Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

Ashford Scorers:
Bex Griffiths

Due to a leaving party for one of the 1st XI regulars and a hen party for one of the 2nd XI, Ashford had to make a lot of changes to their squad for the home game on Saturday against fellow strugglers Hampstead & Westminster 2nd XI. HANNAH GIBBS and MARIA CAVILLA were introduced to the squad to make their South League debuts and LISA CUNNINGHAM was called up for only her second game of the season. Moreover, first team regulars KATIE GREENE and ANNIE NEYTON were both making a welcome return to the Ashford midfield. In sunny conditions, it was the visitors who started the game better, but despite gaining several short corners in the opening exchanges, they did not capitalise on any of them. As the game progressed neither side could find their rhythm and the hockey remained goal less and rather messy. In the second quarter of the game, it was the visitors who continued to get most of the attacking moves in though. It was therefore just as well for the Red & Blacks that goalkeeper LIV SUTTON, and ever reliable defenders DANI BROUGH and ANNA PROTHORE and EMMA HYNES remained firm under the pressure. Slowly towards the end of the half, the direct running and silky stick work skills of Ashford midfielders KATIE GREENE and ANNIE NEYTON, started to create a few chances for the home side, but the score remained at a stalemate 0-0 at half time.

In the second half Ashford continued to try hard, but despite their efforts it was the visitors who opened the scoring when they fired from a short corner after four minutes of play. The Red & Blacks didn’t let their spirits drop though and after 10 minutes of the half, evergreen midfielder ANNIE NEYTON hit an excellent, defence splitting cross from wide on the left, right across the visitor’s goalmouth. Ashford veteran striker BEX GRIFFITHS was on hand on the far post, to meet the ball and direct home for the equalised from close in. The goal encouraged Ashford and they did secure a couple of short corners, and although they moved the ball around well, they were unable to get any goal threatening shots in. It was the visitors who then pressed hard in the last quarter of the game to try to notch the winning goal, but Ashford coach BOB THORNALLEY utilised her substitutes well as both teams tired. In addition, the Ashford player of the match, the ever improving goalkeeper LIV SUTTON, played stoutly throughout and thwarted many of the visitor’s shots with some reliable kicking and nimble saves. The score therefore remained at 1-1 until the final whistle and Ashford celebrated deservedly earning their first League point of the season.

Next Saturday Ashford travel to Banbury for a tough game against the fifth placed team, in what will be their penultimate game of the season and also probably in the South League.

Team:
O Sutton (GK), D Brough, E Hynes, S Kenward, A Protheroe, J Smith (Captain), H Gibbs, M Cavilla, A Neyton, O Young, K Greene, E Ashford-Hodges, B Griffiths, L Cunningham

Ashford yet again had to make some last minute changes to their team before travelling to Oxfordshire to play an in-form Henley 1st XI last Saturday. ELLIE ASHFORD-HUGHES and coach HELEN THORNALLEY had to be drafted in, the latter making her first appearance of the season. However, the Red & Blacks were able to welcome back regulars EMMA HYNES, ANNA PROTHEROE and SUNNY POTTAY.

The morning game started well for Ashford and they gained a short corner within two minutes of the initial push back. Specialist striker JACKIE PARSONS got in a well struck shot from the corner, which the home team parried out to Ashford youngster LIV YOUNG, but her follow-up shot was easily cleared. Henley quickly then got into their stride with several quick attacks and Red & Blacks keeper, LIV SUTTON coped well with their initial shots, whilst after 10 minutes of play the evergreen Ashford defender CLAIRE BRANT, coolly cleared a goal bound Henley thunderbolt short corner strike off the goal line. After 16 minutes of play the direction of the game changed, when following an unintentional foul by an Ashford defender in the Ashford D, Henley were surprisingly awarded a penalty flick, which they duly converted to open the scoring. Whilst Ashford were still recovering from the flick, the home team added a second goal from a short corner to make the score 2-0. Ashford then managed to get a bit more into the game, with defenders CLARE BRANT, JACKIE PARSONS and ANNA PROTHOROE all working particularly hard to create some attacking moves; and it was unfortunate that the visitors managed to add a third goal just before half time, following a good individual forward dribble by one of the Henley strikers.

Ashford struck back at the start of the second half and created a chance for DANI BROUGH, but her strong flick rose over the goal and back fence of the ground, rather than in the back of the Henley net. Ashford then had a player rather harshly sin binned for 10 minutes, after she inquired why a decision against Ashford had been given. This seemed to spark the home team into action and they combined well to score a trio of very well taken goals to put their victory beyond doubt and the score at 6-0. The Red &Blacks didn’t give up though and youngster LIV YOUNG was unlucky not to be able to convert an opportunity she had from close in shortly afterwards. The closing minutes of the game saw Henley score two more well worked goals to make the final score a convincing 8-0.

