Image Credit: Callum Nixon
By Lee Clow
16 October 2019 | ICG Women's Western Tier 2
USW Women’s Hockey 1st suffered back to back defeats as Royal Agricultural University Women’s 1st came away with 2-3 victory at the USW Sport Park.
Going into the game, USW was looking for a response having lost their opening game of the season, but they immediately found themselves 0-1 down when Royal Agricultural University broke down the left flank. Holly Walsh tapped home for RAU after their initial shot was blocked. The early goal appeared to shock USW who barley had chance to settle into the game.
Much of the first half was evenly split with USW just edging the possession. RAU continued to get in behind USW’s leaky defence but were unable to capitalise on their chances. In contrast, RAU’s defence was much more organised limiting USW to any clear-cut chances. USW attacker, Carmen Clements had a chance to equalise late in the first half, but her effort was saved well by the feet of the RAU goalkeeper.
In the second half, USW were once again hit with an early goal as RAU capitalised on a short corner mistake. RAU snatched the ball after USW let is slip and quickly ran up the pitch before sliding it across the box allowing Lucy Randle to tap home from point blank range. RAU now had a comfortable lead and looked certain for victory as USW began to look deflated.
USW’s day got worse only eight minutes later as RAU found a third goal to put big breathing space between the two sides. A short corner resulted in a goal mouth scramble before Tia Barlow was there to slide the ball into the back of the net. After the goal, RAU looked like they could score four or five before the day was done.
From this point, the game looked done, but it was kept alive when USW spiritly fought back and found a goal through one of their bright sparks in the game. Throughout the game the home sides number 26, Carmen Clements, failed to take her chances, but finally 10 minutes before the end she got her goal when she fired low in the bottom corner via the post.
Clements’ goal seemed to inspire USW as they found a second goal in quick concession. A clever short corner routine fell into the path of Abi Ruffle who smartly despatched her finish past the goalkeeper making he score 2-3. Having been once been deflated, USW now were the team on top and looked like they could find an equaliser to complete the spectacular comeback.
In response to the quick-fire goals, RAU looked to find a fourth to seal the victory and they nearly found it when Barlow smacked the bar with a powerful strike. This was a let off sign for USW who still had a chance to find an equaliser.
Despite the spirited comeback, USW were unable to find an equaliser they wanted and arguably deserved. RAU’s defence proved too strong on the day and this was what earned them the victory today. USW, who went unbeaten last season, have now lost back to back games and this may be a concern for next week when they face Cardiff Women’s 3s.
After the game USW captain, Femke Reinders, gave her thoughts on the match:
‘In the second half we played a lot better we were pushing a lot more. I think we just ned to work on that a little bit. It wasn’t the worst result it could've been a lot worse so I’m happy that we got a few goals in, the short corners went quite well’
She continued:
‘It is only the second game in to be honest, so we still have a lot of work to do. We’re getting there, it’s a lot better than last week so there is an improvement.’
コメント