Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

Ladies League Hockey 28/11/09

Middlesex Premier

ASHFORD 1st XI 0 v HAMPSTEAD & WESTMINSTER 3rd XI 0

Once again the Ladies first team squad were depleted due to continuing injuries (NICKY BENEDICT & ANNIE NEYTON), three regulars being unavailable (LUCY UTTLEY, KELLY TAYLOR and LOU DOUGLAS), and poor availability throughout the other Ladies sides. This left coach MANDY WAIN with only eleven players to face Hampstead & Westminster third team, at Short Lane on Saturday. Included in the squad for her Premier League full debut was young, versatile defender BRYONY SMITH and making a farewell cameo performance, was former skipper STACEY KENWARD. Second team striker MARIA CAVILLA was also given another run out up front. Despite, the lack of numbers and experience in the squad, the eleven Ashford players grafted well from the start and although a few players were in different positions to normal, some fast, flowing hockey was played. The visitors also played some fluent hockey and both sides were striving hard to find the opening goal as the exciting first half progressed. The deadlock could not be broken by either side though and the score line remained at 0-0 until half time.

After the interval the pattern of play remained the same, with both teams playing some fine, flowing hockey. Youngster BRYONY SMITH was playing extremely well on her debut as were all the Red & Black players, especially STACEY KENWARD who didn’t look ring rusty despite her lack of games this season. Prompted well by stalwart defenders SOPHIE SMART, EMMA HYNES and skipper PHIL WORSFOLD, Ashford did secure a short corner and made numerous forays on the Hampstead & Westminster goal in second half, but stalwart defending by the visitors kept the threatening Ashford forwards at bay and the score remained goal less until the end of the game. Hard working midfielder JACQUI BASHFORD was voted Ashford’s player of the match, in a game where coach MANDY WAIN was pleased by the effort shown by all eleven Red & Black players.

Next Saturday Ashford Ladies only have to make the short journey to Teddington to face Teddington Ladies 3rd XI. Hopefully the Red & Blacks will have more regular squad players available to play in what will be their last League game before the Christmas break, against the team currently three places above them in the League. It will be a tough game, but if the Red & Blacks can play with the same conviction and effort as they did in this match, then they should secure at least a League point and hopefully another win.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, S. Smart, B. Smith, P. Worsfold (Skipper), A. Protheroe, E. Sibia, M. Cavilla, S. McGinley, S. Kenward, J. Bashford

Ladies League Hockey 14/11/09

Middlesex Premier
ASHFORD 1st XI 2 v EASTCOTE 2nd XI 3
On a stormy day off the pitch, Ashford Ladies first team had a few storms on it to weather as well in their home game on Saturday, against second in the League side Eastcote Ladies 2nd XI. After their poor performance the week before everyone was hoping for better this week, and several enforced changes had to be made to the team due to the absence of regulars LOU DOUGLAS, JACQUI BASHFORD, ANNIE NEYTON and the still injured NICKY BENEDICT. In addition, due to poor availability of players throughout the Ladies sides, coach MANDY WAIN could only field a squad of eleven players. Experienced, long time second team striker MARIA CAVILLA was therefore called up for her second first team game of the season and semi-retired, skill full midfielder SARAH SYMES cajoled into playing another game.

Although the game started with the visitors putting on the pressure and showing why they are second in the League, the all round play and spirit of the Red & Blacks shone through and they matched their opponent’s level of endeavour. Ashford were combining well and working for each other once again and although Eastcote scored first, Ashford rallied with an equaliser midway through the first half from hot shot striker SHARON McGLINLEY. A good ball from PHIL WORSFOLD, followed by an ace through ball from SARAH SYMES on the left, was deflected in by the ever alert McGLINLEY. Further attempts on the Eastcote goal followed, with MARIA CAVILLA working particularly hard up front, supplemented well with speedy right flank play of the whippet like youngster KELLY TAYLOR. It wasn’t only the strikers that were performing at their best though as SARAH SYMES prompted things well from the midfield, whilst SOPHIE SMART, EMMA HYNES and Skipper PHIL WORSFOLD were as reliable as ever at the back. Their efforts ensured that the score remained at a very creditable 1-1 at half time.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first and midway through it the Red & Blacks went ahead as youngster LUCY UTTLEY nudged the ball home from close in. SARAH SYMES was again involved and MARIA CAVILLA was also on hand to make sure the ball went over the goal line. A rather disputed equaliser was then scored by Eastcote, when several fouls on an Ashford player outside the D were allowed by the visiting umpire and Eastcote slotted the ball home from the attack to make the score 2-2. Worse was to follow as in literally the last minute of the game Eastcote got a winner from a breakaway. Ashford were all, not surprisingly, very despondent at the change of events, but they should also be very pleased with their much improved all round performance.