There is no doubt that third placed Henley thoroughly deserved their win and scored some excellent goals in both halves of the game. The disappointing aspects of the match were that Ashford failed to convert either of the chances they created and the poor standard of umpiring. Next Saturday Ashford are at home to fellow strugglers Hampstead & Westminster 2nd XI at noon, in what is a vitally important game for the visitors.

Team:
O Sutton (GK), D Brough, E Hynes, S Kenward, A Protheroe, J Parsons, C Brant, J Smith (Captain), O Young, E Ashford-Hodges, H Thornalley, S Pottay

Ashford Scorers:
Jackie Parsons

Due to illness and lack of availability throughout the Club, the Ladies 1st XI had only eleven players in their line up for their home game v Wycombe Rye on Saturday.

ANNIE NEYTON returned to the team, which also welcomed back full back HILARY HULL, although they were without regular defenders ANNA PROTHEROE and EMMA HYNES, as well as striker SUNNY POTTAY. The Red & Blacks started the game strongly and got a long corner in the opening minutes, but were unable to score from it. Almost straight after the visitors went up the other end and opened the scoring from a simply taken goal. They followed it up three minutes later with a hard cross to the far post which was again simply converted, to put the visitors 2-0 up. Ashford pressed back though and shortly afterwards gained their first short corner of the game, but they did not get their practiced moves right and failed to convert it. Although the Red & Blacks continued to try, they were unable to find the fluid form of last few weeks and the visitors started to dominate more, and midway through the first half only a goal line clearance saved Ashford from going 3-0 down. Wycombe continued pressure did eventually tell though when on twenty six minutes they scored from close in following a short corner. They then added another when a long cross from the left, was hit home from close in on the right. The 4-0 score line slightly flattered the visitors though and two minutes later and, just before half time, Ashford pulled one back. A well delivered short corner by STACEY KENWARD was well controlled on the edge of the D by JACKIE PARSONS and slipped to KATIE GREENE on the right, who slipped the ball back to JACKIE who fiercely fired home from close in.

The goal seemed to spur Ashford on and they played a lot better in the opening half of the second half as they worked the ball round the pitch skilfully, whilst goalkeeper LIV SUTTON ably dealt with any Wycombe attacks. The midfield had started to combine better and their varied play, brought the front runners more into the game more. The Red & Blacks were unable to convert their pressure into goals though and after one unsuccessful goalmouth attack, Wycombe broke swiftly and opened up the Ashford defence quickly to notch their fifth goal of the game, and take an unassailable 5-1 lead. Both teams tired in the last quarter of the game, but Ashford continued to work hard and were slightly unlucky to be on the end of another heavy defeat.

Next Saturday Ashford are away to Henley 1st XI, which will be another tough game for them. However, if they can maintain their better form and fight, coach BOB THORNALLEY is hoping they can get a result.

Team:
O Sutton (GK), D Brough, K Greene, S Kenward, H Hull, J Parsons, C Brant, J Smith, (Captain), O Young, L Samouel, A Neyton.

Ashford made the short journey to Teddington to play the third in the table Teddington Ladies 1st XI on Saturday. Ashford Coach BOB THORNALLEY decided to play with a lone striker up front, with two support players, and the rest of the midfield, defenders and two full backs playing a more forward role, leaving sweeper JACKIE PARSONS and goalkeeper LIV SUTTON to deal with any breakaway attacks. In sunny conditions Ashford started well and played some of their best hockey of the season, with the whole team working hard and combining well, they matched the home side in all areas of play and areas of the pitch. Up front LIV YOUNG did well, ably supported by the hard working and running LAURA SAMOUELS and SUNNAY POTTAY and prompted by the creative KATIE GREENE. The Red & Blacks good play secured them several short corners and they went close on several occasions. Likewise, Teddington also had several short corners, but young, speedy Ashford defender ANNA PROTHEROE managed to get out quickly and block several of them and keeper LIV SUTTON dealt very capably with any remaining shots. The first half really was an exciting, even affair and whilst the 0-0 score at half time was almost a fair reflection of the play, Ashford were marginally ahead on territorial advantage.

