LTHC Ladies 3rd XI 0 vs Loughborough Students 5th XI 4
LRHA Ladies – Premier Division
Saturday 5th October 2019
Newly promoted Loughborough Town Ladies 3rd XI started their league campaign with an opening match again Loughborough Students 5th XI, who finished mid table last year. Returning captain Sam Dalby lined up with a new look team from what the team finished with last year. There were some familiar faces mixed in with some new ones, however the level of anticipation was felt by all.
From the beginning Town faced an onslaught of attacking play from the Students. Town’s defensive line up including goalkeeper Beth Johnson, Iris Broekhuijzen, Vicky Ashenden, Eirlys Herring and new signing Abigail Archer held strong, until the 15 minutes mark when the Students broke through to claim their first goal. The game restarted and the attack continued by the Students, which paid off and gave them their 2nd goal.
A foot on the line stopping a sure goal by Ashenden saw a flick being awarded to the Students, but an outstanding save by Goalie Johnson kept the scoreline at 2-0. Half time came and Town hadn’t even managed to get a shot on goal.
The half time team talk delivered by Dalby and coaches Ash Godfrey and Katherine Laws was hugely positive and focused on how well the defence were working together. The talk must have worked, as in the 2nd half Town were able to secure two short corners, but were unable to convert them. The Students were able to capitalise on their chances and broke through to score a 3rd. Unfortunately for Town the Students managed to score another before the final whistle blew.
A difficult opener to the season for Town, but one where everybody can take lots of positives ready for the double header next weekend.