Next Saturday Ashford have another early morning game in North London, this time they have to travel to Hendon to play their 1st XI, who are two places below them in the League. It will be a tough game, but if the red & Blacks can play with the same conviction and finesse as they did in this match, then they should secure at least some more League points and hopefully another win.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, S. Smart, S. Symes, P. Worsfold (Skipper), A. Protheroe, E. Sibia, K.Taylor, M. Cavilla, S. McGlinley, L. Uttley

Ladies League Hockey 7/11/09

Middlesex Premier

MILL HILL 1st XI 2 v ASHFORD 1st XI 2

Ashford Ladies first team were still without stalwart midfielder NICKY BENEDICT due to injury for their trip to north London to play Mill Hill 1st XI on Saturday, but otherwise they had they their normal squad of twelve players. The one week break from hockey and the early morning 10.30 am start away from home did not seem to suit the Red & Blacks. They played sluggish hockey from the start, with the home team Mill Hill first team playing a lot better than their bottom of the League position suggested. Despite being under pressure and struggling to find their usual pace and team work, it was Ashford who opened the scoring, when the ever reliable midfielder ANNIE NEYTON put the ball home with a hard straight strike from a short corner injected by ANNA PROTHEROE. The home team continued to dominate the game though and equalised from a penalty flick shortly afterwards. Despite their lack of cohesion Ashford managed to take the lead again before half time via their own penalty flick. It was converted by Skipper PHIL WORSFOLD, who took the responsibility of taking it on her own shoulders, when no one else in the team stepped forward to take it. Although Skipper PHIL had to confirm the rules for taking a stroke with the umpires, she calmly stepped up and stroked the ball low and to right of the Mill Hill goalkeeper to score a rare goal for her and her first penalty flick for Ashford Ladies. Thus despite their continued poor play and the superior play of the home team, the Red & Blacks went into the half time interval 2-1 ahead.

The second half very much followed the pattern of the first as Ashford struggled to lose their lethargic mood, and Mill Hill played the better hockey. It was only the astute goalkeeping of the Ashford keeper SAM GRANT that kept the score line at 2-1 for the third quarter of the game. Mill Hill eventually got their just reward though by notching an equaliser despite SAM GRANT’S sterling efforts. It was a day to forget for Ashford, but at least they secured a point against a team which are obviously beginning to find some good form

Next Saturday the Ladies first team are at home to second in the League team Eastcote 2nd XI, at Short Lane at noon. It will be a tough game, but coach MANDY WAIN will be working hard with the squad in training this week and on Saturday prior to the game, to ensure they are fully prepared for their sixth League game of the season and that if possible the Red & Blacks get back to the something like the form and the performances and fluent team work they displayed in their first four games..

