Witham 1’s put up fight but to no avail

S&B 1’s took on Witham 1’s at home today. As one of the only 3 teams that have taken points off S&B this season, we were determined to get the full 3 points, but knew it would be a tough game. The first half started and Witham definitely started more strongly, testing defenders Nina, Charley, Leanne and keeper Carmel with shot after shot and also being awarded many short corners. After the initial 20 minutes with a lot of defensive play, S&B opened the scoring, with Chloe Brady finding the back of the net with a reverse sweep. This seemed to put fire under S&B, with a second goal being scored just 4 minutes later by Hollie in open play. 2-0 up and S&B were beginning to settle into it. However, only a couple of minutes later, Witham fired a ball into their attacking D which was calmly deflected into the net by a Witham forward. The midfield of Nic, Rachel, Chloe, Adele and Kerry were having to work extremely hard, with Witham attacking and defending as a whole pack, meaning a lot of end to end play. Before half time, Witham broke again and levelled the score to 2-2. S&B knew they hadn’t played their best hockey, and all knew what they needed to do in the second half to get the 3 points.
After half time, S&B came out with a lot more energy, getting to the ball first and using more accurate passing. Although Witham continued to pressure the defence, it was S&B who took the lead again, with a fantastic goal from Hollie in open play. Witham had short corner after short corner, but the defence held strong, until a swing and a miss from a Witham attacker, followed by a strike into the goal, was disallowed: a moment of relief for S&B but Witham were giving everything. Not too long after, Player of the Match Lily Cole got herself on the scoreboard, battling on the goal line to put the ball in after a saved short corner. 5 minutes before the end of the half, Naomi smashed the ball home from the top of the D, bringing the final score to 5-2. A win that looks convincing on paper, but was very hard fought by S&B and was a brilliant defensive team performance from everyone. 3 games left and the 1’s are guaranteed second spot, and still fighting Harwich for that top position.

Player of the Match: Lily Cole