The second half saw Ashford continuing to play above themselves with the players on the left flank doing especially well. Dynamic and determined play by STACEY KENWARD was matched by some resolute defending and creative passing from the evergreen CLAIRE BRANT, both being ably supported by full back EMMA HYNES; who was working wonders at the back and playing her best ever game in an Ashford shirt. All the team were performing well though and matching Teddington, in what was a fluid and flowing game in the first part of the second half. During the last quarter of the match, the home team slowly started to dominate slightly, and secured a batch of almost consecutive short corners, but the Ashford keeper LIV SUTTON continued to play extremely well to keep them at bay, and defender EMMA HYNES also saved the day on several occasions. The whole team continued to work hard in the hot conditions, combining well with each other, helping to relieve the pressure and create some attacks of their own. Ashford were literally seconds away from their first point and clean sheet of the season, when Teddington were awarded a slightly fortunate short corner, which despite the final whistle of the game having been blown, their were entitled to take. The resulting fine shot was saved on the line by an Ashford foot, and Teddington scored from the resulting penalty flick, with literally the last strike of the game. Even in defeat the Ashford team and supporters were buoyant by their performance, which Coach BOB THORNALLEY rated as one of their best in their two years of playing in the South League. Next Saturday Ashford are at home at noon to Wycombe Rye 1st XI, who are only two places above them in the league. If the Red & Blacks can maintain this form, the goal and points will surely come.

Team:
O Sutton (GK), D Brough, A Protheroe, K Greene, S Kenward, E Hynes, J Parsons, C Brant, J Smith, (Captain), O Young, L Samouel, S Pottay.

In excellent conditions at Short lane on Saturday, Ashford 1st XI entertained near neighbours Staines in the only Ashford Ladies League game of the weekend. Defender HILARY HULL and midfielder SAM KENDALL were making their first appearances for the Red & Blacks first team squad in 2007, whilst LIV SUTTON in goal was making her second. Ashford Coach BOB THORNALLEY decided that Ashford should play a more attacking format in an attempt to end their four game goal drought. Defender DANI BROUGH was given a more attacking role and sweeper JACKIE PARSONS more freedom to move forward. The new formation seemed to suit Ashford and they matched Staines in all areas of the pitch in the opening ten minutes of play. It was the visitors though who made more attacking moves and secured the first short corner of the game after thirteen minutes of play. Despite Ashford keeper LIV SUTTON saving their first shot, the visitors Captain JO IVE was there to slot home the rebound to put Staines 1-0 up. Ashford weren’t downhearted by the goal though and they constructed many flowing moves of their own, prompted well by DANI BROUGH and JACKIE PARSONS, with the free running LAURA SAMOUEL combining well with fellow strikers SUNNY POTTAY and LIV YOUNG. Despite the good team work and width being created by midfielders STACEY KENWARD and CLAIR BRANT, not many of the forays into the visitor’s goal mouth resulted in many clear cut chances for the Red & Blacks. The play remained very even though and youngster ANNA PROTHEROE was doing well at the back to help thwart some of the Staines quick attacks. It was a good team effort from Ashford though and the score remained at 1-0 to Staines until half time.

After the turn round, Staines got back in to their stride quicker and put the Ashford defence, which was starting to lose some of its cohesion, under pressure for the first part of the second half. The Red & Blacks rallied though and some good interplay and pressure on the Staines goalmouth resulted them gaining a short corner. An excellent routine saw STACEY KENWARD, JACKIE PARSONS, SAM KENDALL and SUNNY POTTAY combing well to move the ball across the Staines goalmouth, but although a goal looked imminent, Ashford were unable to strike the ball home. Not long after the visitors notched their second goal of the game after some messy play in the Ashford goalmouth. Further poor defending by the home team then allowed Staines SUE CHANDLER to get her second goal of the game from an acute angle on the left. Ashford dug in though and JACKIE PARSONS calmly cleared one pile driver of a shot from the Ashford goal line. Near the end of the game, CHANDLER completed her hat trick for the visitors when the Ashford defence were caught flat. A better performance by Ashford, but they will need to be on top form next week when they travel to play fourth placed Teddington.

Team:
O Sutton (GK), D Brough, A Protheroe, S Kendall, H Hull, S Kenward, E Hynes, J Parsons, C Brant, J Smith, (Captain), O Young, L Samouel, S Pottay.

In their third South League game of 2007, Ashford were at home to fellow strugglers West Hampstead 1st XI. The Red & Blacks were still without the injured midfield dynamo NICKY BENEDICT and they lost fellow midfielders ANNIE NEYTON on Friday night and KATIE GREEN on Saturday morning, both due to illness. Their original squad of thirteen was thus reduced to only eleven and with the other squads also hit by illness, skipper JO SMITH pulled up 2nd XI regular midfielder, WENDY BAKER at the last minute to make her 1st XI debut. However, University student and speedy full back LOUISE DOUGLAS was available to make her first appearance for the side in 2007 and SUNNY POTTAY also returned to strengthen the side.