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

Ladies League Hockey 24/10/09
Middlesex Premier
ASHFORD 1st XI 5 v EASTCOTE 3rd XI 1
The Ladies 1st XI were without three of their regular squad, LOU DOUGLAS, LUCY UTTLEY, SHARON McGLINLEY due to unavailability and also midfielder NICKY BENEDICT due to injury, for their fourth League game of the season at home to Eastcote 3rd XI on Saturday. Coach MANDY WAIN therefore called second team striker MARIA CAVILLA, along with veteran midfielder SARAH SYMES and Second Team Coach LAURA QUINN into action, all for their first Premier games of the season. The rearranged Ashford squad struggled at first to get into the game and Eastcote outpaced and out thought them in the opening exchanges of the game, belying their lowly League position. However, a lovely darting run from a very lively ANNIE NEYTON created the first opening for Ashford and brought out a good save from the Eastcote goalkeeper. At the other end of the pitch EMMA HYNES did well to recover when put under heavy pressure by the Eastcote forwards, to clear the ball up field. Shortly after Ashford opened the scoring when the ebullient ANNIE NEYTON drove into the opposition’s 25 and slipped the ball right to JACQUI BASHFORD who slipped the ball back and ANNIE nipped in front of the waiting LAURA QUINN to put the ball in the net and the Red & Blacks 1-0 up. Not unexpectedly the goal boosted Ashford’s confidence and they started to combine well and utilise the flanks well, especially down the right. A second goal for Ashford followed shortly after set up by youngster KELLY TAYLOR on the right, and once again ANNIE NEYTON nipped in to put the ball home ahead of the loitering LAURA QUINN. Despite being 2-0 up the Red & Blacks weren’t totally firing on all cylinders, and goalkeeper SAM GRANT made a good save when she was called into action. Another Ashford attack followed shortly after and a third goal looked a certainty as both MARIA CAVILLA and SARAH SYMES fired in shots and followed up on the rebounds, as the ball rattled back and for between them and the Eastcote keeper, but somehow the goalkeeper eventually got the ball clear to thwart the Red & Blacks. Five minutes before half time Ashford did get their a third goal though, when yet another good run by KELLY TAYLOR on the right set up JACQUI BASHFORD, who calmly placed the ball in the back of the net with a gentle shot to make the score 3-0 to Ashford.

Eastcote applied further pressure at the start of the second half, but goals from MARIA CAVILLA and SARAH SYMES helped to secure the victory for Ashford. MARIA’S goal was from open play, whilst SARAH’S was from a well worked short corner, which ANNA PROTHEROE injected, SARAH slipped right to KELLY TAYLOR who slipped it back to SARAH who hit it home from the penalty spot. In between the Red & Blacks had other chances and played well as a team, but failed to convert their moves into further goals. Eastcote notched their only goal of the game between the Ashford goals, following a mix up in the Ashford defence. There are no League fixtures for Ashford Ladies first; second and third teams next weekend due to the school holiday, but the fourth team has a rearranged League game away to PHC Chiswick 5th XI. The next 1st XI game is on 7/11/09 when they have to travel to Mill Hill to play their 1st XI, who have as yet, not won a League game.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, S. Smart, J. Bashford, P. Worsfold (Skipper), L.Quinn, A. Protheroe, E. Sibia, K.Taylor, S. Symes, M. Cavilla, A. Neyton

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

ASHFORD 1st XI 2 v WEST HAMPSTEAD 2nd XI 0

11/10/09
West Hampstead 2nd XI provided the opposition for Ashford Ladies 1st XI at Short Lane on Saturday, when the Red & Blacks were playing their second league game of the new season.
Ashford welcomed back young defender ELINE SIBIA to the squad after illness and they were without experienced striker SHARON McGLINLEY, otherwise they were at full strength. Coach MANDY WAIN has been working hard with the squad in training on basic skills and good team work, and it showed as the whole team combined well and produced some exciting fluid hockey from the very start of the game. Each player seemed to have an extra yard of pace from last week’s game and they were all working hard for each other. NICKY BENEDICT in midfield was creating havoc for the visitors with her skilful probing runs, whilst defenders LOU DOUGLAS, EMMA HYNES, ELINE SIBIA, SOPHIE SMART, skipper PHIL WORSFOLD and goalkeeper SAM GRANT dealt easily with the few attacks the visitors tried to make. Young midfielders KELLY TAYLOR and ANNA PROTHEROE were also playing some very creative hockey down either flank, whilst ANNIE NEYTON was as speedy and as thrusting as ever. Up front squad newcomer LUCY UTTLEY was showing her lightening speed and skills, whilst JACQUI BASHFORD was perpetually probing and gathering as always. Not surprisingly, the Red & Blacks soon took the lead and it was defender LOU DOUGLAS who opened the scoring, when she slap hit the ball into the net to score her first ever goal for Ashford from a well worked short corner routine. Further good team work put Ashford clearly on top and another goal for the Red & Blacks followed shortly before half time and it was a brilliant one. Defender EMMA HYNES picked up the ball wide on the Ashford 25 yard line and delivered an excellent sweeping through ball to LUCY UTTLEY near the half way line. In one swift movement, LUCY controlled the ball and sped past the oncoming defender and accelerated goal wards, neatly by passing another defender and around the advancing West Hampstead goalkeeper to calmly slot the ball home and put Ashford deservedly 2-0 up.

