Honours even

In this top of the table clash, with injuries and illness forcing players to play in parts of the pitch they don't usually visit, Reading were fortunate to come away with a point. Marlow started strongly and were an organised and efficient unit, whilst we took a while to settle down and get going. Only some strong defensive play by our experienced back 3 kept us in the game, but they could do nothing to stop a fine solo goal from their best player just before half time. Amanda deserves particular mention for excellent work both in defence and attack.
Half time gave us the opportunity to regroup and reorganise. Florence was given the task of man marking one of their players, a job she stuck to throughout the second half with skill, determination and a maturity that belied her age. She was deservedly man of the match. Our engine room and chief organiser Ant got into her stride in the second half and linked well with Emily and lent increasing confidence to our other younger players, Jess and Henna.
But as is often the case, the determination, competitiveness and never say die spirit of our most experienced players saw Sandy take control, instructing Tracy to stay in their D and hope for a deflection. Having got her eye in the opportunity duly arose in the closing stages of the game. Sandy fired a bullet of a shot goal wards from the half way line and Tracy cooly stuck out her stick to get a touch before the ball hit the back board with a pleasing thump. From the ensuing celebrations on lookers might have thought we had just won the world cup, but holding on for a draw meant that we had maintained our unbeaten run in the league. Congratulations to all. We start the return fixtures next week knowing we must up our game as other teams go all out to knock us off the top spot.