Match Report: Ladies 3rd XI 26th Feb

Newbury & Thatcham 3-2 Yateley

YHC ladies 3’s were away at Newbury and Thatcham in the brilliant sunshine, but
with a warm up lacking energy, the team started slow in pace & low in confidence. This led to a few missed passes and not following through with our tackles.

Unfortunately for Yateley, Newbury and Thatcham managed to bag the first goal. We reset, but all feeling frustrated, we weren’t playing our best. Despite feeling deflated, Sarah & Clara did manage some good passes, allowing our attackers to have a few shots on goal. The oppo kept up the attack, recycling the ball well with a disciplined press.

We started the second half much more enthusiastically following the team talk; keen to play more of the hockey we know we can, challenging with more persistence, carrying the ball for longer and keeping it in our possession. Hattie claimed one back to draw us level.

With more confidence, the passes started to flow better, but a quick break put N&T back in front. However, we did have more control of the midfield, building from Carole, Flips and Debs at the back and using the breadth of the pitch.

Some great baseline runs from Gabi got us close & we were delighted when Sarah cracked home an equaliser from the top of the D…. Only for it to be disallowed (hmm). N&T hit another in on the break to make it 3-1 and a late consolation goal from Hattie M rounded off a disappointing result, albeit a better 2nd half performance.

DOD was awarded to chatty Donald Ducks.
Player of the match was well distributed amongst the team, with another 3 way tie for Hattie M, Amber & Carole. Captain’s choice again awarded it to Carole, for consistent blocks & hard work in defence.