The game started in a rather physical way and the young visitors pressed hard from the start and scored after only five minutes of play. Ashford seemed somewhat disorganised initially and the goal didn’t help matters, but the Ashford goalkeeper LEANNE SERGEANT coped well with the numerous West Hampstead attacks that followed the goal, which allowed the rest of the team to settle and find their form. Defenders DANI BROUGH, EMMA HYNES and LOUISE DOUGLAS started to combine well and got through a lot of good work, both in defence and by helping to create some Ashford attacks. Sweeper JACKIE PARSONS also started to prompt many a Red & Black move and create breaks for the midfield and strikers with her fine clearances and close control. WENDY BAKER was also helping matters by making brief appearances for the substitutes bench, which enabled the hard running midfielders to have a breather and WENDY marked and contributed well during her time on the pitch. Ashford continued to work hard, but were unable to create many chances up front and the score remained at 1-0 until the interval.

The second half followed a similar pattern as the first, with the game still having quite a physical nature. Again young keeper LEANNE SERGEANT played well for Ashford, but strikers LIV YOUNG and LAURA SAMOUELS were not able to find a way through. Ashford were matching the visitors who were well organised, but not that superior to Ashford skills wise in most areas of the pitch and for much of the second half Ashford had a fair amount of the play, but were not able to notch the much wanted equaliser. Late in injury time, the visitors scored a second goal from field play to make the final score a slightly unjust 2-0 victory to them and Ashford’s quest for their first points of the season were once again thwarted. The Red & Blacks are at home again next Saturday at noon, when they play local rivals Staines 2nd XI who are currently fourth in the League. Coach Bob Thornalley will be hoping that she will have a full, fit squad to utilise, so that the Red & Blacks can start turning their recent better play into goals and points.

Team:
L Sergeant (GK), D Brough, L Douglas, W Baker, S Kenward, E Hynes, J Parsons, C Brant, J Smith, (Captain), O Young, L Samouel, S Pottay.

In their second South League game of 2007, Ashford faced a trip up to Oxfordshire to play the return game against the team clearly top of league, Oxford University Ladies 1st XI, at their famous Iffley Road ground. The Red & Blacks were very pleased to welcome back regular goalkeeper LEANNE SERGEANT, but midfielders ANNIE NEYTON and NICKY BENEDICT were again missing and were replaced by youngster LIV YOUNG and the speedy HELEN SIWEK; whilst youngster and recent debutant ANNA PROTHOROE, continued in the defence. Oxford were able to field a few stronger squad of players than they did last week and after a recent defeat (their first of the season), they were determined to do well form the start.

As happened last week, Ashford conceded a goal with in a minute of the start of the game and were 1-0 down to a well taken goal before most Ashford players had touched the ball. Ashford gradually settled though and keeper LEANNE SERGEANT and defenders JACKIE PARSONS and DANI BROUGH contained the next few Oxford attacks well. Ashford then started to combine well and found some of the rhythm they had displayed last week. However, they weren’t able to mount many attacks and after some good short corner moves Oxford notched another couple of goals to equal last week’s tally of three. Another goal was then scored by the students before the end of the first half to virtually seal the game, with the score being 4-0 to the home side.

In the second half the Red & Blacks midfield kept working hard with KATIE GREEN, STACEY KENWARD, skipper JO SMITH and CLAIRE BRANT battling way, but they were unable to bring the hard running Red & Black strikers LIV YOUNG, LAURA SAMUOEL and HELEN SIWEK into the game very much. Another well executed short corner routine led to another goal to put them 5-0 up after ten minutes or so in the second half. Numerous good diving saves by Ashford keeper LENNE SERGEANT and stout defending then kept the score down for most of the second half. Tiredness due to the constant pressure eventually took its toll though and in the final five minutes of the game and the league leaders knocked in another three to make it a very convincing 8-0 victory for them.

The Red & Blacks are at home next Saturday at noon, when they play West Hampstead 1st XI, who are two places above them in the league and against whom they will be hoping their better form will result in some goals and maybe even points.

Team:
L Sergeant (GK), D Brough, A Protheroe, K Greene, S Kenward, E. Hynes, J Parsons, C Brant, J Smith, (Captain), O Young, H Siwek, L Samouel.

