1’s v Dereham
3-1 (Fiona Mulder, Daisy Fox, Libby Knifton)
Today the ladies 1s took on Dereham after winning the past 5 weeks and wanting to continue our winning streak. Key elements for us were to not be complacent and to keep building on the good work we’ve been doing. Simple passes, being patient and getting outcomes in the D. The team began strong and had some early chances, but it took until the 12th minute for Dutchie to score the first goal after some valuable micromanaging by Libby Knifton. The second goal came early in the second quarter when Daisy Fox shot an amazing strike at goal. Dereham kept fighting and after a somewhat chaotic 3rd and 4th quarter they got one back. Stortford then rallied together to produce maybe not their finest hockey, but effective when Libby Knifton scored the third goal of the day when she saw a gap on the left and slotted it home with a great strike. We all agreed this was not our best performance of the season, but everyone was pleased to see that even when we are not performing to the level we know we can, we are still winning games! Strength in the basics, effort and positivity across the pitch means this team is on a great winning streak. Next week we take on top of top of the table, and league winners, Bedford. Bring it on!!
2’s v Colchester 1’s
5-0 (Nicky Bareham x2, Emma Hynds, Anna Sydes, Rafae Roberts)
The Ladies 2s played bottom of the table, Colchester, in a clash where they needed to secure 3 points to move back ahead of Old Loughts who’d won earlier in the day.
The team started strongly and had the majority of possession before the scoring was opened by Emma Hynds who converted a short corner with a thunderbolt strike from the top of the D. A further short corner followed for BS, which was clinically converted by the home team, with Anna Sydes deflecting a slap from Claire Pearce into the back of the net. 2-0 at half time.
Colchester attempted to get back into the game in the second half, but it was BS who struck first, when player of the match, Nicky Bareham, swept the ball into the goal following a strong run and cross by Amelia Leach. The away teams’ heads went down, and BS took advantage, dominating possession and scoring a 4th goal when Rafae Roberts finished a good team move to tap the ball in at the back post. Colchester’s day got worse when their goalkeeper was given a 2-minute suspension, which was punished by Bareham for her second goal of the game. Final score 5-0 to BS.
3’s v Hertford 1’s
0-1
Ladies 3 played Hertford today in another game that is always close. We continued from last week piling on the pressure and really pushing for an early goal. Despite this we had a couple of chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. Hertford had a couple of breaks, but our defence stayed calm and defended perfectly. Still 0-0 at half time we had to do the same again. Still working hard, the play was end to end with both teams having chances. Hertford won a short corner and converted to take the lead. Stortford didn’t give up and won a couple of short corners which were saved off the line. Last bit of play and Stortford won a flick which was saved by Hertford. Finished the game 1-0.
4’s v Broxbourne 3’s
1-1 (Katy Motson)
The Ladies 4s went into their match against Broxbourne with real determination, fully focused on coming away with a win. From the first whistle, the team started strongly, moving the ball well and putting Broxbourne under pressure. This early intent paid off when Katy Motson found the back of the net within the first 8 minutes, giving us a well-deserved lead.
We continued to play with composure, holding our shape well and remaining calm under pressure. Strong defensive work and good communication allowed us to keep Broxbourne at bay, and we went into half time leading 1–0.
The second half began with the same positive attitude; however Broxbourne managed to to bring the score level at 1–1 with a well-executed penalty corner routine. We continued to push forward and create chances and were later awarded a penalty flick for a foot on the line, but unfortunately it was well saved by the keeper.
The team kept battling right until the final whistle, producing some great passages of play and creating multiple chances on goal, but we were unable to find a winner. The match finished 1–1 after a competitive performance.
Player of the Match went to goalkeeper Lianne for her outstanding saves and strong presence throughout the game.
5’s v Letchworth 2
0-5
Stortford 5s played Letchworth 2s for the second time this season. Stortford were off to a good start, working hard and putting pressure onto Letchworth.
Working hard in defence the score line was kept clear up-to 29 minutes when the first goal was scored against Stortford, who had defended hard in both game play and short corners. The score at half time ended 0-2 against Stortford.
Stortford worked hard with great teamwork working up the pitch into Letchworth’s D, unfortunately to no avail, but keeping the pressure on the opposition. Letchworth went on to score 3 further goals in the second half, bringing the final score to 0-5 against Stortford.
Player of the match was awarded jointly across the defensive line to Sophie COWELL and Sarah BUCKNELL (GK). consistent and strong defending and great goal saving and clearance throughout the game.
6’s v Maldon 2’s
1-4 (Charlotte Turner)
PoM Emily Osbourne Worcester
6’s lose early lead, failing to gain much needed points
A nervous Stortford pushback with early Maldon pressure, requiring Lis to show her basketball skills, was put to rest when at 3 minutes Charlotte Turner, making her first league appearance this season, found the backboard with a resounding thump and raised all our hopes.
