Leighton Ladies 3rd XI vs. Harpenden Ladies 3rd XI

Leighton ladies 3s hosted Harpenden 3s on Sunday, facing the side for the second time this season. Leighton drew 1-1 with them last time and so were looking for a repeat or better this time round. Now back in the swing of things and having played on the Saturday as well, Leighton were feeling confident that they wouldn’t let the same mistakes happen twice in the same weekend.

Opening the game, Harpenden won the coin toss and opted for first push-back. As soon as the whistle was blown Harpenden put pressure on Leighton’s defence but were held off by some brilliant block tackles from right back Katie Fitzpatrick. Harpenden had a good press which made it hard for Leighton to break through so a lot of the first section was played in Leighton's defensive 25 yard area.
After some good runs up the wing, chopping and changing into the centre, Harpenden brought the ball back and scored. Leighton kept their heads up and kept playing some great hockey with simple passes but were unable to get it past the half way line. A short corner awarded to Harpenden saw them convert it with a shot from the top of the D, deflected off their players stick into the goal.
Leighton kept battling hard and with some re-arranging of the formation to become a stronger defensive side, Leighton were able to keep the attacking down. Harpenden managed to break through and slipped a ball across the goal and in catching Jo Wells out; Leighton’s goalie. Half-time and the score was 3-0 to Harpenden.

Leighton carried on playing really hard and despite short corners being awarded not in their favour, only one was only converted into a goal. Some near misses with shots sent outside the goal and balls travelling across the goal through both teams players, saw some luck heading Leighton’s way. Some quick balls and tactical playing, Leighton were able to show their worth and hold Harpenden off, putting a bit more pressure on their goal.
Coaching from the side-line, Ken Mounter was able to help keep Leighton’s spirits high and subbing players on and off as much as was needed to freshen the team up. Some successful and ‘out of the ordinary’ aerials from left back Rhianna Baker and sweeper Suzy Mounter saw some needed space created to be able to add pressure to the Harpenden defence.
A brilliant stop on the line by Rhianna Baker meant another goal wasn’t awarded, but unfortunately after another scrabble in the D, a short corner was awarded in favour of Harpenden and converted bringing the final score 5-0 to Harpenden.
Man of the match went to Rhianna Baker deservedly, for working tirelessly, stopping the ball on the line and brilliant defensive work covering back.