In their first South League game of 2007, Ashford faced the team clearly top of league Oxford University Ladies 1st XI. The Red & blacks were very pleased to welcome back midfield terrier ANNIE NEYTON and to give young starlet ANNA PROTHEROE her first team debut. Unfortunately a kitchen accident meant that regular midfielder NICKY BENEDICT (nee DALY) was a late withdrawal from the team. After an initial downpour, the sun came out and that seemed to set the mood for the game, which was competitive, but played in a good spirit throughout.

Despite a thorough warm up, Ashford were caught flat footed in defence and Oxford opened the scoring within the first minute when Sumpar struck the ball home from close in. However, far from being deflated the concede goal spurred Ashford on and they played some fluid hockey with JACKIE PARSONS in her new slightly more forward sweepers role, and LAURA SAMOUEL in free running yet deep lying striker role, both excelling. The whole team were working hard though and combining well, playing strong constructive hockey to dominate the first quarter of the game. After sixteen minutes of play the Red & Blacks gained a short corner and although JACKIE PARSONS and KATIE GREENE combined well, KATIE’S shot was saved. Oxford hit back and went close on a couple of occasions, and Ashford keeper LIV SUTTON also made some fine saves to make sure the score remained at 1-0. In the second part of the half Ashford continued to play their best hockey of the season, with STACEY KENWARD, CLAIR BRANT, KATIE GREENE, ANNIE NEYTON and JO SMITH working hard in the midfield as was SUNNY POTTAY up front, whilst ANNA PROTHEROE was staring on her debut, and EMMA HYNES and DANI BROUGH were leading by example with some timely tackles and strong distribution play.

After the change round Ashford were slightly slower to find their rhythm and Oxford’s forward Barnes scored a neat flicked goal from a penalty corner after seven minutes of play to put them 2-0 up. Barnes got a second goal from open play shortly after to put the visitors 3-0 up. However, Ashford battled hard and got some good moves going and despite a head injury to player of the match DANI BROUGH, and then a leg injury to ANNA PROTHEROE late in the game, their team work never faltered. The play continued to flow well as both teams continued to press hard, but the final score remained at 3-0 to Oxford. Although Ashford lost, it was an encouraging result against the league leaders and Coach BOB THORNALLEY was extremely pleased not only with their new formation, but with every player’s performance and their new found confidence and high level work ethic. The Red & Blacks will have to do it all again next week though as they travel to play the return fixture against Oxford at their historic Iffley Road ground. Hopefully Ashford will maintain their new found form and give the visitors another hard game.

Team:
L Sutton (GK), D Brough, L Protheroe, K Greene, S Kenward, E Hynes, J Parsons, C Brant, J Smith, (Captain) S Pottay, A Neyton, L Samouel.

For their last South League game before Christmas, Ashford had to make the lengthy journey to Newbury without player coach BOB THORNALLEY. This coupled with a slow start and a superbly controlled high, reverse flick shot that opened the scoring for the home team after only three minutes of play, rocked Ashford badly. They had hardly penetrated the visitors half before a second skill full flick goal was added by Newbury four minutes later from a short corner. The two goal deficit wasn’t the only problem the Red & Blacks faced as from the start of the game, they playing towards the low lying sun, which made it very difficult for them to distinguish between their own and Newbury & Thatcham’s playing kit, despite Ashford having changed to their alternate black strip. Therefore shortly after the second goal, Ashford had to don some training bibs and play in the unfamiliar colour of orange. As Ashford tried to find some rhythm, a couple of very fine saves by young keeper LEANNE SERGEANT, encouraged the team and prompted some solid play by fellow defenders including youngster LOUISE DOUGLAS and stalwarts CLAIR BRANT and JACKIE PARSONS. Despite the slight improvement, Ashford’s passing and marking was still poor and after twenty two minutes of play the home team added another goal from close range to make the score three to the home team at half time.

Ashford came out for the second half determined to do better. Some good midfield play by SUNNAY POTTAY and several skilful and determined runs by KATIE GREEN helped them penetrate the home teams defence on several occasions. However, despite the overall team improvement, the Red & Blacks were not able to create many clear cut goal scoring chances and the home side continued to mount the occasional dangerous attack. Further acrobatic saves by LEANNE SERGEANT and more determined play by LOUISE DOUGLAS, along with a nifty goal line clearance by CLAIR BRANT managed to keep the score at 3-0 until midway through the second half. After twenty minutes of play though, a flowing move by the home team saw them catch many of the Ashford defenders up field, and they added a neat fourth goal. This was followed swiftly by a fifth from a short corner to make the score 5-0 and put the game well beyond Ashford’s grasp. Ashford battled on and JACKIE PARSONS made several ventures up the pitch to help the midfield and forwards in their attempts to notch at least one goal. Their efforts were thwarted though and the home team added a sixth goal shortly before the end of the game to inflict a heavy defeat on a battle weary Ashford. The game was a disappointing one for Ashford, who had been playing a lot better in recent weeks. The Red & Blacks do not return to League action until 20th January, but they have a couple of friendly games over the Christmas break, which coach HELEN THORNALLEY will be using to try and regain the recent improved form and team work.