The second half saw Ashford continuing to control the play, with all the team still combining well, playing some simple, but very effective hockey, and creating numerous chances. However, try as they might, despite gaining many short corners, the Red & Blacks were unable to add to their goal tally. The visitors then belatedly created a few chances of their own, but Ashford keeper SAM GRANT sprang into action to cope with them easily. In the final quarter of the game, the Red & Blacks again turned on the style and finished on a high note by again dominating play. The Red & Blacks nearly got a third shortly before the final whistle, and LOU DOUGLAS her second goal, when she cracked a screamer of a shot from a short corner, but was blown up for dangerous play. KELLY TAYLOR was voted Player of the Match, with several players getting votes as the whole team had performed very, very well and coach MANDY WAIN was extremely pleased with their display. Next week the Red & Blacks travel to Hammersmith to face early League leaders PHC Chiswick 1st XI at the West London Stadium and they will be hoping to continue to play with the flair, skill and confidence displayed on Saturday.

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, A.Neyton

Unfortunately at present we are still unable to resolve the on-going problems we have with installing the AHC Fixture List for the coming season on this website. Copies of the start times for most matches are available via the AHC and related Clubs sites on Fixtures Live (www.fixtureslive.com) and there is a link available to this website on the ‘Links’ tab above. They are also displayed on the Club Notice Board. We will endeavour to get things sorted out ASAP.

Ladies League Hockey 3/10/09
Middlesex Premier
ASHFORD 1st XI 1 v WINCHMORE HILL & ENFIELD 1st XI 2
For their opening game of the 2009/10 season Ashford Ladies 1st XI were at home to long time north London rivals Winchmore Hill & Enfield 1st XI. Ashford were able to welcome back LOUISE DOUGLAS to their squad after her three years away at University. However, due to the loss of stalwart 1st XI player and long time sweeper JACKIE PARSONS, along with sharp shooter LIV YOUNG, Ashford coach MANDY WAIN had to alter her team and several players positions. The squad had been training together for several weeks now though and had played one friendly game to get used to not only their new positions and players, but also the new hockey rules. The late withdrawal due to illness of young defender ELINE SIBIA meant that MANDY had to further readjust the defence just before the game.

The Red & Blacks started the game quite sprightly with midfielder NICKY BENEDICT going on an exciting run on goal. This was followed up by a good break setting up speedy youngster LUCY UTTLEY, who skillfully dribbled into the circle, but was unable to get round the visitors goalkeeper. Several more Ashford attacks were contained by a solid Winchmore Hill & Enfield defence, who were settling in well after a slightly slow start and they created several attacks of their own. Ashford defenders LOU DOUGLAS and new skipper PHIL WORSFOLD amongst others had to put in some timely tackles to prevent the visitors scoring. As the half moved on the visitors gained several short corners, but the nimble Ashford keeper SAM GRANT brought off some good saves to keep them at bay. Good runs by wide midfielder KELLY TAYLOR, midfielder NICKY BENEDICT and Striker LUCY UTTLEY were the response from Ashford before half time, but the Red & Blacks were not able to finish their moves off with a goal and the team generally were struggling to find a true rhythm and sharpness to their play. Their troubles were further heightened when shortly before the interval, the ever reliable defender EMMA HYNES got a nasty blow to her ankle and had to go off for treatment.

The second half saw Winchmore Hill & Enfield taking the initiative and somewhat dominating the play and Ashford were lucky to keep the score at 0-0 when the visitors failed to convert an excellent chance in the thirteenth minute of the half. Their continued pressure told not long after though when despite a good save from another visitors short corner by Red & Blacks goalkeeper SAM GRANT and a stop on the line by PHIL WORSFOLD, the visitors got the ball home to take a 1-0 lead. The goal seemed to spur Ashford into action and they attacked well for a short while and gained a short corner which youngster LUCY UTTLEY converted to make the scores level. However, Ashford were unable to maintain their momentum and ten minutes from the end of the game Winchmore Hill & Enfield got the winner following some confusion in the Ashford defence. The last part ten minutes of play saw Ashford battling to keep the score at 2-1 and to find the fluent team work they had previously had. The squad worked hard though and defender EMMA HYNES bravely battled on during the second half despite her injury and helped to keep the score at 2-1. Next week the Red & Blacks are at home again this time to West Hampstead 2nd XI and the team will be hoping to collect their first League points of the season.

