Epsom 2 Reading Ladies 1a 2
By Reading Hockey Club • Oct 22nd, 2012 • Category: L1A, Match ReportsSaturday 20th October 2012
The 1A’s ventured in to deepest Surrey for their third League away trip of the season. For some the journey proved challenging; mistaking Kempton Park to be the venue for the Epsom Derby, missing the M25 Junction whilst on the M4 and even getting lost within the grounds of Epsom college!
Confused minds were also abound once the game had gotten underway. Inside the first minute of the game, with the first meaningful attack of the match Epsom caught the girls napping and were a goal up barely before a 1A’s player had touched the ball. Reading were clearly not at the races.
Conceding a goal early was in fact the wake-up call the girls needed, as slowly but surely they began to impose themselves on their opposition. Steady build up from the back and solid midfield combinations were beginning to prise open the Epsom defence and after 8 minutes, the scores were level, when Chloe Lyons continued her scoring form, comfortably converting a fine move.
The 1A’s were now dominant. Alys Richards was a constant threat from Inside Forward, twice driving strongly into the D only to be foiled by last ditch tackles. Chloe also came close but the second goal was proving difficult to secure until a short corner was awarded on thirty two minutes. A well executed drill resulted in Harriette Wilcock thumping an unstoppable strike into the Epsom net. The Ladies after a slow start were well worth their half-time lead.
The start of the second half began just as the first had ended, with Reading in the ascendency and endeavouring to stretch their lead, dominating possession and looking dangerous on the flanks but unable to execute the final pass to open up the Epsom goal.
As Reading strove for the winner, the game began to open up with both teams pressing and on 52 minutes, it was the home side who converted a short corner to level the score. Reading came straight back and within a space of three minutes, could have retaken the lead. First, Holly Raby and Alys Richards combined well resulting on a strike on goal that shaved the post, then soon after there followed a short-corner when the game’s stand-out performer, Holly, executed a drag-flick to the top right corner which was well saved by the home keeper.
Alas, the elusive winner was not to be and the game ended in dead-lock. Reading were undoubtedly the stronger side and played by far the more attractive hockey of the two sides. Their endeavours earned just one point when it could be argued three would have been more deserved. That said, a month ago this game could easily have resulted in defeat demonstrating how far this side has progressed in such a short period of time.
Building on last week’s win at Guildford, a point gained will prove invaluable in a league that is looking to be a very tight competition. The team is beginning to gel; the girls are obviously enjoying each other’s company and are growing in confidence week by week. All should be proud of another fine performance.
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