Team:
L Sergeant (GK), D Brough, L Douglas, K Greene, S Kenward, J Parsons (Captain), C Brant, T Holland, J Smith, S Pottay, E Ashford–Hodges, O Young.

Ashford Scorers:Stacey KenwardAshford were able to welcome back midfielders KATIE GREENE and STACEY KENWARD, along with young defender LOUISE DOUGLAS to their squad for their home game against South League newcomers Banbury on Saturday. However, they were without midfield dynamo NICKY DALY and Coach HELEN THORNALLEY and so super striker JACKIE PARSONS had to continue in her new sweeper role. The game started quietly with both sides feeling their way into the game. Ashford were combining well as a team and constructing some flowing moves and were playing with a new found confidence. Banbury soon started to pressurise the Ashford defence though, but DANI BROUGH and LOUISE DOUGLAS worked tirelessly to support the sterling work of sweeper JACKIE PARSONS and they were able to contain the early attacks. After eleven minutes play the visitors secured their second short corner and opened the scoring with well worked routine.Ashford weren’t deflated though and midfielders KATIE GREENE, CLAIR BRANT, STACEY KENWARD, JO SMITH and TRACEY HOLLAND worked tirelessly to create some good chances and threaten the Banbury goal. Several short corners were gained by the Red & Blacks and JACKIE PARSONS and CLAIR BRANT combined well from one on the twentieth minute to set up STACEY KENWARD who hit the ball home from close in to make the score 1-1. Ashford then worked hard to get another goal, but a strong Banbury attack resulted in them being awarded a penalty flick and Ashford’s deputy keeper LIV SUTTON, did well to save the flick which went low to her left and keep the score at 1-1. Once again Ashford attacked and after thirty three minutes of play JACKIE PARSONS nearly put them ahead with a good short corner strike, only for Banbury to then strike a second goal on the stroke of half time from another short corner.The Red & Blacks continued to play good open hockey in the second half and strikers SUNNY POTTAY and LAURA SAMUOEL ran and worked tirelessly up front to put the Banbury defence under pressure. Several more short corners saw Ashford go very close to getting the equaliser, but no goals were scored by either side in the second half; so despite their best performance for a long time, Ashford still ended up as the losing side! There were so many positives about the game and high standard of the Ashford team work though, that Coach HELEN THORNALLEY and her squad were not disappointed after the game. Next Saturday Ashford travel to Newbury to play Newbury & Thatcham 1st XI in their last South League game before Christmas. The opposition are currently only two places above bottom placed Ashford in the league and if the Red & Blacks can continue to play as well as they did against Banbury, the goal chances and league points will surely come.Team:O Sutton (GK), E Hynes, D Brough, L Douglas, K Greene, J Parsons (Captain), C Brant, T Holland, J Smith S Pottay, L Samouel, S Kenward.

Injury and illness again took their toll on the Ashford Ladies1st XI squad for the away game against fellow strugglers Hampstead & Westminster 2nd XI on Saturday. Both Coach HELEN THORNALLEY and midfielder STACEY KENWARD had to withdraw late in the week due to injury and illness respectively. However, the Red & Blacks were very pleased to welcome back stalwart midfielder JACKIE PARSONS who had recovered from a recent back injury and she took over the sweeper role for the first time in her Ashford career. Welsh midfielder SAM KENDALL was also back for Ashford, whilst young striker OLIVIA YOUNG was a late call up to the squad.

Due to the game before Ashford’s running late, the 3pm start was delayed and the whole match needed to be played under lights. Play from the start was very even, with Ashford midfield dynamo NICKY DALY doing several penetrating runs, which caused havoc in the home teams defence. Likewise Hampstead & Westminster had a couple of good attacking moves, but debutant sweeper JACKIE PARSONS calmly cut out most of their threatening moves, ably assisted by defender DANI BROUGH. After eleven minutes of play, the home team opened the scoring from a short corner, when a fairly harmless strike from the edge of the circle bounced awkwardly on the water based pitch and fooled Red & Blacks keeper LEANNE SERGEANT to give Hampstead & Westminster the lead 1-0. After the goal the play continued to be fairly even and whilst Ashford were creative in midfield, it was not leading to many chances in the circle or them getting any accurate shots on goal. In the closing quarter of the first half the home side piled on the pressure and it took a couple of acrobatic saves from keeper LEANNE SERGEANT to keep the score at 1-0.