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

Summer training for members of the Ladies senior sides starts on Tuesday 14th July at 8pm and will last one hour. Sessions will be run by Mandy and take place on the hard play area as last year and will continue on every Tuesday evening until the end of August. All current and new palyers very welcome.

Ladies League Hockey 4/4/09
Middlesex Premier

HAMPSTEAD & WESTMINSTER 2nd XI 4 v ASHFORD 1st XI 1

For their final League game of the season, Ashford ladies 1st XI had to travel once again into London to take on the newly crowned League Champions, Hampstead & Westminster 2nd XI. The Ashford squad was minus key regulars EMMA HYNES, STACEY KENWARD and NICKY BENEDICT, and coach MANDY WAIN welcomed back Kiwi defender KIM FRY and brought up youngster LUCY UTTLEY to complement her squad of players. Anticipating a hard game against the all conquering Champions, the Red & Blacks played a new formation of five in midfield in a W formation, with a lone striker and one wide player up front. In almost summer conditions, Ashford started well on the slightly bumpy water based pitch. The extra midfield players bedded down quickly to their new roles and the opposition were finding it hard to break through. Hampstead and Westminster did however gain a short corner fairly early on in the game which they struck wide of the post. The Red & Blacks were playing some good attacking hockey as well though and the home team were finding it difficult to deal with and were unsure who they should mark to stem the flow of the Red & Blacks attacks. After fifteen minutes play the speedy and exciting skills of the Red & Blacks youngsters LUCY UTTLEY and KELLY TAYLOR saw them combining well and breaking through the Hampstead & Westminster defence on the half way line, to set up “on form” striker LIV YOUNG on the 25 yard line. LIV controlled the through pass well and drove into the circle and calmly slotted the ball home past the advancing keeper to put the Red & Blacks deservedly 1-0 up. Not surprisingly the home team hit back with venom, but defender KIM FRY and goalkeeper SAM GRANT defended resolutely when one of their forwards found herself with a chance almost on the Ashford goal line. Ashford nearly went two up after twenty two minutes of play when LIV YOUNG again showed her prowess in front of goal, but was just unable to get her feet round to finish the move off. As half time approached Hampstead and Westminster secured an equaliser from a well worked short corner and then on the stroke of half time went somewhat undeservedly ahead by 2 goals to one following a good through ball.

The second half saw Ashford again on the attack, but after five minutes of play the home team got a breakaway goal to go 3-1 up. The Red & Blacks kept going though and shortly after, a beautiful strike from a short corner by JACKIE PARSONS went only a fraction wide of the near post. As the game progressed the heat and pressure from the home team began to tire Ashford and with five minutes left of the game Hampstead & Westminster got a fourth goal to make the final score a somewhat flattering 4-1 to them. Although Ashford didn’t gain any points from the game, it was a solid performance using the new formation and they can be pleased with their sixth position in the League out of eleven teams, which is an improvement of the eighth position they finished in last season. Unfortunately the successful squad will be losing two regular players before next season with LIV YOUNG departing for University. In addition, long time star player JACKIE PARSONS is threatening retirement from the game she has played and graced with style and an abundance of skill since her formative years. They will both be missed and difficult to replace in many ways.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Sibia, J.Bashford, P.Worsfold (Skipper), A. Protheroe, K. Fry, J.Parsons, L.Young, K.Taylor, L Uttley, S Smart, A.Neyton, T Holland

