Belief is the key to success at Wellingborough

Wellingborough

Wellingborough

The girls travelled to Wellingborough in high spirits after a promising start to the season and there was a buzz about the team as the first whistle blew. The 1st XI started strongly and looked to dominate key areas of the pitch. However, the girls were playing against skilful opposition and tended to sit back and show a little too much respect to their opponents. Early in the game, a moment of indecision in the defence enabled Wellingborough to take the lead in what proved to be their only shot on target for the whole game.

 

It was the girls’ response to this which was most pleasing as they did not let their heads drop and were determined to get something out of the match. The defence were constantly under pressure against some speedy and elusive forwards. However, Brooke Millhouse marshalled them well from in goal and they worked well as a unit covering and supporting each other to repel wave after wave of attacks. Helen Francis held firm in the centre of defence with Sasha Worrall providing the cover behind at sweeper. Attacks were sporadic in the first half although Ellie Lewis looked dangerous whenever on the ball.

 

After a brief team talk and a little bit of coaching during half time, the girls started the second half strongly. It was clear that they believed in themselves more and looked far more comfortable on the ball. The defence was more assured with Charlotte Newman and Alannah O’Donnell keeping the wingers quiet and cutting out the crosses. Genevieve Barton and Cosima Berry began to dominate midfield and their attacking surges pressurised the defence and provided valuable support to Hannah Hawkesley and Ellie. The work rate of the team was excellent and the constant movement off the ball and speed of pass troubled the Wellingborough defence. Midway through the second half Hannah Hawkesley forced a safe out of the keeper and Constance Krarup was on hand to calmly slot the ball home.

 

The girls were not content to settle for a draw and Constance began to storm down the right after being kept quiet in the first half in a more advanced role and Hannah Brindley provided an excellent outlet on the left. Chances came and went as the girls pushed for victory with two excellent crosses flashing across the face of goal narrowly missing a number of advancing players. With five minutes to go, with the girls beginning to tire, they managed to force a short corner. Although it was not straight off the training ground Hannah Hawkesley managed to pounce on the loose ball and fire it passed the keeper.

 

A tense finale followed as Wellingborough searched for an equaliser which did not come due to the commitment of the team who were willing to work hard for each other. The outcome was a fantastic 2-1 victory, the first win in six years over Wellingborough.

 

The next match for the girls is against Kenilworth next Wednesday due to the postponement of the matches against Tudor Hall. Instead, the girls will be playing their annual Valentine’s tournament on Saturday. It is important that the girls do not rest on their laurels and look to build upon this performance. Well done!!            CJH


Tags: Hockey, Prep, Sport