Welwyn Garden City 1st XI v South Herts 1st XI

15th November 2008

South Herts earned their fourth win of the season with a last gasp winner against Welwyn Garden City on Saturday.

Herts went behind early in the game when a combination of poor visibility and a bouncy pitch saw the ball beat four Herts defenders before the Welwyn forward scored at the second attempt.

As the half wore on, the Herts players began to adjust to the conditions with Caroline Stanners looking particularly strong running at the Welwyn defence. Herts gained a deserved equaliser when Anna Walker took a quick free hit which found its way to Sarah Jowett in the area. The Welwyn keeper looked favourite to clear the ball but a slight hesitation allowed Jowett to poke the ball between her legs for the goal.

Herts continued to press with Vanessa Porter and Faye Jowett feeding the ball in from the wings.

The start of the second half saw Welwyn come out in determined mood and Herts were pushed further and further back. A combination of strong defending by Moore, Spencer and Cullen and some breathtaking saves from Gough in the Herts goal saw the scores remain level despite Welwyn’s pressure.

There were few chances for Herts but they twice went close to taking the lead when first the impressive Stanners just failed to connect with a corner from Walker and then Jowett was a whisker away from an excellent ball played in by Sue Richardson.

As the game appeared to be heading for a hard earned draw, Herts broke forward for one last attack. Porter burst into the area and slipped the ball past the keeper. As the ball ran towards the goal, Jo Spinks capped a fine performance beating the defender to the ball to nudge it over the line. As the Herts players celebrated, the final whistle blew, much to the delight of the South Herts players.

Welwyn & Hatfield Times article and photos

Goals: Sarah Jowett, Jo Spinks