Ladies League Hockey 28/3/09

Middlesex Premier

MILL HILL 1st XI 2 v ASHFORD 1st XI 4
For their eighteenth game of the season Ashford Ladies 1st XI traveled to north London to play the team three places below them in the league, Mill Hill Ladies 1st XI. The squad was minus key defenders EMMA HYNES and KIM FRY, and with the three other Ashford Ladies sides having key games League to play, coach MANDY WAIN only took a squad of twelve players. The one week break from League action, early morning match start time of 10.30 am, along with the journey round the M40, all seemed to take their toll on the Red & Blacks as they found themselves 2-0 down after only ten minutes of play. Whilst Mill Hill ladies started the game in a fairly spritely manner, Ashford were playing a bit like statues and with a few players playing out of position, mistakes were made and they deserved to go behind. The two goal deficit spurred Ashford into life though and they started firing on all four cylinders for the first time in the match. One goal was pulled back by the Red & Blacks after another ten minutes or so of play, when veteran sweeper JACKIE PARSONS fired in her first goal of the game from a penalty corner. The on form Ashford striker LIV YOUNG then followed up with an equaliser from open play to make the score even at 2-2. Further determined play saw the Red & Blacks take control of the game and the speedy stick skills and ferocious strikes of JACKIE PARSONS saw her secure her second goal of the game to put the Red & blacks 3-2 ahead shortly before half time.

The second half turned out to be a bit of a midfield battle, with the Red & Blacks restricting Mill Hill’s forays on goals, yet not making too many of their own. Part way through the half an accidental clash of heads between young Ashford full back ELINE SIBIA and one of the Mill Hill forwards, left ELINE feeling rather groggy and with a lump on her forehead the size of a large egg. Although she tried to play on, ELINE had to be substituted and given time to recover. Ashford’s rhythm of play was not to effected by the enforced change though and their superiority eventually showed through when LIV YOUNG got her second goal of the game from a well worked short corner to make the final score 4-2 to the Red & Blacks. The ever dependable SOPHIE SMART, who had moved from her regular left back position to fill in at centre back for the missing EMMA HYNES, played her usual solid game, as did keeper SAM GRANT amongst others. However, it was the dynamic running combined with the two goals, deft stick control and skills of young forward LIV YOUNG that shone the brightest on the day and she was deservedly voted the player of the match. Coach MANDY WAIN was pleased with the come back and spirit shown by her team as they continue their chase the fifth position spot in the League.

Next week for their penultimate game of the season, the Red & Blacks have to travel away again, this time to Paddington to face runaway League leaders Hampstead & Westminster 2nd XI. The game is being played in the afternoon and coach MANDY WAIN should have a full squad to pick from and will be hoping the team will be on their toes and ready to play from the off.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Sibia, J.Bashford, P.Worsfold S.Kenward (Skipper), A. Protheroe, J.Parsons, L.Young, K.Taylor, N. Benedict, S Smart, A.Neyton

Ladies League Hockey 10 & 14/3/09

Middlesex Premier
ASHFORD 1st XI 2 v TEDDINGTON 3rd XI 4
On Tuesday 10/3/09, the Ladies 1st XI made Ashford history when they played their first ever midweek, floodlit Middlesex League game. The opposition were local rivals Teddington 3rd XI, who are just above the Red & Blacks in the League Table. In an extremely fast flowing game, against a very strong Teddington squad, Ashford went behind twice in the first half, but pulled back on both occasions to equalise. The goals were both good individual efforts by youngsters KELLY TAYLOR, who netted after a very strong run on the right and the ever improving LUCY UTTLEY who neatly scored with a reverse stick flick. The second half continued at a high pace, but the strength in depth of Teddington’s fifteen strong squad eventually wore down the brave performance by the Red & Blacks and the visitors scored two more goals to make the final score 4-2 to Teddington, with Helen Quinn scoring all four.

