Womens
1’s v Norwich Dragons
4-0 Sally Powell x 2, Lou Davies, Rafae Roberts
Player of the match: Sally Powell
A hot day saw Stortford host Norwich Dragons in their first home league game of the season at the Herts & Essex Sports Centre.
Stortford started the first quarter all guns blazing with great intensity. Sally Powell smashed the first goal after a rapid right-sided attack in the 11th minute. A few moments later after a deft switch of channel from Katie Flintoft in central midfield found Rafae Roberts in space who crossed with purpose for Lou Davies who converted at close range to give Stortford a 2-0 advantage at the first break.
Stortford kept the tempo high in the second quarter and Sally Powell got her second goal of the day in the 22nd minute to put Stortford in cruise control at 3-0 up. Stortford won a few more penalty corners and were unlucky not to convert as the Dragons’ keeper pulled of some strong saves.
At the start of the third quarter. Rafae Roberts converted in the ‘hot zone’ after a penalty corner. Stortford still dominated, preventing the Dragons from making any circle penetrations in the quarter. In the final quarter, despited tired legs, Stortford won a barrage of penalty corners that went unconverted.
Final score: 4-0 win. A strong all-round performance with plenty of energy, teamwork and some clinical finishing to secure the win.
“We’re delighted with scoring some top quality goals today and with the intensity we played with” said Stortford’s co-captain Fiona Mulder.
Stortford L1s are now 3rd in East League Premier Division with a game in hand. They have a tough away journey to Ipswich next Saturday.
2’s v Hertford 1’s
2-2 Liv Smerdon, Jemima Tasker
The ladies 2s travelled away to Hertford for the late game! After a wobbly start and allowing Hertford to score an early goal we finally settled into the game. We had a few chances but with a lucky break from Hertford they scored again. We went into half time 2-0 down.
After a firm team talk at half time we finally turned up and played some lovely hockey which finished in a cracking lob over the keeper by Liv. The celebration lifted us all and we started playing great hockey. Another goal came by Jemima and we were back level.
We unfortunately ran out of time to score again but we left the pitch giving it our all. A special shout of to mom Sophia, for relentless tackling and never giving up! Well played!
Bring on a win next week!
3s v Harpenden 1’s
3-2 Hollie Mathieson, Jen Pearce
After two disappointing results, it was important that we responded with a positive performance, and we did just that with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Harpenden.
We started brightly and took the lead when Hollie met a perfectly delivered cross from Jen, finishing well to put us ahead. We continued to build momentum, with some excellent attacking play creating opportunities.
Our second goal came from some superb build-up play from Chloe, who helped work the ball into a dangerous position before Jen finished from close range to give us a deserved advantage.
However, a lack of concentration at the restart allowed Harpenden straight back into the game, giving them the momentum and reminding us that we couldn’t afford to switch off.
We responded well, though, and restored our two-goal cushion when Hollie found the net again with a well-struck effort from a short corner.
Harpenden added another late on following a lapse in concentration, setting up a nervy finish. Despite that, we showed good character to see the game out and secure an important 3-2 victory.
There are certainly areas for us to improve, particularly our concentration at restarts and in key moments, but after two disappointing results, getting back to winning ways was the priority.
Lizzie R was a near-unanimous choice for Player of the Match following a relentless shift across both defence and midfield, setting the tone with her work rate, determination and composure throughout.
A well-earned three points and a result we can build on
4’s v Broxbourne 3’s
0-5
A scoreline which did not really reflect the game. A couple of early defensive errors saw Stortford down by 2-0 within the first 10 minutes. They regrouped but the oppositions CF was skillful, fast and point accurate and she popped another one away before half time. In the 2nd half Stortford had numerous shots and short corners but the superb goalkeeper from Broxbourne managed to keep the away side from scoring. Many missed opportunities from Stortford but also a great display at both ends from Broxbourne
5’s v Hertford 3’s
5-1 Emily Wood x2, Poppy Dittrich, Karen Leach, Karen Jones
Bishop’s Stortford Ladies 5s delivered a strong performance, securing a commanding 5-1 win against Hertford 3s in a high-intensity, sun-drenched encounter. Driven by superb team communication and goal scoring, Stortford shook off a first-half equalizer to dominate the second half. The match opened under hot conditions, but Stortford set a high tempo from the pushback, showing immediate determination for the win. The breakthrough came at the 28-minute mark from a beautifully executed short corner. Karen LEACH launched a powerful hit from the top of the D, allowing Emily WOOD to smartly finish from the post and put Stortford 1-0 up. Hertford 3s responded with strong pressure late in the half, and their efforts paid off in the 36th minute, slipping an equaliser past the Stortford defence to send the teams into the halftime break at 1-1. Stortford emerged for the second half with renewed intensity, quickly dismantling Hertford’s momentum. Just minutes into the second half, LEACH put Stortford back ahead. Maintaining relentless pressure, Stortford struck again from another short corner. Once again positioned perfectly on the post,WOOD converted to secure her second goal of the match. Poppy DITTRICH then extended the lead to 4-1 with a brilliant, straight-strike. In the 62nd minute, Karen JONES sealed the spectacular performance with Stortford’s fifth and final goal, capping off the score at 5-1. While it was a spectacular collective effort defined by great teamwork and communication throughout the game, Stella THOMPSON was named Player of the Match for being strong in defence, working tirelessly to break up Hertford’s attacks before pushing higher up the pitch to support Stortford’s distribution and passing lines.
