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Harleston Magpies 1 v Ladies 1st XI

Match Reports - 08/03/2010

Game	: Harleston Magpies 1 v Ladies 1st XI
Result	: 3 - 1
Date	: Mar 07, 2010
Pushback	: 12:30
Venue	: Away - Shotford Heath
Status	: EHL East

Chelmsford Ladies 1st XI vs Harleston, March 2010

Following last week’s welcome win this game started badly for Chelmsford, conceding a scruffy goal after less than 2 minutes. Any late arriving spectators would not have guessed that Chelmsford carried a deficit as they took virtually all of the play in the first half to Harleston and probably had 75% of possession. Kate Maxey, Hayley Heggie and Marie Kirkham held the back line and played searching passes to the midfield and forwards. Maxey executed a skillful double feint to press an attack through the Harleston defence which led to what was to be the first of many Chelmsford short corners.

Chelmsford built their goal attempts patiently and across both sides of the formation. Libby Knifton took possession of the ball outside the D and although she moved smartly into space she was tripped by a Harleston defender, warranting the next penalty corner. Kirkham played a defining captain’s role, encouraging the team, marshalling the backline and providing probing balls for the midfield of Sarah Bolton, Rebecca Budd and Julia Butterworth to pursue.

As half time approached an equaliser seemed to beckon. With two more short corners Chelmsford’s domination was clearly on record, but the goals failed to materialise.

Chelmsford continued the relentless pressure in the second half but the umpires felt that both team’s commitment over-stepped the mark and the flow of the game was interrupted as Kat Letts was sent off and a Harleston player booked. This lull in play disturbed Chelmsford’s concentration and Harleston took advantage of space in front of the D to edge a second goal past Chelmsford’s keeper. If Chelmsford were dazed by conceding an apparent soft goal they were stunned when in less than a minute Harleston took their lead to 3-0.

Chelmsford’s experience and commitment meant that they would rally and fight back. The midfield and forward line pressed Harleston back and the team got their reward for endeavour with a simple tap in by Sarah Glanvill with 10 minutes play remaining. Chelmsford won a couple more short corners but again failed to capitalise. Harleston defended doggedly and held on to win the points. A strong squad performance, including the introduction of the young Rosie Patterson, augers well for the final three games of the season, with the next match at home to Cambridge City on Saturday 13 March starting at 12.00.

This year, photos are once again courtesy of Nick Robinson, more images are available through Nick's Flickr site.

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