Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

After a weeks break Ashford recommenced their Premier league programme with an away fixture at Harrow, the club one place above them in the league. Due to work commitments, coach MANDY WAIN wasn’t able to travel with the team and things were became even more disruptive before the game for the Red & Blacks, when it was discovered that goalkeeper SAM GRANT had left a vital personal part of her equipment back in her car at Ashford. Thus one of the squad was dispatched back to collect it, whilst the rest of the team and SAM warmed up as best they could.

The set backs did not seem to affect Ashford too much though as they played some good flowing hockey in the first quarter of what was a very open game. The return of youngster LIV YOUNG up front brought a bit more punch to the Red & Blacks front line, whilst the experienced JACKIE PARSONS was having her best game of the season at the back. In the second part of the first half, Ashford kept the momentum up and created numerous chances and were unlucky not to convert any into goals. Unfortunately their concentration lapsed a little just before the break, and they allowed the visitors in to score the opening goal of the game. Thus it was somewhat disappointing that the Red & Blacks went into half time 1-0 down.

The second half started similar to the first and Ashford were once again putting the Harrow goal under pressure and they secured several short corners as a result. The newly practiced corner routines were working well for the Red & Blacks though and after a first time shot was saved, left midfielder STACEY KENWARD followed up well to score her first goal of the season and more importantly, secure the equaliser for Ashford. Things then got even better for the Red & Blacks, when continued pressure resulted in another short corner from which sweeper JACKIE PARSONS hammered home on of her trademark, thunderbolt strikes to put Ashford deservedly 2-1 ahead. Unfortunately shortly after scoring the Ashford Player of the Match JACKIE PARSONS got a nasty blow on her ankle and had to leave the pitch. As the game came to a close skipper LAURA SAMOUEL was all ready to celebrate their first away victory of the season. Alas with only three minutes of the game left, Ashford unfortunately conceded a penalty flick, which Harrow duly converted to snatch a late equaliser and leave the Red & Blacks disappointed.

Next week Ashford have to travel to nearby Teddington to take on their 2nd XI who are currently top of the league. Coach MANDY WAIN will be back to help direct operations though and if they can maintain their good team work and keep working for each other, Ashford will be aiming to gain at least another point.

Team:
S. Grant (GK), S. Smart, K. Fry, E. Hynes, A. Protheroe, E., T. Holland, J. Parsons, J. Bashford, S McGlinley, L Samouel (Captain), S. Kenward, O. Young

Ashford were at home to local rivals PHC Chiswick on Saturday with their normal squad supplemented by South African newcomer ‘Ernie’. In warm conditions Ashford opened well and played some positive hockey to put the visitor’s goalkeeper under pressure from the start. This resulted in them securing their first short corner after only three minutes of play. The new combination of ANNA PROTHEROE pushing out, skipper LAURA SAMOUEL stick stopping and JACKIE PARSONS striking worked well, with JACKIE’S hard strike going just wide of the left post. Further Ashford attacks quickly followed, along with another short corner, which saw SHARON McGLINLEY going close. It was therefore much against the run of play that the Red & Blacks allowed the visitors to gain a short corner and then slack defending let them score from the rebound and thus putting PHC Chiswick 1-0 ahead. Despite the set back, Ashford rallied and kept playing good hockey, prompted well by midfielders ANNA PROTHEROE, LAURA SAMOUEL, TRACEY HOLLAND and STACEY KENWARD. Numerous good forays on the visitor’s goalmouth followed, with STACEY KENWARD, LAURA SAMOUEL and JACKIE BASHFORD all creating chances and getting close to securing the equaliser. Meanwhile at the back Ashford goalkeeper SAM GRANT and defenders KIM FRY, SOPHIE SMART and EMMA HYNES dealt well with everything that the Chiswick midfield and forwards created. Thus it was somewhat disappointing that the Red & Blacks failed went into the break still 1-0 down.

During the interval Ashford lost the services of defender KIM FRY, who had bravely played on during most of the first half, despite having a badly damaged finger on her right hand. Ashford were thus left without a substitute for the rest of the game. The pattern of play in the second half was very similar to the first with Ashford being the more dominant side. However, it wasn’t until twelve minutes into the half that the Red & Blacks made any real inroads to the visitor’s goalmouth and in the several short corners that followed, Ashford failed to sort out their routine correctly and no shots and/or goals resulted. In fact it was Chiswick who went closest to scoring when one of their short corners went narrowly wide. Ashford kept trying though and a sweeping move between JACKIE PARSONS and TRACEY HOLLAND saw the effervescent STACEY KENWARD going close. Shortly afterwards one of the Ashford midfielders was given a very harsh green card by the visiting umpire following a tackle which resulted in Ashford being awarded a free hit! Although they were down to ten players for the next ten minutes, Ashford kept the tempo up and some more short corners followed, but despite all their efforts the Red & Blacks just didn’t seem to be able to get the ball over the goal line. As the game drew to a close and Ashford returned to a full compliment of players, they finally got the equaliser they richly deserved, when SHARON Mc GLINEY scored from close in following good work by JACKIE PARSONS and ANNA PROTHEROE. The score remained at 1-1 for the closing minutes and as a result of their point, the Red & Blacks moved up one place in the League to eighth position and youngster ANNA PROTHEROE was deservedly voted Man of the Match. There are no league matches for any of the Ashford sides next week, so the next 1st XI game is away against Harrow, the team one place above them in the League, on November 3rd.

