Match Report
Match Report - 08 Oct 2011, Phoenix Hockey Club Ladies 2nd XI beat Redbridge & Ilford 3
Redbridge & Ilford were 2nd in our league going in to the game so we thought we were in for a tough match. What we didn't realise was that they hadn't acutally played a match yet as all 3 opposition teams had conceded the matches giving them the points. When we arrived what we found was a team of 9 players without a goalkeeper. As we know from past experience this doesn't always mean an easy win and Redbrige & Ilford put up a fight.
Phoenix did start the game better creating a few half chances before Emily Whipps put a great ball through to Alison Richardson who put the ball in the back of the net. Redbridge & Iford battled on and it was a while before Phoenix were able to create the exact same chance to see Alison Richardson score her second. It wasn't long before Lucy Watson was also on the score sheet. Abby Swannell was eager to score but her interesing move on the right post didn't quite work out but she worked hard to create chances for the rest of the team. After that though Redbridge & Ilford pushed on and got themselves a short corner, which was saved by Sylvie Reynolds. Phoenix were soon down the other end and a penalty flick was given, but this went wide.
In the second half it was Faye Taylor's turn to get on the score sheet, waiting patiently on the far post to get her goal. Then Emily Whipps came back on the pitch and latched on to a shot in the circle to score her first of the match. Redbridge & Ilford still battled on and were awarded a string of short corners, Claire Barker closed them down quickly but they were awarded another, which Sophie Bull cleared from the left post. Then Kate Whipps decided to go for a little run from defence and made it all the way to the opposition circle and put her shot away nicely. Sophie Summers had a fantastic chance to put a shot away on the right post but some how managed to put the ball right along the line but it just wouldn't cross it! She did minutes later set up a chance for Alison Richardson on the top of the circle who put it past the defender. Emily Whipps decided she wanted a second and hit a great shot, which bobbled over the stick of the defender on the line. Debbie Jacob came so close to scoring with her shot going in, but some how the defender cleared the ball off the line. Faye Taylor also scored a second from another great goal position on the left post. Redbridge & Iford continued to try and go forward right until the final whistle but unfortunately Claire Watson was at the back to pick up any loose balls that came through.
This new league is proving to be rather unpredictable!
Redbridge & Ilford 3 0 - 9 Phoenix Hockey Club Ladies 2nd XI