March 17, 2012

Hertford 3 Blueharts 0
 
Hertford were on form from the opening minute on Saturday, they were able to control the game with power and possession.  Man of the match Molly Pallent scored the first goal when she was given the time and space to drive with the ball into the circle, her shot was hard enough to beat the goalie. Her levels of energy and committed tackling were upsetting the away team.   Chances came and went for Hertford but Blueharts were camped back in their own half and they were feeling the pressure.  A very strong keeper performance was keeping Blueharts in the game, she had a very aggressive yet effective style.  The second goal was a well worked team goal which Laura Mason was able to finish off. 
Blueharts were able to gain some possession and with this some confidence.  They were starting to cause problems at the back but the usual suspects were able to break this down.  Nicola Estherby, Mary Woodward, Cath McNeill and Teresa"Trigger" Bartram were on fine form and cleared up any form of attack and were able to release the Hertford midfield.
Hertford were only able to score one more in the second which was a another Liz Walker fine finish.  The score line flattered the play of the opposition, but their keeper was difficult to beat.  Hertford have their final league game of the season on Saturday after a very successful campaign.

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March 10, 2012

Potters Bar 2 Hertford 1
 
With both teams in a similar league position Hertford knew it was going to be a close game, and it was.  However Hertford had the initial possession and put the Potters Bar defence under pressure form early on in the game.  Liz Walker, Katie Dolan and Laura Mason were once again causing problems with their movement up front, but Dolan was carrying an injury and she was unable to drive the defence in her usual fashion.  Hertford were dominating the possession but were struggling with the final pass or shot on goal.  Potters Bar were absorbing the pressure and after the opening 20 minutes they were able to build up on this and created some problems for the Hertford defence. 
 
Cath McNeill in goal with her trusty sidekicks of Nicola Estherby, Teresa Bartram and Mary Woodward were holding the fort.  Potters Bar had some pace up front so creating chances which at the time were scrambled out of the circle.  Hertford were first on the score sheet when after a string of short corners Sian Foster was able to powerfully strike the ball and a lucky deflection of the opposition stick sent the ball flying into the top of the net.  Potters Bar were able to equalise before the half time break with a scrappy moment in front of the defence which saw the ball trickle over the line.
 
Hertford were carry some injuries in the second half and the movement of position amongst the team allowed Potters Bar back into the game.  They scored early in the second half once again getting a lucky break, the ball went through the legs of McNeill in goal and was deflected into the goal. Hertford had their chances but were unable to capitalise on them.  Players of the match Bartram and Foster were influential at different ends of the pitch, but were unable to get the needed goal to share the points.    

March 3, 2012

Crostyx 0 Hertford 7
 
Hertford were in 7 heaven on Saturday as they dominated a team from the opening whistle.  The pace and strength of Hertford were too much for the opposition and the score line reflects this.  Katie Dolan had an early chance within the opening minute but the ball was hit just wide.  The game then followed a similar pattern.  The Hertford midfield of Amy Lynn, Jane Moulton, Sian Foster and Jackie Hall were able to release Dolan, Laura Mason and Liz Walker into space and create opportunities up front.  Crostyx were finding it difficult to clear the ball and release the pressure.
 
Liz Walker got her first of the day in the fourth minute when she received the ball with her back to goal and was allowed to turn and shoot.  Before the half time break she was able to repeat this on another two occasions and had a hat-trick by half time.  The home teams heads were dropping and there was some unrest amongst them, this only played into the hands of Hertford.
 
At the half time the clear instruction from captain Rollins was to keep a clean sheet.  Cath McNeill had been unused in the first half but had to remain focused into the second, at time this was made easy with her strong line of defence clearing up any of the few attacks Crostyx were able to create.  The second half followed a similar pattern, but It was Fosters turn to score a quick hat-trick of goals.
 
The player of the match was Amy Lynn who was enjoying the freedom to attack the opposition with her tireless legs and driving runs, the final goal was another for Liz Walker making it four for the game.  Hertford appreciated the goal advantage but know next Saturday will be a different game.

February 25, 2012

Hertford 2 – Southend 3

Hertford absorbed some early pressure, but after 10 minutes Southend had chalked up their first goal. Southend’s centre forward drove through the defence, to go one-on-one with the Hertford keeper, and neatly flicked into the bottom left corner. This soon quickly followed with another goal for Southend. Two nil down Hertford.

