Playing for the first time on the newly laid Dame Alice Owens pitch with new coach Claire Young, both team started brightly both creating chances at both ends.

After sustained pressure, Bar earned a couple of penalty corners in quick succession. Although both PC’s were unconverted their pressure eventually told when following a shot on goal, Hannah Darcy pounced on a loose ball in the D which was eventually deflected past the Saffron Warden keeper (1-0).

Bar went into the half time break 1-0 ahead.

Both teams again started brightly with Bar making full use of their full substitute bench to keep the tempo of play high.

Following a turnover ball which was quickly transitioned through midfield to the forward line, Emily Gerke shot powerfully from the top of the D which was only partially saved by the Saffron Warden keeper, leaving debutant Cassie Evans to help the ball over the line (2-0).

Saffron Warden were given a lifeline when Bar’s largely solid defence failed to properly clear a ball in their own D which resulted in a follow up Saffron Warden shot being deflected past Mo Casey in the Bar goal (2-1).

Despite this Bar managed to close out the game with little further pressure and picked up a well-deserved three points.

Full time score: 2-1

Scorers: Hannah Darcy & Cassie Evans.

Squad: Mo Casey, Lucie Boure, Sarah Withers, Charlotte Duncan, Carla Bleasedale, Jo Spinks (Martindale), Zara Guppy, Poppy Bristow, Lucy Edwards, Emily Gerke, Cassie Evans, Lauren Allock, Hannah Darcy.

Next week Bar continue their league campaign at home vs. Blueharts.