12/11/2011

Shepton Mallet Ladies 1st XI 3 - 3 Mendip Ladies 1st XI
 
This week Shepton were playing at home against local rivals Mendip. Always a tough game, Shepton started tentatively and found themselves defending their goal almost immediatley. However the defence soon rallied and managed to contain the threat, and the game soon turned around. From the backline Shepton pressed forward into the Mendip D and converted their first goal from a well worked penalty corner between Trippick and Wolf and struck by Chant. Mendip were soon on the offencive again and managed to sneak a shot through the keepers legs, this was soon followed by an unfortunate deflection finding the corner of the Shepton net allowing Mendip to lead the game into half time.

After the team talk with coach Tom Ward, Shepton returned to the pitch raring to go. Gaining most of the controlled play Shepton worked hard to maintain possession with Reynolds and Wolf feeding the ball across the pitch out to the wings to set up the attack. This paid off as mounting pressure in the Mendip circle from Brooker and McConnal allowed Chant to convert Sheptons second goal, equalising the score.

After a break from the Mendip attack Shepton conceded another penalty corner and were unlucky to concede a goal from the straight strike at top D that Woodland was just unable to reach. In true form for the match Shepton picked up the pace again and began hassling the Mendip defence, paying off with Chants third goal and maintaining the score at 3 a piece. This was a tough game as always and the scoreline reflected the excellent play from both sides.

Shepton Mallet Ladies 1st XI 1 - 8 Yeovil and Sherborne Ladies

Travelling to Sherborne this weekend to face top of the league, unbeaten Yeovil & Sherborne Shepton started brightly, immediately putting pressure on the Yeovil defence and within minutes Reynolds struck the Yeovil backboard from a McConnall cross. Yeovil slowly began building pressure against the Shepton defence but with man of the match Wolf in command at the back, Lloyd Jones man marking the Yeovil troublemaker, Durston controlling the right flank and tackling machine Pool on the left meant the Yeovil onslaught was suppressed and limited. However, Shepton began to find themselves increasingly defending short corners and from these Yeovil began to convert some impressive set plays.

Shepton kept fighting throughout the game and implemented some impressive play utilising all aspects of the previous training session. Marking Yeovil tightly and holding the ball gave the Shepton halves control of play in the second half which fed some excellent chances to the forward line. Tracking back with their opponents ensured all Yeovil attacks were covered proficiently which prevented them scoring from much of their counter attacks. Although conceding further short corners allowed the score line to grow, Shepton played an amazing game that in no way reflected in the score line.

Shepton Mallet Ladies 1st XI 4 - 2 Firebrands 3rd XI

After a superb training session this week, Shepton were geared up and ready for a win!

Shepton started with authority and hope, our first goal coming from fabulous composure from the back line working up through the pitch and ending with Chanty skinning 4 defenders and with a beautiful strike hitting the top right corner, wonderful start. And a second goal shortly followed from a wild run from Steph!

A short corner was won thanks to magical play between the mid field line. Wolff pushed out to an unexpecting Durst, who shot with precision, and the ball hit the back board with an almighty thud! Leaving Shepton 3-2 up at half time and the opposition thoroughly frustrated.

Fierbrands, came back with force but Kerri our own fire fighter was ready to extinguish any chance they made.  Sheptons new formation was running circles around a very good team. However we were tested at the back a few times but not much was getting pass our stand in keeper and Captain Holly Hard Nut!

All in all a beautiful game of hockey with delightful play from everyone!

Shepton Mallet Ladies 1st XI 3 - 7 Clevedon Ladies

Shepton had a scrappy start in their first league fixture of the season. Poor communication and uncertainty when marking led to Clevedon quickly converting their first goal past stand-in keeper Woodhead. More goals followed as Clevedon advanced on Shepton with effective passing to increase the score to 5-0 at half time.

After an intensive team discussion Shepton began the second half with renewed energy and advanced on Clevedon with speed and skill to convert their first goal from a cracking shot from Squire, as the result of a well worked short corner routine between Moore, Wolff and Squire. Shepton now had control of the game and were continuing to force errors from Clevedon allowing Ciouchka to make a fast pass to Squire who broke free from her marker to take on the keeper, scoring Sheptons next goal in quick succession.

However, Clevedon began fighting back and were able to put another goal past Shepton to bring the score to 6-2, but perserverance from Shepton and quick reactions from McConall allowed her to put one past the keeper as she attempted to clear a shot from Squire.

Due to a poor start Shepton struggled to break even with Clevedon and were hard pressed to catch them on the score board, however in the second half Shepton moved much more effectively as a team, were communicating and marking well and were able to play some excellent hockey to their usual high standard. Man of the match was given to Squire, closely followed by Owens. Next league fixture is 1pm at the Stade Du Mallet.