Sutton Coldfield Ladies Hockey 1st XI Bounce Back From Disappointing Defeat
Photograph courtesy of Andy Smith
EHL Women’s Premier Division
Reading Ladies 1st XI 9 Sutton Coldfield Ladies 1st XI 2
Sutton travelled to league leaders, Reading, knowing that they would face a tough opposition who had won every match so far and only conceded one goal in the process.
The game started at a high pace and the home team took the lead with an early well-worked goal. Sutton responded well and equalised through Jane Sixsmith, however this closeness of the game was short-lived as Reading put on a display of class to show why they are currently the best women’s team in the country.
A combination of Reading’s individual international experience and team experience at premier league level left Sutton only able to watch and minimise the goals. At half-time, the visitors saw themselves 5-1 down and set out to reduce the deficit in the second half.
In patches, Sutton put really strong pressure on the Reading goal, however a very clinical Reading team continued to convert chance after chance. Sixsmith added a second to the Sutton tally, leaving them 9-2 down at full time. For the first time this season, the team knew they had been out-classed and it has given them lots to work on in preparation for the next game against Canterbury after this weekend’s break.
Investec Women’s Cup 2011-12 Round 2
Sutton Coldfield Ladies 1st XI 3 Bowdon Hightown Ladies 1st XI 2 (golden goal)
After the big disappointment of Saturday’s league defeat, Sutton set out with a must-win determination in the cup campaign against fellow premier league team, Hightown. With Hightown having taken the win in the league 4-1, Sutton had a point to prove and knew that they were in much better form than when they first met.
The game started at a high intensity, with Sutton taking the game to the Hightown team. Against the run of play, international, Sally Walton, put Hightown ahead through some delicate individual play. However, Sutton did not let their heads drop and fought back hard, with captain Vicky Woolford equalising the scoring.
The home team had lots of pressure on the Hightown goal, but were unable to convert their chances. Sutton went into the second half feeling on top of the game, but an early goal from a short corner put them chasing the game again. Sutton’s response was again strong and determined.
The whole team stuck together and played some fantastic flowing hockey, much to the delight of the spectators. Sarah Mills levelled the scoring and Sutton continued to go for the win. Despite balls screaming past the posts, the home side couldn’t find the elusive 3rd goal. Final whistle…… 2-2……what next??
After much consultation of the rules the teams went out for extra time with the golden goal incentive. Within two minutes, Sutton cleared the ball from their own defensive half and found the high forwards, supported by Woolford, who was perfectly positioned to slot the ball home and win the game for Sutton!!
The third round sees Sutton host Team Bath Buccaneers on Sunday 13th November.
Tags: hockey, local sport
