Heavy Defeat against Stevenage

Stevenage were strong from the start and attacked early with pace against the Hertford defence of Catryn Langley, Teresa Bartrum, Hannah Brown and Claire Rollins. Hertford managed to hold them off for about 20 minutes grabbing the 50/50 balls and attacking with pace when Stevenage opened up the game by scoring their first goal from open play. It did nothing to deter the Hertford side and for the rest of the first half they battled relentlessly to try and get one back.

The second half started strong with Sian Foster carrying the ball past 3 Stevenage defenders and heading for goal before the ball was stolen from her at the final hurdle. Stevenage were hungry for more goals and as the second half persisted so did the home side. Their ball pace was quick and their possession was good forcing Hertford to play a much narrower game than they were used to. They scored 2 further goals in quick succession early in the second half and the Hertford midfield of Sophie Rawlinson, Bev Deagostini, Bethan Langley and man of the match Maddy Twyning worked tirelessly to try and win the ball back for Hertford.

Perhaps lack of fitness or perhaps heads dropping Hertford play became more erratic; possession was given away too easily and Stevenage started to win all the 50/50 balls. The defence had a tough time relentlessly tackling the Stevenage attack and despite a few chances from the Hertford front line of Helen Owen, Molly Pallett and Sian Foster no goals came. Half way through the second half when the score was 5-0 Hertfords central defender Teresa Bartram took a ball to the cheekbone and could not continue. After the short break Hertford came back with a renewed vigour and fantastic play from Sian Foster saw a cross straight across the goal front where Helen Owen slotted it home. Unfortunately it was too little too late and Stevenage managed to get one more goal away before the final whistle blew.

Tina Hills made some fantastic saves for Hertford throughout the game and despite Stevenage earning their win Hertford were disappointed with the score line and the two very controversial goals that Stevenage were given.