Stortford kept looking for the second goal with good pressure being put on Maldon until at 21 minutes the home side made a break shooting swiftly the initial clearance being picked up by Maldon who found their player, #11, on p-spot. Naomi couldn’t get round her and with some finesse she flicked the ball from side on to bring Maldon even.
Following unconverted short corners in each direction Maldon made another break with #11 again getting too much respect from the Stortford defence finding space and scoring a clean goal just inside the first half whistle.
Stortford had the run of the play for the second half, with most action being in the Maldon half. Three unconverted corners left us vulnerable to the Maldon break which the defence worked hard to try to clear, but #11 eventually got the ball in behind Lis and was too strong for Mandy on the line, taking Maldon 2 goals clear.
A fourth goal, for #11, came from a corner decision that took the defence by surprise. #11 took a hard strike with Lis getting enough behind it to have a fab bruise but not quite enough behind it to prevent the goal.
As is the Stortford 6s way the fight went to the end with a corner decision in our favour right on the full-time whistle. Everyone up to take the chance to no avail. Final outcome 1-4. Another great fight, with great support from Yvonne (up from 8’s via a match or two for 7’s) and Mandy guesting as a sweeper (up from the 9s). Great spirit, great skill and a team who despite sheer grit can’t quite catch the break.
7’s v Harpenden 3’s
4-0 (Emma Cox x3, Megan Laws)
The ladies 7’s travelled to St Albans to face Harpenden, having beaten them on the home leg this season.
With some tricky pitch (beach!) conditions the 7’s had to change their game to adapt to the slow-moving ball. Despite the conditions the game started with some great pressure and the ball entering the opposition D within a minute. Some great play across the pitch kept the pressure on Harpenden, but they remained dangerous on the break. Despite a number of short corners the half ended with no goals.
The second half saw Stortford remaining dominant. The defence played brilliantly clearing the dangerous balls and the midfield unit continued to work the ball forward to enable to forwards to maintain their relentless pressure. A flurry of goals ensued, one for Megan in a great position on back post and 3 in pretty quick succession for Emma.
A couple of late defensive short corners were cleared well, with Lianne producing some excellent saves throughout, and the game ended 4-0.
Another brilliant performance from the whole team, with the PoM votes again spread over a number of players, but the award this week goes to Izzy.
Well played all 🤩🥳
8’s v Royston 2
1-2 (Cecily Morgan)
Stortford Ladies 8s made the trip to Royston this week for an away fixture played at Royston’s second pitch very much in the middle of nowhere and without facilities. We are grateful to Royston for accommodating a 15-minute delayed start to allow our squad to arrive safely and get warmed up.
Royston currently positioned higher up in the league, and a contender for promotion had everything to play for and came out strong. They opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Stortford responded and the equaliser came in the 34th minute from Cecily M. Despite the pressure, and several awarded short corners to Royston, Stortford defended well and successfully, keeping the score into half time at 1-1.
The second half saw sustained pressure from Royston, with Stortford’s defence called into heavy action. In the 43rd minute, Royston were awarded a penalty corner and converted to regain the lead at 2–1. From that point onwards, Royston continued to press hard, but the Stortford defence stood firm. There were some fantastic interceptions and committed defending preventing the scoreline from extending further.
Stortford worked tirelessly to push the ball up into the attacking 23, creating opportunities and earning some short corners. Unfortunately, we were unable to convert these chances into an equaliser. Despite the determination and resilience shown throughout the squad, the final whistle went with the score finishing 2–1 to Royston.
A strong defensive performance and great team spirit on display, plenty to build on for our next fixture.
9’s v Stevenage 5’s
4-0 (Lily Dodd x2, Simret Gill, Kim Guthrie)
The 9s carried forward their tenacity from last week’s hard battled draw to this weeks away game at Stevenage. The team flew in to action from the first whistle, Stortford applying pressure and fighting for all opportunities to win the loose balls.
The slow pitch meant that Stortford had to alter our play, relying more on hits and close passes to secure possession. The team adapted well and kept the structure, using the width to our advantage. The tight defensive approach and team spirit paid dividends when in the 18th minute Simret Gill got us in the lead after a battle with the goalie.
Buoyant and 1 goal up, Stortford did not release the pressure and in the 26th minute the team were awarded their 2nd goal with a lovely shot coming from a penalty corner and struck beautifully by Kim Guthrie.
We were keen to increase the scoreline and came out in the second half aware that Stevenage would be hungry for goals. Shortly in to the second half, Lily Dodd increased the goal difference, converting a third goal for the team.
Lily Dodd was challenging and fighting for every ball throughout the game. This showed when in the 42nd minute she scored a second goal, making it 4-0.
This team did not lose focus, remained engaged and continued (to the last second of the game) to try and increase the scoreline. A performance every player equally contributed to and everyone did the club proud. Well deserved player of the match this weekend was Etta Inman, making a guest appearance for us from the 10s and putting in an absolute shift throughout the game in Midfield.