Hertford dug deep with their trademark grittiness coming to the fore. Some strong defensive work in open play and at short corners by Mary Woodward, Nicky Estherby and Teresa Bartram seem to inspire the Hertford halves and forward line in the form of Jackie Hall and Katie Dolan to link up. Liz Walker was in the right place to fire passed the Southend keeper from close range. 2-1.

The dynamic of the game was starting to change, and Hertford had more of the possession. The defence kept a shut out at short corners, and defence soon turned into attack as Katie Dolan set up Laura Mason to again capitalize from close range. Honours even at 2-2, Hertford had done well to level the game by half-time.

The second-half saw Hertford step up a gear with some quality passing. Mollie Pallett, Bev Deagostini, Amy Lynn and Jackie Hall worked tirelessly in midfield though Hertford notably lacked width when attacking. The defence was holding strong at short corners despite corner after corner being awarded against them. The game seemed to be heading for a draw but with 10 minutes to go Southend drove down the left flank to score a soft goal at the near post. The Hertford keeper should have made a simple block, but it wasn’t to be.

Hertford did all but get the draw that they deserved. Mollie Pallett was the well deserved player of the match. Some definite positives for the team but tinged with disappointment at a point missed. Hertford go into next week’s game back to a full strength starting line up and looking to get back on track.

February 18, 2012

Waltham Forest 1 Hertford 1

Hertford made the trip to Waltham Forest on Saturday to play a re-scheduled league fixture. The lack of training and match play due to the inclement weather over the past weeks was visible from both sides early on and Hertford struggled to maintain any possession.

Waltham Forest settled the earlier and strung together several efforts on the Hertford goal but the defensive line up which welcomed back Hannah Brown alongside Teresa Bartram and Nicky Estherby held firm with Keeper Cath McNeil in fine form when needed.

Hertford started to gain some momentum with Jackie Hall combining well with Liz Walker down the left flank. A quick break saw Walker do all the hard work in rounding the keeper but somehow she managed to put the ball wide of the target. Shortly after Jane Moulton had a penalty corner strike well saved by the home guardian but neither side could break the deadlock and went into the break goalless.

Hertford kept the pace up going into the second half and Walker’s blushes were saved when she struck from close range to give the visitors the advantage.

Hertford kept things very tight and worked relentlessly in midfield but with just minutes to go Waltham Forest scored the equaliser from a wickedly deflected shot which left McNeil no chance.

The ladies will have to up the tempo next weekend when Sarrffend come to town.

January 28, 2012

Hertford 0 Wapping 5

Hertford knew they were going to have their work cut out with Wapping only 2 points off the pace at the top of the table.

The home side found themselves under pressure from the outset with the Wapping side holding possession and creating pacey attacks on the home defence. With a clear goal in mind the Wapping forwards won a series of penalty corners. Jackie Hall was unfortunate to deflect a strike into the roof of the net leaving keeper Cath McNeil no chance.

With Foster taking a turn on the Matt Earle naughty step Hertford welcomed the return of Bev de Agostini who linked well with Claire Rollins in the centre of midfield. However, the Wapping defence held firm and snuffed out any attacks on their goal.

Wapping added another two penalty corners before the break leaving Hertford with it all to do in the second half.

Hertford put in a more solid performance after the break. Laura Mason and Liz Walker finding more space up front until a breakaway goal increased Wapping’s tally.

With Teresa’s old man turning up to support it was only a matter of time before she either saw yellow or got injured. It was the latter this week when a wild short corner strike smashed her index finger at chest height and an early bath ensued.

A change in formation saw Jane Moulton moved into the (now alien) forward line and possibly should have scored a consolation goal, her strike was superbly saved by the Wapping keeper at full stretch.

Wapping went on to add another from a penalty corner and confirmed why they are promotion contenders this year.

January 21, 2012

Stevenage 2 Hertford 3

It’s always been a close encounter for local rivals Hertford and Stevenage and Saturday was no different. Hertford had the perfect start on Saturday with an early goal to settle the nerves. Liz Walker found some space on the wing, linking well with Sian Foster, the result was a penalty corner.  The initial strike was heading wide of the goal but Laura Mason was able to flick the ball over the oncoming defender putting the ball in the roof of the net.  Hertford were spurred on by this early breakthrough and by some strong running from Katie Dolan, Jackie Hall and Claire Rollins, the pressure continued and once again Hertford were able to find the back of the net through a Dolan strike.

