NOrwich union : 1
Harpenden: 2
11.11.07

On Sunday 11th November, Harpenden took on Norwich Union in the second round of the England Hockey Trophy competition.  The game, played at the Brache in Luton got off to a cracking start, the disappointment of the previous day’s result put behind the team.  Slick passing, excellent movement and work rate saw Harps take the lead 1-0 after the first 10 minutes with the determined Julia Power slotting the ball past the visiting keeper after a rebound.

Harps continued to work hard, Nic Pendleton distributing the ball from the centre of the pitch seamlessly.  With some good support running down both wings, Harps attacked the oppositions D with determination.  The next goal however was to come from the opposition after a well worked break leaving the half time score at 1-1.

The second half started much as the first with Harps playing some good, flowing, positive hockey.  The visitors threatened to go ahead first however when a mistimed defensive tackle went awry leaving a forward driving strongly into the Harps half looking for a one on one with the Harps keeper.  Some excellent legwork from Karen Slough and Georgia Naden however managed to stall the attack although a flick was eventually awarded for a foot on the line.  Keeper Em Meade managed to outwit the penalty taker as her shot was scuffed along the ground and an easy save was made.  Despite some tired legs, Harps continued to toil and won a number of short corners; Karen Lincoln managing to see the ball home in due course.  Some near misses from open play that could have increased Harps goal difference further followed this second goal but Harps had done enough as the final whistle blew.  A well deserved victory for the home side sees them progress into Round 3 of the competition – the opposition of which are to be confirmed.