Another draw but Ashford could have had more claims Vice Captain Bashford
Posted by: Wendy in Ashford TV, Club Info, Club News, Hockey, Ladies, Ladies 1st XI, League News, Match Reports
Ashford Ladies 1s League – Home vs Mill Hill, drew 1-1 (Maria Cavilla)
Saturday saw Ashford ladies 1′s face (at the start of the day) league leaders Winchmore Hill and Enfield 1′s. A change to the line up saw Maria Cavalia start up front with Captain Lucy Uttley with Kim Downs playing in the left midfield role. It was also a case of half term “itus” as a number of the team were struggling with various bugs and aches and pains!
Ashford had memories of a bad loss against this team last season, so were determined to play far better. With Jacqui Bashford and Nicky Benedict intending to mark tightly in midfield and a strong back four of Wendy Baker, Kim Fry, Emma Hynes and Sophie Smart, Ashford started the game well. With the push back Maria drove forward and put Hill under pressure. Ashford earned a short corner early on that lead straight to another but the Hill defense cleared. They coped well with the Ashford pressure and passed the ball effectively producing attacking opportunities themselves that resulted in great saves from keeper Sam Grant.
Youngster Rasna Sandhu linked well in midfield, creating more attacking play, with Elize Brown coming on to the forward line. Ashford were forced to absorb a lot of pressure from Hill’s right side of the pitch, but kept them out. Half time saw the score remain at 0-0.
Early on in the second half Ashford conceded a somewhat frustrating goal, with all our team “freeze” when we hoped we had heard a whistle for a Hill foul in the D only for the oppo to play on a put the ball away! Lucy Uttley moved into left midfield and link well with Maria up front but even though Ashford earned a number of shorts and created chances Hill held firm.
Finally with only minutes to go Ashford forced another short corner that Maria converted. Ashford were delighted and with strong defensive play from Tracey Holland and man of the match Kim Fry held onto the 1-1 draw, celebrating much to Hill’s frustration at the end of the game.
Next week sees the half term break, so Ashford are back in action on 5th Nov away to Hampstead and Westminster 4′s.