It was too good to be true and Stevenage pushed higher up the pitch to put the visiting team under some pressure.  Player of the match Jane Moulton along side Nicola Estherby and Teresa Bartram were able to control the waves of attack which were being forced onto the Hertford defence.  However often and forceful the attacks Cath McNeill was commanding the circle and a 2-0 lead at half time was result.

Hertford started the second half in a similar fashion from a Hall long corner, the ball was fired into the circle of Foster on the angle to beat the oncoming players and Liz Walker was there to finish it off.  That's when the feel for the game changed all credit to Stevenage, they changed formation going for broke and were causing huge problems for Hertford.  Stevenage were able to get their first goal off a short corner routine as an unsighted shot was allowed through the circle.  There were many other attacks and Hertford were being pushed back into a more defensive position, struggling to get the ball out of the danger area.  They got their second when a player found herself free on the far post and slotted the ball home. 

The last 20 minutes were made more difficult when Sian Foster was sent to the sin bin for a mistimed tackle, but Hertford were able to hold back the attack of Stevenage.  Once back to a full compliment of 11 Hertford were able to build up some attacks and had the last chance but Mason was just short of the ball.  Another 3 points but credit to Stevenage who clawed back.  

December 3, 2011

Blueharts 0 Hertford 0

Hertford travelled with an air of confidence following their recent results and form. However they found themselves on the back foot within the opening 10 minutes.  Blueharts were very good at holding possession and putting the ball into space.  Hertford's defence were keeping up but at times found themselves with players to be marked in the defensive circle and this was creating problems for Cath McNeill in goal.  Mary Woodward was running the central defence with the assistance of Nicola Estherby and Teressa Bartrum and once again they were able to create an iron curtain.  Hertford were finding space up front especially with the driving runs of Liz Walker and Laura Mason.  However the Blueharts were very closely marking Katie Dolan and she was finding it hard to find some space.  However she was able to hold the ball up and feed the others.  Chances and the share of the possession was beginning to develop. 

Player of the match Cath McNeill was called into action but with only 5 minutes of the first half remaining she was faced with the challenge of a penalty flick awarded for clearing the ball of the line dangerously.  She was once again in fine form as she was able to save the flick.  The scores remained the same into the break.

Hertford were the stronger team in the second half creating chances with some dynamic runs from Sian Foster and a turn of pace from Amy Lynn.  Blueharts kept themselves in it when a well struck short corner was saved on the line by the defender off Foster.  Feeling a little more confident with the second half performance Hertford went for the win and pushed Jane Moulton higher up the pitch, chances came and went and the score line finished as a goal less thriller.  A very hard game with both sides striving for the win, but possibly a fair result

November 26, 2011

Hertford 5 Potters Bar 5

This was certainly a game for the neutral which was full of end to end action and goals.

With the majority of the early play evenly matched it was the home team who opened the scoring when Katy Dolan was released to go on a mazy run and finished off with an excellent reverse stick effort. Potters Bar quickly responded and scored their opener shortly after.

However, Dolan certainly had her mojo back and was troubling the visiting defence. She outpaced the last defender to set up a one on one with the keeper with which she made no mistake to give Hertford the lead again.

Potters Bar rallied and scored their second from a well struck shot which left Hertford keeper Cath McNeil little chance.

Hertford were then reduced to ten when Laura Mason saw yellow. The visitors capitalised on the extra player and added another to give them the lead going into half time.

The pace of the game did not relent going into the second half. No sooner had Hertford been restored to eleven when Teresa Bartram was binned after a somewhat ‘senior moment’ when brandishing her stick Darth Vader like above her head.

With Tony Rollins crocked with appendicitis (the lengths some people go to avoid umpiring the Ladies 1’s), Knight in shining armour Wigens stuck to the letters of the law and brandished his yellow card again.

Hertford conceded from the resulting penalty corner

With it all to do, Hertford upped the work rate and saw Laura Mason and Liz Walker score from open play.

Potters Bar were to take the lead again but directly from the resuming push back Amy Lynn who listened to the old bag bellowing behind her and released Walker into space who found Mason unmarked in the ‘D’ to add her second of the afternoon and ensure a share of the points.