6’s v Harpenden
3-1 Emma Cox, Savannah Taylor, Jenna Flanagan
Stortford ladies 6s played a late afternoon fixture against Harpenden 2s in glorious sunshine. From the off, Stortford settled and showed some strong defence and keeping to keep Harpenden at bay. Mid way through the first half and on the break, the ball was crossed into the Harpenden D with a couple of shots and rebounds on which Jenna produced a delightful reverse flick which sent the ball looping into the top of the net. 1-0 up Stortford’s confidence began to build and the team put pressure on Harpenden and forced a number of errors. From the whistle to start the second half Emma Cox made a tremendous solo run from the centre line all the way into the Harpenden D to score within the first minute of the second half. Harpenden reasserted some pressure forcing some strong defending and good saves from Stortford however managing to score. Stortford responded with ever increasing pressure on the opposition with a number of breaks up the field testing the Harpenden goal keeper. Within the last 10 mins a link up between Jenna and Izzy Cullinan provided Savannah with a shot on goal only to be blocked by the keeper. But determined to seal the game, Savannah chipped the ball around the keeper into the back of the goal. A classy performance from the 6s and a well deserved win.
7’s v Old Loughts 4’s
1-2 Clio Thompson
L7s headed to Old Loughts 4s, welcomed with the cooling spray of the pre-match sprinklers on a warm and sunny afternoon.
A tough 1st half for the visitors ensued with Old Loughts scoring a minute into proceedings as Stortford struggled on a sluggish pitch, even Ange taking a couple of balls before finding her legendary free hit.
A Stortford break at 13 minutes with a long ball through to Lucy saw our best opportunity of the 1st half against a keeperless Old Loughts. Alas, an Old Loughts defender turned good speed and at full stretch denied the Stortford equaliser. 7 short corners awarded to Old Loughts across 35 minutes, some defiant defending by Naomi, Ange and Sally with great saves and clearances from keeper and POM Lola, Stortford soaked up the pressure. Old Loughts could only score from 1 of their shorts, the half ending 2-0.
A half-time talk from Cuz rallied the team, and L7s came out with determination to pull this match back. Old Loughts also returned to the pitch looking to build on their lead, but were unable to capitalise on a short corner inside a minute or a break at 39 minutes.
At 41 minutes, Stortford showed their mettle. A great ball from Vicky found Holly in space to run the ball up the right and into the D as Old Loughts scrambled to cut her off. Holly’s strength on the ball held, finding a pass to Clio who had sprinted to her aid on P-spot. Clio was perfectly placed to pop the ball into the net just as Holly’s momentum took her out. Fortunately, both players got back to their feet unharmed to celebrate a well-worked and well-deserved goal for Stortford, 2-1.
Opportunities arose for both teams, but hard work from midfielders Mel, Isla, Grace and Yvonne, Lucy and Juliet switching between the forward line and midfield, and great defending again from our back line and keeper denying Old Loughts any score in the 2nd half.
Vicky was pivotal in midfield, creating opportunities and just missing a goal for herself from a short as Old Loughts managed to tip her straight strike away.
At 67 minutes, Stortford were awarded a free hit a good 5 metres outside of the Old Lought’s 23m was taken quickly by Vicky. The ball launched directly into the D for Holly to tip the ball into the goal. However, a whistle from the umpire as Stortford scored turned elation to disappointment as the free hit was reset giving time to Old Loughts to regroup. A minute later, and the final whistle blew. Stortford disappointed and frustrated to leave Essex without at least a point from a strong performance in the 2nd half where we showed our grit and skill.
8’s v Saffron Walden 5’s
2-2 Simret Gill, Laura Maynard
It was a tale of two halves for BSHC Ladies 8s on Saturday playing at home, as they turned a 2–0 half-time deficit into a hard earned 2–2 draw against Saffron Walden 5s.
Saffron Walden started strongly and, 15 minutes in, Stortford paused briefly in the defensive D believing the ball had caught a foot. However a goal had been awarded. A frustrating reminder for the team to always play to the whistle. Saffron Walden doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute, leaving Stortford with a mountain to climb going into the break.
Going into the second half Stortford kept their heads up, kept pushing and, most importantly, kept believing.
Just three minutes into the second half, a perfectly placed Simret took advantage of a gap in the defence to pull one back. Stortford were back in the game!