Team:
S. Grant (GK), S. Smart, K. Fry, E. Hynes, A. Protheroe, ‘Ernie’, T. Holland, J. Parsons, J. Bashford, S McGlinley, L Samouel (Captain), S. Kenward

In their first home game of the season Ashford entertained north London side Winchmore Hill & Enfield, who before the game were placed a couple of positions higher than the Red & Blacks in the Middlesex Premier League. Ashford first team and Club Coach MANDY WAIN was able to field an unchanged side for the game, but due to illness, the squad was reduced to twelve players only.

In warm, almost summer conditions, the visitors started the game the best, but the well organised Ashford defence soaked up the early pressure and kept them at bay for the first quarter of the game. Ashford then started to build some attacks of their own and the whole team were combining well, and they were not afraid to move the ball around and across the back where needed and the score thus remained at 0-0 until just before half time. However, on the stroke of half time the visitors were awarded a short corner and their resulting strike was unfortunately deflected by an Ashford defender into their own net to make the score 1-0 in favour of the visitors.

Not surprisingly, the visitors started the second half on a high and they went further ahead when they secured a second goal after seven minutes of play. The Red & Blacks battled back well though and continued to show some good team work, and they were duly rewarded when they scored a goal ten minutes from the end of the game. Striker SHARON McGLINLEY’s took a shot at goal which was deflected into the net by a Winchmore defender. The goal lifted Ashford’s spirits and with the score at 2-1, they pressed hard for the equaliser. Numerous attacks were mounted and youngster LIV YOUNG made several penetrating runs on goal, but none of the Ashford attacks were converted into goals and the score remained at 2-1 until the final whistle. Defender EMMA HYNES was voted Player of the Match in a game in which Ashford played well, but came away with no League points for their efforts.

Next week the Red & Blacks travel to Pinner, to play Eastcote Ladies 2nd XI who are currently placed second in the league. It will be a difficult game for Ashford, but if they can continue to combine well as a team and maintain their good defensive play, the results will surely come.

Team
S. Grant (GK), S. Smart, K. Fry, E. Hynes, A. Protheroe, O. Young, T. Holland, J. Parsons, J. Bashford, S McGlinley, L Samouel (Captain), S. Kenward

This year Ashford A takes on Eastcote, Staines, and Teddington in Pool A. While Ashford B host Eatcote, Old Uxonians and Walton & Weybridge in Pool B. Each pool has a total of 12 games, with a final between the 1st and 2nd placed teams held on the 14th and 16th August respectively.

Matches are to take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Short Lane. Push back for the first slot is 7:15pm, and games in the second slot get under way at 8:30pm. Please see the summerleague fixtures list for more information.

If you have any further questions about the summer league, as an Ashford player, or a member of one of the other teams involved, please contact the Ladies Fixtures Secretary.

Ashford Scorers:Jacqui Bashford, Gillian Clegg (2), Sam Kendall, Bex GriffithsWe managed to beat the Windsor Royalists 5-4 today. We were 3-1 up at half time and cruising (a bit like at Xmas) at half time. After the break they pegged us back to 3-2, we then got another to go 4-2 up and guess what once again they pulled one back to make it 4-3. In the last ten minutes of the game we scored another and yes they pulled one back, but we remained in control to score another victory over Windsor.Helen Siwek and Cal Antell were making their AA’s debuts, whilst Jacqui Bashford and Manon Thomas were making welcome returns to hockey and an Ashford shirt. Cal was made player of the match or as Antiques should that be “Treasure/find of the Day” as due to illness it was her first game of the season and she bravely volunteered to go in goal. Thanks are also due to Luvvy and Sam who kindly umpired a half each.The full squad was:Cal Antell (GK), Linda Burne, Doreen Brown, Alex Saunders, Hilary Hull, Sue Westlake, Lynne Morgan, Helen Siwek, Sam Kendall, Tracey Holland, Jacqui Bashford, Bex Griffiths, Jane English, Manon Thomas. Spectators:Val Baldwin, Shirley Winson, Shirley Gale, Sheila Kinnear, Jane WilliamsBesides it being another AA’s victory, the sun shone, it was a friendly game and a few memories exchanged and a few drinks were downed afterwards.

Ashford Scorers:
Jackie Parsons (2)

On a cold day with a biting wind, Ashford were yet again unable to field a full strength side for their penultimate and last home, South League game of the season against fellow strugglers Newbury & Thatcham Ladies last Saturday.

