Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

Sunday 25/1/09 at Short Lane, Ashford

Ashford U-14 Girls 1 v Spencer U-14 Girls 1

The U14 girls put in a great performance today against Spencer. Both teams played well and it could have easily gone either way but ended in a 1 - 1 draw. Ashford are short of players in this age group and had to borrow quite a few of the U11 girls, and also an U14 goalkeeper Ryan to make up the team, but all played well. Abigail held the centre of field pushing the ball out to the halves Hannah and Eleanor and also to the wingers, Racquel and Rebecca. Georgina did most of the running in defence with Lauren helping in support. Beth put in alot of tackles and held her own, especially as she only joined the club a few weeks ago.
Spencer got the first goal just before half time but Ashford went into the second half looking strong. Robin hit in a great long corner which Charlotte picked up and slapped towards the goal. The keeper made a great save but Racquel got the deflection to make it 1 - 1. Spencer had some more shots on goal but Ryan made sure nothing more was going to get past him. Ashford got a last minute corner but the strike from Hannah unfortunately went wide of the post. It was an enjoyable game to watch.

Manager/Coach U14 Girls David Sutch
Manager/Coach U11 Sam Clarey

Ashford 4’s 7 (seven) British Airways 3’s 1

Scorers: Stewpot (3) (three), The Banker (2), Fat Dan, Big Amit

Yes Des was doubting the BBC final score teleprinter when this result came up. In a turn up for the books, Ashford actually played well and BA never recovered from the shock.

Not the case though after 10 minutes in, as Ashford launched the ball straight and long which was meat and drink to the rather elderly (even by my standards) BA midfield and backs. Once this was rectified, and a BA goal was disallowed (just) for some Ronaldo-esque footwork, Ashford took control and scored midway through the half through a Fat Dan spineroonie  and soon added a second, a nice team move setting up Stewpot who undercut the ball into the roof of the net.

The second half was close to one-way traffic as the BA team were opened up enough to allow the third runway to be built. Big Amit whacked in the third and good team work accounted for the rest, the last goal by Davey M was a lovely goal worthy of a much higher level.

The other interesting thing about this game was Mr, Fry’s running and stickwork; you can tell he’s been a keeper most of the time as he seemed to only have a theoretical idea what he was doing and it looks like Shaggy’s been coaching him - still if he doesn’t know what he’s doing, then can’t be easy for the oppo.

So a third consecutive win, much needed with tough games ahead, and into sixth place!!!

11/1/2009 Maidenhead U 18 Ladies 5 v Ashford U 18 Ladies 1
The second Sunday of the New Year brought the first U18 match away at Maidenhead. The cold, frosty weather meant there was a general concern for the pitch, but it was perfect playing condition. The mini-bus journey produced high spirits and the girls were raring to go. There was a slow start as the AHC side were still getting used the bouncy water-based pitch. The girls soon got into the swing of things and there was some lovely play between the defence to the midfield, and the midfield to the attack. Maidenhead managed to get numerous short corners, but Ashford’s best efforts including goalie BECKY HEWES going the whole way, meant they were unable to develop them into goals. Unfortunately not long after, Ashford dipped and the whites managed to get in three sneaky consecutive goals. Some heads did drop, but after a quick encouraging chat during the half-time, the reds were optimistic and were ready to fight.

There was some experimental modification of positions, which the team coped well with. The second half brought out Ashford’s more attacking side with the majority of players and play in the Maidenhead half. KELLY TAYLOR in particular had a lovely shot on goal, but her attempt to lift it resulted in the ball hitting the cross-bar. It wasn’t long until disaster stuck, in the form of a lifted ball into midfielder BRYONY SMITH. She went down like a bullet, but as there weren’t any subs, she battled bravely on. Unfortunately not long after, the quick-footed Maidenhead players managed to expose Ashford to a few breaks which then turned into another two goals. Heads did not go down and the Reds carried on fighting until they won a short corner. Injected by KIRSTY HULL to ANNA PROTHEROE who took a straight strike but the goalie stepped in to prevent it. Not dwelling on this, a sideline ball pushed by ELINE SIBIA to ABI HACK, back to SIBIA to EMILY REED to BRYONY SMITH to ABI COWELL to ANNA PROTHEROE who took on four Maidenhead players finally secured a goal for the Reds. The game continued with some smashing play from MEGAN CONNELL on the right and some lovely distributions from NIKKI CROXON. The girls were proud of how they played, and were happy that they managed to bring in some set play which they had practiced in training. Overall, the Ashford U18’s fans said it was a very good game to watch. Our thanks to Official Photographer Scott Quinn, Designated Driver Sue Taylor and Bags Transporter Alison Boxell. And of course Coach Laura Quinn.

Match report by Eline Sibia. 11 Jan. 09

I have added most of Richard’s excellent photos from our Christmas Annual Challenge game to the AHC website (below).

There are over fifty of them including the pre and post match formalities and celebrations, along with a lot of action shots.

Our coaches will be both pleased and disheartened by some of the action shots, but we ended up winning the game 4-2 and congratulations and thanks to Sunbury Stars of the Past for joining in with everything and winning the quiz.

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