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Whitchurch HC Ladies 2s v Barry - Match Report

Saturday 26th September 2015

For the first South Wales League game of the season the ladies 2s travelled to Barry. This away fixture in recent years has seen injuries, goals galore and counter-attacking hockey, and this weekend was no different. 

The 2s settled into the game quicker than Barry with the opposition giving midfielders Cat Fenton and Kate Nicholson (Ginge) time and space for a quick passing game with wide players Katie Thorpe and Beth Moorcraft. The Barry goalie was called upon early on with Meg Atkins and Menna Poole both forcing the keeper to make saves from great interlinking play from Kat Lenan. The 2s sustained this pressure on the Barry defence for most of the half with the girls implementing the press outlined by coach Andy Hughes in training. Occasional counter-attacks from the skillful Barry forwards however gave defenders Vikki Stroud, Liz Wakeling and captain Jude Livesey something to do, but great chanelling and tackling allowed them to turn-over and pick out Saints players to regain possession. 

Saints could have gone ahead with the numerous penalty corners awarded, but the condition of the pitch made accurate and fast injecting challenging. Barry penetrated the Saints 'D' before half-time but GK Claire Stewart was able to block any shots on goal. 0-0 at half-time. 

The second half continued with Saints playing at the same tempo, despite the unseasonal sunny conditions. Katie Thorpe was able to make inroads up the right flank with support from Vikki Stroud, Amy Bowen and Gwen Nicol, and balls from Jude and Cat from outside the 'D' were able to pick out players on the posts, but they were unable to beat the keeper. Despite dominating the possession Barry were the first to get on the scoresheet from a counter-attack. Quick passing and individual skills from the forwards left the Saints defence isolated and Barry slotted the ball in from close range. 

Not to be deterred by going behind Saints continued to press and play attacking hockey. Several penatly corners were awarded but none were converted. With around 10 minutes to go a scrambling Barry defence could not clear the ball, which fell to former Barry player Beth. A bouncy shot finally got past the keeper for Saints to equalise. 

Barry thought they had won it with a few minutes to play, after the ball ended up in the net deflected off Vikki's stick. However, on consulation with the second umpire, this was not awarded as the ball had not touch a Barry stick in the 'D'. Saints should have won the game with the numerous shots on goal, but a man-of-the-match performance by the Barry keeper kept the score at 1-1. 

A solid performance from the squad in what has proved to be a difficult match in the past. Saints will next play Swansea Uni at WHS, 12pm, on the 3rd of October. 

Saints MOTM: Ginge

Saints DOTD: Vikki

Goal scorer: Beth Moorcraft