The Ladies wish Tony a speedy recovery but also note that now those appendix have been removed you can’t use that excuse again.

November 19, 2011

Hertford 4 Crostyx 0

Hertford are flying high in the league and the prospect of playing high in the league Crostyx would normally make Hertford nervous, but not at the moment on their current form.  Hertford were dominant for the whole game with more of the possession, chances and goal scoring opportunities.  Once again the "iron curtain" or the Hertford defence were in full control and commanding the game.  Cath McNeill kept another clean sheet with the help of Teresa Bartram, Nicola Estherby and Jo Wood.  The first goal was from a midfield break by Jane Moulton who was able to feed Liz walker, she found herself in a one on one with the keeper and slotted it past the keeper.

Crostyx were able to come back and show why they are high in the league with some terrific movement off the ball and they had a great level of first touch which at times was beating the initial Hertford tackle.  They had a purple patch for 10 minutes but the pressure was absorbed and Hertford were able to maintain control.  The second goal came within 3 minutes of the second half, Laura Mason found herself in some pace, created once again by the heard work of Claire Rollins and Jane Moulton. Mason was able to slot the ball under the keeper.

The Crostyx heads dropped after the second goal and Hertford could smell blood, Claire Hawes was out wide on the wing, and during a move with Katy Dolan they were able to confuse the visiting defence and her shot struck the backboard.  The final goal was another for Walker and the demolition of Crostyx was complete.  A real team performance which puts Hertford high up the league and with their current performance promotion could be on the cards!!! 

November 12, 2011

Southend 2 Hertford 3

Hertford made the long journey to Southend on Saturday preparing for a hard game, with wave after wave of defending considering the high position which Southend held in the league.  Hertford set up with a strong midfield ready to absorb the pressure and support a very in form Hertford defensive line.  However to their surprise Hertford had the opening minutes under control with Katie Dolan, Liz Walker and Laura Mason creating changes up front and problems for the Southend defence.  It did not take long for Southend to pick up the pace of the game and Hertford knew they were in for a battle.  Cath McNeill, Teresa Bartram, Nicola Estherby and Jo Wood were well organised and set the tone.  All attacks were dealt with and cleared towards an energetic midfield.

Hertford had to ensure a disciplined defence as the umpiring was very hot on the tackle area, after some encouragement from captain Claire Rollins and a shuffle of positions on the pitch Hertford were able to find their rhythm again.  The first goal was not pretty as Liz Walker was able to push the ball over the line after a goal line scramble. Southend were very frustrated by this and speeded up their attack, they were able to equalise within 10 minutes, their second goal followed shortly when Hertford found themselves pulled out of position and Southend had the space to capitalise on the error.

At half time Hertford knew that they had the ability and chances to equalise, and again following another goal line scramble Laura Mason was able to squeeze the ball past the keeper.  This spurred on Hertford and through some creative running from Molly Pallent and Amy Lynn they were able to maintain the pressure on the home team who were beginning to crack.  Jane Moulton and Sian Foster worked tirelessly in the midfield, showing all their experience of playing together. Holding up the Southend midfield and breaking down the play.   The breakthrough came through with 10 minutes left on the clock, player of the match foster was able to strike the ball through the keeper’s legs off a short corner.

The final minutes were tense as Foster was sent to the sin bin for a mistimed tackle, but if anything Hertford had two changes to seal the game but Mason and Walker were unable to capitalise on their opportunities. Another stunning team performance from Hertford who face another challenge on Saturday.

November 5, 2011

Hertford 2 Welwyn 0
 
Hertford were chasing shadows for the opening 20 minutes on Saturday as Welwyn were teaching the home team a master class in passing and moving into space.  Hertford had to dig deep and maintain their discipline to ensure that Welwyn although dominant were not able to break down the defence.  Another player of the match performance by goal keeper Cath McNeill reflects the type of game which followed.  It took some time for Hertford to disrupt the flow and pattern of Welwyn but through some determined pressing by the whole Herford team the game began to break up.
 
This suited Hertford as they were finally able to gain some possession, Claire Rollins was made to work hard at the back along side Teresa Bartrum and Jo Wood.  Liz Walker and Laura Mason were having some success up front and it was only time before Walker was able to capitalise from the space and possession which Hertford had created.  Hertford took this lead into the half time break still very aware of the threat shown by the visitors.
 
