15/2/2026
For their seventh game of the season, the AAs had a local match away to nearest rivals in the league, Surbiton Snails. The AAs were missing stalwart & regular players Gillian Clegg (injured), Jackie Parsons, Lenny Petrakova, Oli Staples & sadly Louise Bowen, who has decided to hang her hockey stick due to continual injuries. You will be missed Bobby. In addition, regulars Claire Brant & Tina Clarke, both bravely decided to play despite carrying injuries. However, we were able to welcome back Monique Grace & Jo Ive for their second AAs appearances, along with newcomer & virgin Antique Helen Dolan.

As anticipated the home side started off at a frantic pace & tried to dominate play & did for the first quarter of the game. However, the AAs stood firm & with great communication & good linking/passing, got more into the game. Jo & Nicky Davis were both busy up front when they got the chance & Tina and Claire, both wisely adapted their game to accommodate their limitations and disguise any difficulties. Both proving that even when not fully fit they can still put in a great performance. Despite all the pressure the AAs managed to secure a short corner & Nicky D injected it to skipper Morgan, who took a good straight strike, which hit a defenders foot, so the AAs gained another corner. This time the injection was a bit slower, so Morgan collected the ball in the circle, took it out of the circle & slipped it to Monique on the left who took an angled shot, which the Surbiton keeper saved. The ever eager & talented Kelly Roberts bounced on the rebound to slot the ball home & put the AAs 1-0 up midway through the first half. Not surprisingly Surbiton upped their game further, & put the AAs under a lot of pressure. Nicky Benedict was on fire for the AAs though & her confidence on the ball was second to none. She joined in numerous attacks and was still always on hand to help out in the defensive.

At the break the AAs decided to regroup & play a 4, 4, 2 formation to help protect their fragile lead in what was proving to be a good & fast game. Kelly & Monique continued to be powerhouses in midfield with seemingly inexhaustible fitness. Lynne was connecting well down the right working with Helen, Nicky B & others to create opportunities along with Sue Lane, to send the ball forward when they could. As the game drew to a high intensity climax, AAs goalkeeper Hayley Lyon was under a lot of pressure & was making some sterling saves, including a stick stop at head height! The team all worked hard together though, but after 66 minutes Surbiton scored a good equaliser with a strong, angled shot in the circle. Things got even more frantic & heated as Surbiton searched for a winner & pinned the AAs back. AAs defender Carmen, having cemented her role as left back was a strong presence on the pitch, repeatedly intercepting or tackling and coming away with the ball. However, after one exchange in the last few minutes of the game, Carmen was a little unfairly given a green card, The AAs stood tall though & kept out the visitors last attack from a short corner right on full time. A hard fought, but good game therefore ended in a draw 1-1. Thanks as always to our hardy supporters & the battle at the top of the league continues, as the AAs keep their noses just ahead of Surbiton, but with a vital game in hand.

Player of the Match was deservedly the back on form Nicky Benedict with 8 votes, whilst Hayley, Kelly, Lynne & Monique got one each.

Team: Hayley Lyon (GK), Martina Clarke, Claire Brant, Lynne Morgan©, Kelly Roberts, Nicky Benedict, Nicky Davis, Sue Lane, Jo Ive, Helen Dolan, Carmen Coetzee, Monique Grace.

Team Manager: Gillian Clegg