 players the girls batted bravely on, with one of LAURA QUINN’s favourite quotes drilled in their minds ‘Attack is the best form of defence’ the girls managed to keep the play mostly in the Wimbledon half. Just after the skipper had been allowed to return, Ashford was awarded a short-corner. KIRSTY HULL injected it to ANNA PROTHEROE who smashed the ball, in what can only be described as a scorcher in the corner, making the score 2-0. The girls did not allow the score affect their play as they carried on in the same fashion. Some brilliant play between KELLY TAYLOR, EMILY REED and NIKKI CROXON meant there were some more chances in the semi-circle but the score was to remain 2-0 when the final whistle went. Overall there was some great hockey and despite the rain, it was enjoyable to play.
