Ladies 1's in 5 goal thriller

Havering Ladies - 2 Burnt Ash Ladies - 3

Havering Ladies hosted Burnt Ash at Campion and did not get off to the best of starts. A slow beginning allowed the visitors to take an early lead and goalkeeper Sophie McCoy kept out a few subsequent shots. Havering began to pull themselves back into the game with Blaise Copeland, Sue Harwood, Emily Martin, Tess Meehan and Louise Burgess working hard in midfield. A good run by Burgess lead to a penalty corner at which Anna Webb deflected in Emma Isherwood's goal bound strike to bring Havering level. Havering then maintained a good spell of pressure and made it hard for Burnt Ash to get out of their half. Emily Gilkes-Tarsey, Rhiannon Goulden, Webb and Isherwood pressed well and intercepted a lot of balls but were unable to capitalise. Gilkes-Tarsey had the best chance from Isherwood's pass but couldn't get quite the touch she was aiming for and the shot was cleared away. Steph Prowse, Chris Noller, Wendy Schofield and Bethan Isherwood kept the few attacks at bay and the first half ended all square. Unfortunately the second half began like the first and Havering found themselves under pressure again. Burnt Ash took advantage and scored a further 2 goals. Havering revitalised themselves again and built up their own pressure. Good defensive work from the visitors though made it hard to get clear shots. Webb and Copeland both saw shots saved but Webb's persistence paid off and she grabbed her second after good work by Copeland. Several penalty corners were saved and Havering were disappointed not to grab a late equaliser. They will hope for better return next match when they host East London at Campion.