Ladies 1's vs West Herts

Following two wins on the trot playing the new formation Hertford ladies 1's headed to West Herts for what they knew was to be a tough and physical game. Having won the toss for first push back Hertford started with vigour and in the first five minutes had full control of the game. The passing was accurate and with speed and Hertford held their positions well creating opportunities to score almost immediately. Unfortunately West Herts seemed to wake shortly after the start of the game and began to press tight and high forcing the Hertford midfield back into their own half and making it overcrowded in the defensive 25 yard box. West Herts used their pacey players to cause Hertford a few problems and won a few short corners in the first half; however they failed to convert from any of them due to fantastic defending and goalkeeping from the Hertford team. At half time it remained goalless and the half time talk was focused on Hertford returning to play their own game as they had initially started. The goal came about 10 minutes into the second half when captain Molly Pallett came off the side line and picked the ball up on the left wing after a great ball from midfield Sophie Rawlinson. Pallett dribbled the ball reverse stick in the D and along the base line before drawing out to the penalty spot. Just before the keeper hit the floor in a diving effort Pallett reverse struck the ball into the backboard giving the Hertford the lead that they deserved. From them on Hertford wanted the win desperately and battled relentlessly to keep themselves in the lead. A number of amazing runs from forwards Jen Heath and Helen Owen kept West Herts on their toes but it was the incredible defending from the Hertford defence, in particular Teresa Bartram and man of the match Nicky Estherby that saw Hertford to their third win in a row.