Ladies 1st XI Match Report
Potters Bar Ladies 1st XI v Stevenage 1st XI
05 November 2011 | by Lucy Edwards
After last week’ excellent comeback win, Bar’s 1st Xl were on a high taking on Stevenage. Unfortunately Bar were quickly brought back down to earth as Stevenage first from a corner and then from a quick break went 2-0 up inside the first 15 minutes.
Bar were strangely lacking in shape and were struggling to contain the strong play of the Stevenage midfield but with the combined vocal talents of Meme and Mo at the back, it was only a matter of time before things improved.
Having won a series of penalty corners, Bar were awarded a penalty flick when Shelley Farmer’s shot was blocked by a Stevenage foot on the line. Up stepped Anna Walker battling to contend with the pressure of both the situation and the watching eyes of injured former flick taker Claire Moore on the sidelines. Walker sent the ball left only for the keeper to save it, but drama followed as a retake was ordered for keeper encroachment. This time Walker was not to be denied as she flicked the ball to the right hand corner.
With the score at 1-2 at half time Bar were confident they could still get a result. The second half started well with Caroline Partridge carrying the ball well from midfield and Lucy Edwards shooting narrowly wide when through one on one with the keeper. Incredibly, Bar then won a second flick as once again Farmer was denied by a Stevenage body on the goal line. Up stepped Walker again and with a bizarre sense of déjà vu she shot, the keeper saved and a retake was ordered! Sadly this time the keeper saved the retake and the score remained 1-2.
To rub salt into the wound, minutes later Stevenage broke away quickly and managed to restore their two goal lead. Despite the disappointment of letting in a third goal, Bar heads did not drop and they pushed forward winning more and more short corners which they just could not convert.
With just 10 minutes remaining, Stevenage inexplicably substituted off their best player and Bar promptly won their third flick – you guessed it Farmer hitting another Stevenage body part on the line. This time there was no drama as Walker scored to the keepers left. Could another miraculous comeback be on the cards? Well yes as it happens. First Bar won their umpteenth penalty corner and despite Stevenage clearing the initial shot, the ball was fired back in to be met by a sweet finish from Caroline Stanners. Scores level, five minutes left, what could Bar do……well, if in doubt, call upon the redoubtable calmness and skill of Stanners who was put through on goal and as the keeper rushed out she planted it straight through her legs for the winner.
A fantastic team performance from Bar with everyone battling to the end. Hopefully next week Bar can claim victory without the need to go 3-1 down first. But where’s the fun in that.
Final Score: Potters Bar 4 - 3 Stevenage
Goal Scorers: Anna Walker (2), Caroline Stanners (2)
Team: Mo, Jess, Meme, Sue, Faye, Caroline P, Caroline S, Anna, Jo, Lucy, Shelley and Sarah
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