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

EASTCOTE 2ndXI 3 v ASHFORD 1st XI 1 14/3/09
For their second game of the week Ashford Ladies 1st XI traveled to Eastcote to play Eastcote 2nd XI who are currently second in the League, with fourteen wins from the seventeen games they had played before Saturday’s game. Coach MANDY WAIN kept a similar squad to that that played against Teddington, but was without experienced midfield dynamo NICKY BENEDICT, but could welcome back the other experienced nonstop midfielder cum striker ANNIE NEYTON and Skipper STACEY KENWARD. In warm conditions, on a recently relayed and slightly bouncy pitch, it was the home team who settled first and attacked Ashford from the off. The Red & Blacks did manage a few forays into the Eastcote half with LIV YOUNG doing well against a well organised Eastcote defence. Generally though Ashford seemed rather sluggish in their play and were letting the home team dictate play somewhat and goalkeeper SAM GRANT did well to execute two diving saves to prevent shots from two Eastcote short corners in a row, despite being hit in the back by a clearance from one of her own Ashford defenders! After twenty minutes of play Ashford managed to be more creative and gained a short corner which they unfortunately failed to convert. They kept up the pressure though, and created another opening when a good through ball found LIV YOUNG on the twenty five yard line and she sped into the Eastcote D and hit a fine shot that the Eastcote keeper did well to save, and despite a good follow up by the ever alert JAQUI BASHFORD, Ashford were unable to slot the rebound home. Further pressure by the home side saw them gain some more short corners and the ever reliable EMMA HYNES did well to clear the lines for Ashford on a couple of occasions. Just before half time both teams had short corners, which neither converted, but Eastcote managed to snatch a goal from open play when their main goal poacher pounced on a deflection from Ashford sweeper JACKIE PARSONS to slip the ball home by the right hand post. JACKIE PARSONS then came to Ashford’s rescue on the stroke of half time when she cleared a good Eastcote strike from another short cornet off the line.

The second half saw the Red & Blacks up the pace somewhat and take the game much more to Eastcote. Again Ashford had to defend a lot and goalkeeper SAM GRANT made some more solid saves from difficult shots, but Ashford let in two rather simple goals to allow the visitors a 3-0 lead. Near the end of the game there was some consolation for Ashford when the eloquent ANNIE NEYTON thundered home from a good JACQUI BASHFORD cross to make the final score 3-1.

Team: S Grant (GK), E. Hynes, E Sibia, J. Bashford, P. Worsfold S. Kenward (Skipper), A. Protheroe, J.Parsons, L. Young, K. Taylor, K Fry. S Smart, A Neyton

Ladies League Hockey 7/3/09
Middlesex Premier

ASHFORD 1st XI 1 v HAMPSTEAD & WESTMINSTER 3rd XI 0
Ashford had another home League game on Saturday, when their visitors were the team directly below them in the League Hampstead & Westminster 3rd XI. Squad stalwarts ANNIE NEYTON and SOPHIE SMART were both unfortunately late withdrawals due to illness, but coach MANDY WAIN was able to welcome back former skipper LAURA QUINN for her first run out in 2009, and current skipper STACEY KENWARD. The game started in almost spring like conditions and likewise the Red & Blacks also had a spring in their step and play and dominated from the start. The youngsters, namely ANNA PROTHEROE, ELINE SIBIA, KELLY TAYLOR, and LIV YOUNG were especially spritely and played with a maturity beyond their years. Despite this, the Red & Blacks were unable to turn their domination into goals, even though they gained numerous short corners and their practised routines were going well. Gradually the north London visitors started to play themselves into the game and created their own chances as well as defending well against the bubbly and mobile Ashford strikers and midfield dynamos. The Ashford superiority eventually told though as following another short corner injected well by ANNA PROTHEROE, regular striker JACKIE PARSONS hit another demon shot that was parried well by the visitor’s goalkeeper. However, the ever alert ANNA PROTHEROE was once again be on hand to put the ball away and notch her fifth goal of the season, and second in two weeks, to put the Red & Blacks ahead after approximately thirty minutes of play.

The second half was similar to the first, with some good open play from both teams and Ashford’s team work showing to the fore once again. When Hampstead & Westminster did attack, the young Ashford full back pairing of ANNA PROTHEROE (who was playing out of position) and ELINE SIBIA, guided by the experienced and skill full play of sweeper JACKIE PARSONS and ever reliable EMMA HYNES dealt with the pressure and onslaughts well. Unfortunately despite the efforts of the whole team and the effervescent LIV YOUNG, KELLY TAYLOR and others up front, the Red & Blacks were unable to add to their goal tally. Thus for the second week running, Ashford goal minder SAM GRANT kept a clean sheet and the hard working squad notched up another one nil victory with an excellent display of team work. The ever improving youngster KELLY TAYLOR was deservedly voted Player of the Match for her numerous fast, penetrating runs down the right, which helped open up the visitors defence for Ashford.

