Potters Bar 2nd XI v Hertford 3rd XI

20th February 2010

Potters Bar hosted a home match against Hertford 3’s this Saturday on a surprisingly sunny day at Dame Alice Owens School. Hertford who beat Bar 1 - 0 in their last meeting in a controversial defeat, and who are only one of two teams that have defeated Bar’s mighty 2’s this season. Bar who are sitting perched in 2nd position in the league, want a win or at least a score draw to keep in promising promotion contention.

Hertford won the toss with the first push back and Bar unfortunately playing into the beaming sun. Bar dominated the game almost spontaneously with strong midfielders Kerry McCann, Shelley Farmer and Lotti Pickup breaking through the pitch to provide a constant barrage of passes into the D. The forwards were not hungry enough in the first half and Hertford made sure any press in front of goal was denied.

A fast break from Hertford through Bar’s right flank allowed their strongest player to penetrate Bar’s defensive circle with a 1 on 2 situation and Hertford’s Left Forward smacked the ball past Bar’s debut keeper.

Bar phased by the score line, pressed on and despite 2 short corner attempts, a sprinting effort from Sarah Withers, and reliable Chris Field failing to convert on at least 2 occasions, Bar were unable to equalise by half time.

Potters Bar started well again in the second half, barely letting Hertford play into Bar’s half. With the likes of defenders Michelle Lewis and Ashleigh Rouse pressing the ball forward when they could to provide constant pressure on the away team.

More short corners were gained by Bar after a melee of Hertford fouls, but dependable captain Esther Strous couldn’t smack the ball past Hertfords defence when she stepped up to ease the pressure. Even experienced McCann sent the ball over the Hertford goal after another earned short corner.

A bombardment came from Potters Bar, showing true domination of the match. With attempts from Nic Holland, McCann twice, and Lotti Pickup all being denied. Field had an attempt which scraped the post, but it wasn’t until Pickup found herself free in a millisecond of splendour when she hit the ball past an exhausted keeper.

Potters Bar ended the match with a 1 - 1 score draw with Hertford scoring from their one attempt at goal and Bar only converting one goal from a dozen chances. Bar were frustrated with taking away only 2 points from a fine display of hockey. Nonetheless, Bar were happy points were gained and are now hopeful in winning their last 4 remaining matches in the hope to gain promotion.

Lady of the match: Lotti Pickup

Goal scorer: Lotti Pickup

Team: Jesse Clemo (GK), Esther Strous (Captain), Sarah Withers (Vice), Shelley Farmer, Chris Field, Katy Francis, Kerry McCann, Ashleigh Rouse, Charlotte Sayers, Michelle Lewis, Charlotte Pickup, Ally Capron, Nicola Holland, Claire Pollit