Ladies 2s vs Rickmansworth

Leighton buzzard ladies 2s suffered a rare loss at the hands of Rickmansworth 1s. Leighton started the stronger of the two teams, creating numerous opportunities and dominating possession. The first half saw Leighton have the majority of the play and numerous short corners. The best chance of the half was cleared off the Rickmansworth line by the foot of an opposition, but much to the frustration Leighton the umpire was unsighted and did not blow for the infringement. Leighton didn’t have it all their own way and goal keeper Amber Kelly was called into action and made a fantastic save after a break down the left hand side with her stick. Leighton’s hard work saw them awarded several short corners but were not able to capitalise on their dominance. Rickmansworth managed to hold on to half time at 0-0 thanks to some valiant defending and getting bodies behind the ball.

The second half continued much as the first one finished. Leighton continued to press and win short corner after short corner but were unable to penetrate through the Rickmansworth defence. Frustrations were setting in for Leighton who felt they should be leading the game but they continued to work hard. A quick break from Rickmansworth following a Leighton attack left the defence vulnerable. Rickmansworth’s quick passing split the defence before the ball was slotted past Kelly. Rickmansworth took a 1-0 lead completely again the run of play. In the remaining 20 minutes Leighton continued to press. Further pressure from short corners was fruitless. Leighton’s best chance to equalise came through Sarah Ayres who was unfortunate to see her shot just wide of the far post after a fantastic quick turn inside the D.

Unfortunately on the day the better team lost and it was a game of missed opportunities but it was a great team performance which showed again their strong position in the league.

Man of the match went to Gemma Stapeley who worked tirelessly in the middle of the pitch during her first performance for the 2s.