The momentum continued to build, with Stortford winning multiple short corners as Saffron Walden found themselves struggling to keep their feet out of the way. Lily provided the injection to Laura, who produced a beautifully clean strike from the top of the D, sending the ball straight into the back of the net.
2–2.
Both sides battled hard in search of the winner, with the match becoming increasingly tense as the clock ticked down. The final drama came when Saffron Walden won a short corner as the final whistle blew. They called their whole team forward in search of a winning goal.
Stortford had other plans.
They held their defensive line, stayed composed under pressure and successfully cleared the ball to see out the game.
Player of the Match: Amelia Taylor.
A well deserved award for Amelia, whose defensive work helped Stortford hold firm when it mattered most.
Mens
1’s v Letchworth 1
5-1 Ali Charlton, Jamie Brooks, Adam Farley, Tate Barham Jack Wheaton
Bishop’s Stortford Men’s 1st XI continued their perfect start to the season on Saturday with an impressive 5–1 victory over Letchworth 1st XI.
Stortford got off to the perfect start, with captain Ali Charlton finding the net after just three minutes to give the home side an early lead.
The game soon developed into a more physical and closely contested affair, with Stortford spending periods of the first half playing with 10 men following a succession of green cards. Despite the disruption, Stortford remained disciplined and well organised, continuing to create chances while limiting Letchworth’s opportunities.
Their pressure was rewarded shortly before half-time when Jamie Brooks found the net in the 34th minute to double Stortford’s lead. The hosts went into the break 2–0 ahead.
Stortford continued to press after the restart and were rewarded with three more goals. Jack Wheaton struck in the 42nd minute, followed by Adam Farley in the 48th and Tate Barham in the 55th to put Stortford firmly in control at 5–0.
Letchworth eventually pulled a goal back in the closing stages, but Stortford saw out the game to secure a convincing 5–1 victory and another three points.
The result leaves Stortford top of the East Men’s Division 1 South table with three wins from three, having scored 22 goals and conceded just four. They sit two points clear of Old Southendian 1 and three points ahead of the teams currently in third to fifth.
Next up, Stortford travel to Havering, looking to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Their pressure was rewarded shortly before half-time when Jamie Brooks found the net in the 34th minute to double Stortford’s lead. The hosts went into the break 2–0 ahead.
Stortford continued to press after the restart and added three more goals through Jack Wheaton, Adam Farley and Tate Barham to establish a commanding 5–0 lead.
Letchworth eventually pulled a goal back in the closing stages, but Stortford held on to secure a convincing 5–1 victory and another three points.
The result leaves Stortford top of the East Men’s Division 1 South table with three wins from three, having scored 22 goals and conceded just 4. They sit two points clear of Old Southendian 1 and three points ahead of the teams currently in third to fifth.
Next up, Stortford travel to Havering, looking to maintain their perfect start to the season.
2’s v St Albans 3’s
0-2
Bishop’s Stortford Men’s 2s suffered a 2–0 defeat against a well-organised St Albans 3s side.
St Albans took control during the first half and went into the interval two goals ahead. Stortford responded with greater discipline after the break, keeping a clean sheet in the second half and remaining competitive until the final whistle.
Although unable to find a way back into the match, Stortford showed character against strong opposition and will look to build on a positive start that has brought two wins from their opening three games.
3’s v Potters Bar 1’s
0-2
4’s v Letchworth 3
4-0
Bishop’s Stortford’s 4th XI secured a convincing 4–0 victory over Letchworth 3rd XI, with a dominant late spell producing three goals in the final ten minutes.
Stortford had to be patient in the opening stages, but eventually broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Tunde Adewale found the net to give the home side a deserved 1–0 advantage.
Letchworth continued to compete strongly and Stortford were unable to add to their lead for much of the second half. With the match entering its final stages, however, Stortford finally found the breakthrough they were looking for.
The second goal arrived in the 60th minute, giving Stortford some valuable breathing space and putting them firmly in control of the contest.
From there, the floodgates opened.
Just five minutes later, Duncan Laws extended Stortford’s lead to 3–0, before Adewale completed the scoring in the 67th minute, adding his second of the afternoon and wrapping up a 4-0 win
5’s v Old Haberdashers 1’s
0-8
It was a difficult afternoon for Stortford’s men’s 5s as they came up against a very strong Old Haberdashers 1st XI side.
Stortford worked hard throughout the match but found themselves up against a team that made the most of their opportunities and ultimately ran out 8–0 winners.
Despite the challenging scoreline, Stortford continued to compete and battled to the final whistle against a very good Old Haberdashers side.
6’s v Blueharts 9
0-5
Bishop’s Stortford’s men’s 6th XI faced a difficult afternoon away at Blueharts, eventually going down 5–0.
Stortford worked hard throughout the match but found themselves up against a strong Blueharts side who took their opportunities and built a comfortable lead.