The second half started with further stout defending by Ashford’s new sweeper JACKIE PARSONS, and another brilliant point blank save from LEANNE SERGEANT kept the score down to 1-0. In reply the Red & Blacks forwards LAURA SAMOUEL, SUNNY POTTAY and substitute OLIVA YOUNG were combining well, but it was midfielder NICKY DALY who created the best chance. After seventeen minutes of play the home side went further ahead with a fine cross from the left being deftly met on the right and strongly hit home. Ashford again rallied and secured two shorts corners and OLIVIA YOUNG went close to getting their opening goal as the Red & Blacks upped their game. Despite their efforts, another sweeping move by the home side, saw them score another good goal to take a 3-0 lead, which they increased two minutes later with a fourth goal from a short corner. Ashford refused to let their head drops though and worked hard in the last ten minutes of the game, but despite them gaining several short corners they failed to find the back of the net and the score remained at 4-0. Next Saturday Ashford have a tough home match to third placed newcomers to the league Banbury. However, if they continue to play as well, the goal chances will surely come.

Team:
L Sergeant (GK), E Hynes, D Brough, S Kendall, N Daly, J Parsons, C Brant, T Holland, J Smith (Captain), S Pottay, L Samouel, O Young.

Ashford Scorers:
Sunny Pottay

Ashford Ladies 1st team were still short of three of their regular players from the squad for their home game against fellow Division 3A strugglers Henley on Saturday, and once again coach ‘BOB’ THORNALLEY was called upon to play to help shore up the defence. In the opening part of the first half, Ashford contained the visitors well. However, after ten minutes of play, Henley executed a good short corner routine which resulted in a well controlled slightly elevated strike, from the edge of the circle rocketing by the left hand post of the Ashford goal to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Ashford did not get disheartened though and continued to play well, with goal keeper LEANNE SERGEANT and defenders DANI BROUGH, EMMA HYNES and coach THORNALLEY playing well across the back and the ever consistent and hard working NICKY DALY, being ably assisted by TRACEY HOLLAND in midfield. After twenty or so minutes of play Ashford left midfielder player STACEY KENWARD was involved in a collision with a Henley player which involved a clash of heads that resulted in a head injury to STACEY who had to leave the pitch and unfortunately she was unable to take any further part in the game. The Red & Blacks reorganised and long time defender HILARY HULL came on as substitute and was pressed into action up front. Not long after, Ashford managed to equalise when NICKY DALY took a good free hit outside the circle which HILARY HULL deflected goal wards and SUNNY POTTAY was on hand to scramble the ball over the Henley goal line. Whilst it wasn’t the most stylish of goals, it was Ashford’s, and thus SUNNY’s, first of the season. The score remained at 1—1 until the interval.

The second half continued in a similar vein to the first, with both sides pressing for an equaliser. Unfortunately Ashford were missing some of their heavy artillery up front and were not able to make much headway against the Henley goalkeeper and defence. Despite their frustration, the Red & Blacks kept going, but came unstuck when Henley managed to hit the winning goal shortly before the end of the game. Thus yet again as happened last season, Henley managed to snatch a late victory over Ashford. Despite their disappointment in defeat, Ashford had played much better than of late and next Saturday, they have to travel to Paddington to play Hampstead & Westminster 2nd XI, who are just above them in the League. Coach HELEN THORNALLEY and the squad are therefore keen to continue their much improved form and they are optimistic of securing their first win of the season.

Team:
L Sergeant (GK), E Hynes, D Brough, H Thornalley, H Hull, N Daly, S Kenward, C Brant, T Holland, J Smith (Captain), S Pottay, L Samouel.

Ashford travelled to Wycombe on Saturday with a stronger, but still not full strength, squad. Coach HELEN THORNALLEY stepped forward to play her first game of the season to help strengthen the defence, whilst former Ashford starlet LAURA SAMOUEL was playing for her first 1st XI game since returning to the club at the start of the season. Ashford started steadily and were unfortunate that an early break from the home team resulted in them going ahead with a well struck goal after four minutes of play, only for Wycombe to then score another scorcher of a goal after six minutes to take a somewhat unwarranted 2-0 lead. The Red & Blacks stuck to their task manfully though and got back into the game and were performing well when a freak accident to one of the umpires halted play for almost twenty minutes. Unfortunately the umpire accidentally tripped over an Ashford player whilst the ball was out of play, and whilst falling the umpire put her arm out to cushion her fall. In doing so she managed to break her arm and after initially trying to carry on, she had to stop and received lengthy treatment. Meanwhile, both teams had to consult the League rules and then try and find/contact an appropriate standard and registered umpire. Fortunately one was found and the game could continue.