The red & Blacks were without their skipper JO SMITH and staunch regulars KATIE GREENE, CLAIR BRANT and dynamic midfielder ANNIE NEYTON. The good news was that they were able to welcome back the hard working and skilful Welsh midfielder SAM KENDALL, whilst regular second team players HANNAH GIBBS and BECKY GRIFFITHS, retained their places for the second game running. The match started as somewhat a low key affair, with the visitors well on top and playing much the better hockey. After ten minutes or so, Ashford were dealt a blow when the hard running, youngster LAURA SAMOUELS fell and damaged her shoulder badly and she had to leave the field of play and go to hospital to get it checked out. The Red & Blacks coach HELEN THORNALLEY thus had to join the fray to add her much needed skills and experience to the team. The Red & Blacks did then start to play better, but the opposition had more to offer, with some skill full ball carriers who helped them to keep possession and also create numerous goal chances; three of which were converted to make the score a deserved 3-0 to the visitors at half time.

After the break, Ashford played a lot better and as their work rate increased, so did their possession and attack rate. Young defender and Ashford ‘Player of the Match’ ANNA PROTHEROE led the way with her tireless running and accurate tackling at the back. Despite having more of the game, the Red& Blacks conceded a further goal midway through the half to go 4-0 down. However, they battled back and sweeper and short corner striker JACKIE PARSONS brought Ashford back into the game when she converted two out of the three short corners they gained in the second half. One goal was directly through the goalkeepers legs, whilst the other was a good angled shot which found the corner of the net. Although the goals brought Ashford back into the game, their overall play did not have its usual bite or fluency to really unsettle the stronger and more skill full visitors, who deserved their 4-2 victory.

Next Saturday Ashford travel to Banbury for a tough rearranged game against the sixth placed team, in what will be their last game of the season and also in the South League and also the last for Club Coach HELEN THORNALLEY.

Team:
O Sutton (GK), D Brough, E Hynes (Captain), S Kenward, A Protheroe, H Gibbs, E Ashford-Hodges, J Parsons, B Griffiths, H Thornalley, L Samouels, S Kendall

For their last game of the season and the last in the South League, Ashford had to make the long journey to northern Oxfordshire to play South League newcomers Banbury on Saturday morning. The Red & Blacks struggled to get a full team out and student goalkeeper SAM GRANT was called up to make her debut, whilst Coach ‘BOB’ THORNALLEY again had to play and even team manager LYNNE MORGAN was pulled in as substitute, so that the squad had at least twelve players.In warm conditions, Ashford were immediately put under pressure as the young Banbury team attacked from the push off, and pinned back the rather disorganised Ashford defence in their own goalmouth. Unfortunately the pressure told and they notched two well worked goals from open play in the first two minutes of the game. They followed the goals up with a short corner, which although they got the ball in the back of the net once more, the shot was too high and disallowed. Despite being 2-0 up, Banbury continued to dominate the play and added another goal, again from open play, after thirteen minutes to take a 3-0 lead. Marshalled by Coach BOB THORNALLEY and with keeper SAM GRANT becoming more dominant in the circle, Ashford slowly then got into the game. Midfielders LAURA SAMOUEL and SAM KENDALL were working hard and combining well in midfield to set up some attacks, and after twenty three minutes of play the Red & Blacks secured a long corner but were unable to penetrate the Banbury goal from it. In fact the home team immediately swept down the pitch and attacked the Ashford goal, and despite the Red & Blacks keeper SAM GRANT making a couple of good initial saves, they added two more goals in quick succession to put them 5-0 up and the game beyond the reach of Ashford. Further pressure from the home side just before the end of the half, led to them scoring two further, well taken goals to make the score line 7-0 at half time.After a motivating team talk from their Coach, the Red & Blacks came out more organised in the second half and despite conceding an early goal to go 8-0 down, they played a lot better. They created some good moves, but weren’t able to really put the opposition goalkeeper under any pressure. Unfortunately injuries to both midfielders LAURA SAMOUELS and TRACEY HOLLAND at different stages in the second half meant that and veteran substitute LYNNE MORGAN had to be pressed into action for most of the second half. The Red & Blacks continued to work hard as the game progressed, with youngsters ELLIE ASHFORD HODGES, LIV YOUNG and ANNA PROTHOROE all doing well. The home team got rather frustrated at Ashford’s improved play and for twenty minutes of the second half they failed to add to their goal tally. However, in the closing eight minutes Banbury scored form two short corners to make the final result a convincing victory by 10 goals to nil. Ashford’s player of the match was fittingly Coach BOB THORNALLEY in what was her last game for the club after a six year coaching spell when she helped to take the Club to the highest level they have ever played at. It will be Middlesex Premier League hockey for Ashford again next season as they endeavour to regroup and rebuild after very an extremely hard season.Team:S Grant (GK), T Holland, E Hynes (Captain), L Morgan, A Protheroe, O Young, H Hull, E Ashford-Hodges, H Siwek, H Thornalley, L Samouels, S Kendall

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.