saffron walden: 2
Harpenden: 2
30.09.06

The game got under way with Harpenden knowing it was going to be a close encounter as previous meetings with the Essex side had proved.

The home team took control of the game early on pressuring Saffron Walden and winning a short corner that unfortunately was not converted.

Harps continued to pen Saffron Walden in their own half with Frankish, Quinn and Borman working hard to keep the shape in the midfield. However it was to be Saffron Walden who scored first totally against the run of play; a quick break after Harp’s had over committed saw a 4 on 2 situation. Walden used the ball well and there was nothing Meade could do as the ball was slotted home.

This rattled Harpenden and the girls came back fighting with Lincoln coming close to levelling the score but to no avail as the half time whistle went.

Harps came out like a team possessed in the second half and were determined to make up the deficit. A well executed Harpenden short corner saw Lincoln finish in fine style to level the score 1-1.

It wasn’t long after Harpenden’s equaliser that Harp’s went in front. Some excellent team work from Naden, Slough and England saw the ball transfer up the pitch and into the D where Smith - not one to waste an opportunity - reverse stick shot the ball into the back of the goal.

Harpenden continued the good work with shots whizzing narrowly wide of the Saffron Walden goal. However attacking so high started to leave gaps in the Harpenden make up and Saffron Walden exploited these well with several quick breaks. Defensive duo Connell and Gardner, with a little help from GK Meade did well to mop up most of the attacks but the continued pressure eventually took its toll with Harps conceding a short corner. The first shot was saved but Harps could only concede another corner. This time a strike from Walden left Meade scrambling to her post, Slough getting a good stick to the ball, but the pace deflected the ball skyward and over the already committed Meade.

With few minutes left on the stopwatch Harps surged forward one last time but were unable to capitalise on their efforts.

Team: Emily Meade (GK), Claire Gardner, Caroline Connell, Sue Dear, Karen Slough, Georgia Naden, Jo Frankish, Vicky Borman, Jac Smith (C), Louisa England, Vicky Quinn, Karen Lincoln & Julia Bradley.

Goal Scorers: Karen Lincoln & Jac Smith.