Here is the full match report from Ladies 1's vs Bicester - final score was Bracknell 1 - Bicester 2. :

Bracknell ladies made the long journey to Bicester full of confidence after their recent victories, which saw them net 8 goals in total past their opposition in 2 games. Nonetheless they knew that this would be a tough game.

Bicester pressed high up the pitch and put immediate pressure on the Bracknell players who did not panic and demonstrated good composure on the ball to find their colleagues. Bracknell attacked with vigour and won a number of short corners in quick succession but the ladies were unable to capitalise on these opportunities. The opposition were strong in their tackles which always gave the Bracknell ladies the hope of winning the decisions in their favour. Another short corner was awarded. After some great improvisation by Libby Mound at the top of the D, she passed a perfectly weighted ball to Holly Bentley who maintained possession despite an incoming stick tackle and calmly slapped the ball into the goal giving the visitors a deserved lead.

However, Bicester did not rest and were always a threat on the break. They moved around the pitch in 3s and passed slickly between themselves to get past the Bracknell defence on a number of occasions. Giving Bracknell a warning for what was to come. Bicester scored 2 goals in 5 minutes in a brief period of reduced concentration by the Bracknell team. The first came from a direct strike at the top of the D by the Bicester midfielder and the second from a cross which was initially stopped by Bracknell defender Sam Hall who was unlucky to see the ball deflect into the path of the incoming Bicester striker who tapped it into the goal from close range. The score was 2-1 at half time but Bracknell felt they should be in the lead.

Undeterred Bracknell began the second half strongly and attacked with gumption, immediately putting pressure on the Bicester defence. Bracknell confidently switched the ball from the left to the right and bombarded the oppositions D with crosses. However these were not met by a Bracknell stick or were cooly collected by the oppositions defence. Bracknell won a short corner half way through the second half which was converted by Laura Mahwinney. Unfortunately this did not count as the umpire blew the whistle before the ball hit the backboard for a foul within the D and awarded Bracknell another short corner. Bicester continued to be a threat on the counter attack but were managed well by good team work and strong defensive play from all areas of the pitch. Bracknell fought hard until the end but they were unable to find that much needed equaliser. Despite the result the Bracknell ladies will take many positives from the game.

South Berkshire Hockey Club

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