Chess Valley 1st XI v South Herts 1st XI

24 November 2007

On a bitterly cold November afternoon, South Herts 1st Xl ran out 4-1 winners against Chess Valley 1s.

Both teams struggled to get going early as they took time to adjust to the freezing conditions. Herts had the best of the early chances with Sarah Jowett twice rounding the keeper but failing to find the goal with either shot.

As the half wore on, Chess Valley broke down the wing and managed to sneak the ball into the goal despite a last ditch tackle from Ruth Spencer and dive from Mo Gough.

Herts are no longer a team to crumble when going a goal behind and following a fine reflex save from Mo, Herts attacked and won a penalty corner late in the half. The ball was fed back to corner taker Caroline Stanners and her first time shot gave the keeper no chance.

With the scores level at the start of the second half Herts began to find their passing range with Caroline Partridge and Anna Walker doing well in midfield playing the ball around the opposition and feeding the forwards. Herts second goal came after another penalty corner. Faye Jowett’s shot was blocked by the keeper but her save only rebounded to Vikki Ayers who was able to celebrate a rare outing on the left wing with a neatly taken goal, beating the defender on the line.

Herts now looked much the stronger side and scored a third when Anna Walker beat three Chess players before slipping the ball into the circle for Sarah Jowett to score. A number of further chances followed with Claire Moore and Jacky Manning venturing forward from the back to set up the Herts attack. Cate Jackson was unlucky on more than one occasion before Lucy Edwards scored Herts fourth with a slap shot from the top of the circle after the ball was laid back into her path.

In the gloom of the afternoon with no sign of floodlights, Herts were jubilant at the finally whistle having secured yet another victory.

Goals : Caroline Stanners, Vikki Ayers, Sarah Jowett, Lucy Edwards