South Herts 1st XI v Cambridge Nomads 1st XI

20 September 2008

South Herts 4 – 1 Cambridge Nomads

A great start to South Herts first ever foray into the East League with a 4-1 in SW division 2.

Early nerves were quickly settled when Caroline Stanners burst into the area and her cross/shot was nudged between the keeper’s legs by Sarah Jowett. Herts looked well organised despite some personnel and positional changes from last season with Claire Moore, Faye Jowett and Ruth Spencer providing a strong defence to ensure Cambridge attacks came to nothing.

As the half wore on, Herts pressed forward again and having seen one penalty corner deflected wide, Anna Walker was not to be denied on her second attempt blasting the ball between the keeper and the defender on the post.

A 2-0 half time lead was no more than Herts deserved and they extended it to three shortly after the break when Lucy Edwards was fouled in the area and Walker again found the corner of the goal direct from the result penalty.

Despite dogged defending by Herts, Cambridge pulled a goal back from a penalty flick after Spencer was adjudged to have blocked the ball on the line with the subtle use of the foot. Keeper Mo, who had been largely untroubled for much of the game was given no chance with the penalty as the striker sent her the wrong way.

Herts looked a little unsettled following the Cambridge goal but soon regained composure and as both teams tired in the unseasonal heat. Jowett robbed the Cambridge defender after good work from Sue Richardson and a cross from Vanessa Porter and found squared the ball for Jo Spinks to score.

As full time approached Caroline Partridge shot narrowly wide whilst the Herts defence held firm to see out an excellent win.

Goals: Sarah Jowett, Anna Walker (2), Jo Spinks