Within minutes of the second half, Nicola Estherby was hit by a ball in the face and needed to leave for medical attention, this left Hertford with no subs.  This did not throw the home team and a move involving Jane Moulton and Laura Mason saw Hertford extend their lead and the heads of the opposition dropped.  Hertford had to see out the match for a well earned home win, this was made more difficult when Sian Foster was sent to the sin bin for the final 4 minutes after opening her mouth once too often to the umpires.  Hertford will be happy to take the win, but Welwyn put up a brave battle. 

October 29, 2011

Harpenden 3 Hertford 0
 
Hertford faced a very aggressive Harpenden side who showed their intentions in the opening minutes.  It was a very physical game which for the first 5 minutes threw Hertford off balance and found themselves very busy at the back. Cath McNeill, Teresa Bartram, Claire Rollins and Jo Wood had to hold firm as some early pressure was absorbed.  There were breaks and chances were created especially through Liz Walker and Katie Dolan but these were snuffed out by a well organised defence.
 
The Harpenden break did come in the 10th minute when they were able to overload the attack and a player was left alone, she had the time to line up her shot and strike leaving McNeill with no chance.  The game from this point was an even affair in terms of possession but Harpenden were able to push Hertford back into their area for the majority of the first half.  Laura Mason and Jane Moulton were linking well down the right releasing some of the pressure from the defence and giving Dolan, and Walker chances.
 
The second half was a more even affair but the score line would not show it, Harpenden were able to score on two breaks.  Molly Pallent battled well in the midfield with Rollins and Moulton, but the player of the match was won by Nicky Estherby for her fear less tackles in defence and some stunning saves of the line.  A hard game and a difficult score line to swallow but once again a great team spirit shown by all.

October 22, 2011

Hertford 3 Waltham Forest 1

Hertford played host to Waltham Forest Ladies on yet another balmy Saturday afternoon.

The home side started brightly with the midfield quartet of Claire Rollins, Jackie Hall, Sian Foster and Amy Lynn controlling the play. However, any chances were dealt with by the very mobile visiting keeper.

Foster broke the deadlock midway through the half when her venomous shot from an acute angle left the keeper with no chance. The cries of ‘never shoot from that angle’ were somewhat muted!

Spurred into action, Waltham Forest mounted a fightback and only some inspired keeping from Cath McNeil kept the visitors at bay. Hertford conceded shortly before half time to go into the second half all square.

The second half was a much tighter affair with most of the play centred around midfield. The Waltham Forest defence were marking the Hertford forward line very tightly and not giving them any space in which to create chances for themselves. Jane Moulton and Katy Dolan struggling with footwear or sand spent more time on their backsides than Captain Rollins this week!

However, all the hard work in training during the past few weeks paid off with the midfield unit backing up in numbers. With the home side surging forward and putting Waltham Forest under more pressure Dolan was on hand to slot home from short range when the Forest guardian failed to get enough on a shot from the top of the ‘D’

Foster added a third with another fearsome shot towards the end to give Hertford a much deserved win.

September 17, 2011

Hertford 1 Harpenden 3

Hertford were feeling confident going into their first league game having experienced some positive pre season, some new faces and younger legs.  However Harpenden turned the screw for the opening 10 minutes.  They created wave after wave of attack, which tested a new defensive line up. Cath McNeill earned a man of the match performance as she tendered the goal with both bravery and brains.  Harpenden had the shock of the game when Hertford during their first attack Katie Dolan was able to out pace the Harpenden defence and beautifully hit the ball into the top of the net off a reverse hit shot.  This spurred on Hertford and confidence began to grow.  The play was open, direct and at pace from both sides creating  a thrilling match.  Harpenden were able to level in the closing minutes of the first half.  A strong lifted flick off a short corner was able to beat a McNeill in goal and her fellow defensive team, especially Teresa Bartram and Nicole Estherby.

Hertford were aware of the well drilled opposition and new captain Claire Rollins insisted on discipline both in attack and defence.  Harpenden were the more dominant team for the second half, but Hertford had their chances often on the counter attack.  This will seen as a positive for the rest of the season as a team with some new players will galvanise together.  Harpenden were able to score off two short corners, unable to break down the home team in open play, many of the plays were broken down by hard work, good positioning and some excellent goal keeping.