After the restart, the Red & Blacks played extremely well and mounted numerous attacks on the Wycombe goal. Good team work and hockey resulted in them gaining several short corners and although youngsters OLIVIA YOUNG and LAURA SAMOUEL, in particular were combining well, Ashford were unable to convert any chances into goals and the score remained at 2-0 to Wycombe until half time.

In the second half Ashford again started strongly and were playing a lot better than in recent games, and were more than a match for the home team. However, all their efforts were thwarted after twenty minutes of the second half when Wycombe scored their third goal and then another two, five and ten minutes later, to make the score 5-0 to the home team. The Red & Blacks hung in though and goalkeeper LEANNE SERGEANT made a fine high diving save to her right to deny Wycombe a sixth goal in the final minutes of the game. LEANNE and left side midfielder STACEY KENWARD were the joint Ashford players of the match, but the whole squad played well and the score line was not really a true reflection of the game. Next Saturday, Ashford face fellow strugglers Henley at Short Lane at 12noon and are hopeful of having an almost complete squad to choose from and continue to play at the standard achieved against Wycombe.

Team:
L Sergeant (GK), E Hynes, S Kendall, D Brough, H Thornalley, H Hull, N Daly, S Kenward, C Brant, T Holland, J Smith (Captain), O Young, L Samouel.

In their first friendly match of the season Ashford entertained South Division 3B team Spencer. Ashford again had to field a much depleted side. Youngsters ELLIE ASHFORD-HODGES and OLIVIA YOUNG were brought in to make their 1st team debuts, whilst SUNNAY PATTAY was making her return to the fold after a season’s absence due to injury. The opening exchanges were fairly even, and Ashford secured a short corner early on, but didn’t convert it and the visitors followed it up with a penetrating run that resulted in the opening goal of the game after only six minutes. The Red & Blacks rallied though and had several attacks with Becky Griffiths having a mazy run which nearly resulted in a goal. The visitors then broke up field and confusion amongst the defenders let them in for a second goal after ten minutes of play. Again Ashford put pressure on the visitors defence, prompted well by skipper JACKIE PARSONS, the hard working TRACEY HOLLAND and with some deft touches from debutant girl ELLIE ASHFORD- HODGES. Unfortunately more confusion in the defence then let in another soft goal at the other end, to make the score 3-0 to Spencer. A few minutes later, Ashford skipper JACKIE PARSONS aggravated an old back injury and had to come off the pitch. Shortly after the Red & Blacks gained another short corner, but didn’t convert it, although they were playing a lot better hockey than in the last two weeks. Captain JACKIE PARSONS did try to play again, but soon had to come off and wasn’t able to return for the rest of the game. The visitors then capitalised on a melee in the Ashford goal and forced the ball in from close in to make the score a slightly unjust 4-0 to Spencer at half time.

The second half saw Ashford start incredibly poorly letting in two goals within two minutes of the restart to put the game beyond their reach at 6-0 to Spencer. Despite the score line, the young Ashford keeper LEANNE SERGEANT was playing well and on several occasions she was left stranded and was unable to prevent many of the goals. Five minutes later another defensive lapse and a fine straight strike saw Spencer go 7-0 up. Ashford tried to get more into the game and SUNNY PATTAY, EMMA HYNES and CLAIRE BRANT battled well to try and set up some goals scoring chances and some more forays into the visitors circle, Ashford failed to score or really worry the Spencer keeper. Several very good saves from the Ashford player of the match LEANNE SERGEANT then prevented further Spencer goals, but the visitors added an eight and ninth goal after thirteen and twenty four minutes. Resolute play then kept the score at 9-0 until the last minute of the game when the visitors scored their best goal of the game to inflict a convincing 10-0 defeat on Ashford.

Next Saturday the red & Blacks restart their South League programme and have to travel to play Wycombe Rye. Coach BOB THORNALLEY will be hoping that she has at least a full complement of players to choose from in what is proving to be a very tough season for all the Ashford Ladies teams.

Team:
L Sergeant (GK), E Hynes, D Brough, S Kenward, H Hull, S Pattay, C Brant, T Holland, O Young, J Parsons (Captain), H Siwek, E Ashford – Hodges, B Griffiths.