October 23rd, 2021
Result : Southgate 2 – 1 Hampstead and Westminister
Match Report : Lorna Cruickshank
Southgate’s fifth fixture of the season finished with yet another 2-1 victory – a score line that is becoming a bit of a habit for the L1s!
The girls expected a strong Ham and West line-up, and the North West London team certainly lived up to that. This resulted in an exciting, fast paced battle from the two London sides.
The first quarter saw Southgate get an early opportunity from a penalty corner, however the team could not find the back of the net. The girls continued to apply pressure, finding the net through a beautiful Em Ruffell-Hazell deflection over the goalie. Unfortunately, the cross was deemed illegal, and the goal was disallowed. Still 0-0.
It wasn’t long until H&W responded, winning several PCsbefore finding the bottom left corner of the goal through a straight strike effort. 0-1 H&W.
After quarter time, ‘Gate came out strong and hungry for goals. The girls were creating exciting opportunities, wining lots of ball from the press and playing some glorious counterattack hockey. Early into the quarter, captain Char Childs stepped up to the mark and banged the ball into the backboard with a first time hit. A crucial equaliser. 1-1.
Moments later, Childs doubled her game’s goal tally, scoring another well-timed deflection for her side. 2-1 ‘Gate.
In the second half of the game, the L1s held on to their 2-1 lead, creating some more attacking play and preventing H&W opportunities through great defending. As the final quarter was drawing to a close, the side maintained composure, keeping possession in the tense final moments of the game. Robbo enjoyed some time practising her skills in the corner of the pitch, and Dobby couldn’t quite decide what ball was best to play with. Coincidently, the final whistle blew jut seconds later. 2-1 ‘Gate.
MoM this week went to captain Charlotte Childs for two crucial goals and excellent comms throughout the game.
Next Saturday, the L1s take on another strong opposition, top of the league London Wayfarers (A), in what will surely be a nail-biting battle. Hopefully the girls can continue on their winning streak and enjoy another 3-point Saturday.