Potters Bar 2nd XI v Broxbourne 4th XI

Saturday 7th November 2009

Potters Bar Ladies 2nd's hosted Broxbourne 4's at home on a sunny yet cold Saturday afternoon pushback. Broxbourne was sitting at the top of the Division 4 Five counties league with a massive goal difference in their favour. Bar knew it was always going to be a tough match, but with a successful 2 week break allowing positive training opportunities and excellent team selection from an ever growing squad, gave Bar confidence and determination to hunt for an epic win.

The pressure was put on Broxbourne from the whistle and Potters Bar played swift passing moves to get the ball into Broxbourne's ‘D‘. Two minutes in and a short corner was won by Bar. Crisp injection by Chris Field converted the first goal which came from an almighty strike from skipper Esther Strous. Spirits suddenly lifted after the hard work in those first few minutes and this ultimately paid off with a second goal minutes later by winger Sarah Withers. Bar were playing beautiful hockey, keeping possession through the Midfield and Back players. Switching play and driving the ball forward in every opportunity and making every pass matter. Broxbourne were simply out classed in the first half.

Half time meant Bar were 2-0 up and the team started with continuing pressure on Broxbourne, Bar again took charge of the game with Shelley Farmer and Charlotte Pickup working tirelessly to intercept and take on any effort Broxbourne made. When Broxbourne pushed forward with some classy run throughs, this was simply tidied up by Ashleigh Rouse or Michelle Lewis on countless occasions. Nonetheless, there was a lull within 10 minutes of the second half which lifted Broxbourne to push a constant attack, however this was quickly snuffed out by keeper Glenys Chiswell who saved Broxbourne’s only attempt at goal. Numerous opportunities came from Bar to convert, with unlucky shots brushing past the posts by the forwards Field, Withers, and Liz Finding. But this bombardment of great team play saw Bar smack in another, giving Potters Bar a neat 3 - 0 victory.

Potters Bar’s 2nd XI gave a fine performance from a much improved and ever-evolving side that is showing great promise for the future.

Lady of the match was a very close affair with 3 votes each for Ashleigh Rouse, Michelle Lewis and Shelley Farmer, however 4 votes went to Esther Strous who greatly received the honour from her team mates. This in itself showed how well everyone played.

Goal scorers: Sarah Withers, Liz Finding and Esther Strous

Team: Glenys Chiswell (GK), Esther Strous (S, Captain), Sarah Withers (RW, Vice), Liz Finding (CF), Chris Field (LW), Ashleigh Rouse (RB), Laura Cullen (CB), Charlotte Sayers (LB), Shelley Farmer (CH), Charlotte Pickup (RH), Michelle Nibblett (LH), Michelle Lewis (sub Back), Clare Pollitt (sub Half), Katy Francis (sub Forward)