The Red & Blacks have two matches this week, firstly on Tuesday night they play local rivals Teddington 3rd XI, who are one point ahead and one place above Ashford in the league, at Short Lane at 8.15pm. Then next Saturday (14/3/09) they travel to Eastcote to play Eastcote Ladies 2nd XI, who are currently lying second in the League and challenging strongly for promotion to the South League. It will be a tough week for Mandy Wain’s squad, but their excellent team spirit and work rate on and off the pitch should see them gain some more League points and hopefully move up the table from their current fifth position to fourth in the League.

Team; S Grant (GK), E. Hynes, E Sibia, J. Bashford, N. Benedict, P. Worsfold S. Kenward (Skipper), A. Protheroe, J.Parsons, L. Young, K. Taylor. L. Quinn

Ladies League Hockey 28/2/09
Middlesex Premier
ASHFORD 1st XI 1 v HARROW 2nd XI 0
In only their fourth game of 2009, Ashford Ladies 1st XI entertained the team second from bottom of the League, Harrow 2nd XI at Short Lane on Saturday. Ashford were still missing two of their regular squad, but were able to welcome back defenders EMMA HYNES and SOPHIE SMART, midfielders ANNA PROTHEROE and NICKY BENEDICT and Coach MANDY WAIN brought in young 2nd XI midfielder LUCY UTTLEY for her 1st team debut.
The game started with Ashford attacking from the off and creating chances with JACQUI BASHFORD and LIV YOUNG looking particularly threatening, but Harrow easily cleared their lines and thwarted the early attacks. After ten minutes of play the Red & Blacks gained their first short corner, but JACKIE PARSONS wasn’t able to get a shot in and similarly when Ashford got another short corner shortly afterwards, they were unable to find their usual rhythm with their well practised routines. After twelve minutes of play though the ever running JACQUI BASHFORD was put clean through and she neatly dribbled round the Harrow keeper, but with the goal wide open her final shot went just wide of the far post. Ashford followed up with two more short corners, the second of which saw JACKIE PARSONS shot going just wide. A Harrow counter attack was then well thwarted by the nimble Ashford keeper SAM GRANT. After fifteen minutes of play Coach MANDY WAIN brought on strikers ANNIE NEYTON and debutant youngster LUCY UTTLEY, whose direct running styles caused further problems for the Harrow defenders. ANNIE NEYTON firstly got a neat shot in after a driving run down the right, whilst LUCY UTTLEY combined well with midfielders NICKY BENEDICT and ANNA PROTHEROE to create more chances. In defence Ashford stalwarts SOPHIE SMART and EMMA HYNES both made good clearances following a couple of Harrow short corners. As the half drew to a close, the nimble LIV YOUNG saw her shot from a short corner cleared on the line, but a flowing move shortly after saw LUCY UTTLEY setting up ANNA PROTHEROE with an easy goal opportunity and ANNA duly slotted the ball home to put the Red & Blacks 1-0 up. Ashford quickly pressed for a second goal and a fine cross from ANNIE NEYTON on the right saw a good shot by JACQUI BASHFORD go just wide and so the score remained at 1-0 until half time.

In the early stages of the second half Ashford were the more dominant side, but they were still not really firing on all cylinders and although they had numerous chances to add to their goal tally, the Harrow goalkeeper, who improved as the game wore on, kept them at bay. The visitors counter attacked on several occasions and should have equalised when one of their forwards was presented with an open goal, but contrived to put the ball wide. As the half progressed, the Red & Blacks secured several more short corners, but their technique was still not right and none were converted. Ashford kept going though and with youngsters ELINE SIBIA and KELLY TAYLOR combining well on the right and the midfield functioning better, they nearly got their second when good team work set up ANNIE NEYTON, whose fine strike was once again saved by the talented Harrow goalkeeper. Despite the efforts of both teams, no further goals were scored in the second half and game ended with as a 1-0 victory for the Red & Blacks. The win moves Ashford back up to fifth place in the League and next week they are home, and play the team in ninth place, namely Hampstead & Westminster 3rd XI and Coach MANDY WAIN will be looking for another three points and more goals being scored by the Red & Blacks.
Team; S Grant (GK), E. Hynes, E Sibia, S. Smart, J. Bashford, N. Benedict, P. Worsfold (Skipper), A. Protheroe, J.Parsons, L. Young, A. Neyton, K. Taylor, L. Uttley