LTHC Ladies’ 3rd XI 1 at Market Harborough Ladies’ 1st XI 5
LRHA Ladies – Premier Division
Loughborough Town Ladies’ 3rd XI went into the third game of the season against Market Harborough 1st XI having drawn the last week’s game. The starting line-up looked different again, as some of the regular faces were unavailable. However, a familiar face of Zoe Benfors took to the pitch after a year’s absence.
From the starting whistle, Town were on the defensive as a well organised Harborough side played simple but effective hockey. Their first chance came within the opening minutes and they continued throughout the first half. Player of the match, goalkeeper Kate Horrigan had her work cut out making some amazing saves throughout. Town worked hard with centre backs Vicky Ashenden and Iris Broekhuijzen working together to stop numerous attempts at goal. Harborough eventually broke the deadlock from a penalty corner. Town, not to be defeated continued to try and break the home side’s defence and despite some good runs from Hannah Simpson and Bennfors they went into halftime 1-0 down.
After the half time team talk from captain Sam Dalby, Town went into the half positive that they could still win the game. However, the constant pressure continued and eventually took its toll on Town’s defence. Despite Town’s best efforts they couldn’t stop Harborough from creating space and overload situations, even with some great tackling from Tara Vincent and Gaby Giggal, it just wasn’t enough. Town went on to concede four more goals.
There was a more positive note with captain Dalby scoring the only goal of the game for the away side. Taking an example from Harborough pass and follow play, Dalby linked up with Izzy Briggs, who had made a lead down the left side, Briggs drove towards the D whilst Dalby sprinted to get ahead and headed for the penalty spot. As Briggs crossed the ball, Dalby picked it up, turned and slotted it past the out-rushing keeper.
The game ended 5-1, and Town now looking for their first win in the season, welcome Leicester City 3rd XI next week at home. POTG: Kate Horrigan
