A frustrating loss for the ladies 1's

Hertford ladies 1's hosted Brentwood at home in the final game of the first half of the season on Saturday. Having lost to Brentwood away earlier in the season Hertford knew they faced a tough opponent but had a full squad of 1's players on the pitch and were up for the challenge. It was a windy afternoon and extremely tough work on the pitch and having lost the toss for first push back Hertford decided to play with the wind to their advantage in the first half. Unfortunately, no real advantage was gained. Brentwood pressed on Hertford extremely tightly and made it very difficult for them to clear the ball from their half for the majority of the first half. They attacked Hertford mainly using the right wing and despite some excellent defending on that side from man of the match Hannah Brown and Maddy Twyning Brentwood found their way into the D a number of times. Given the oppurtunities they had to score however Hertfords defence remained as consistent as ever and they made it extremely hard work for Brentwood. The first goal came from a break on the counter attack which caught Hertford short at the back and a couple of passes inside the D gave Brentwood chance to take the lead. Hertford earnt themselves a short corner and a chance to level the score but Brentwood cleared Sian Fosters strike and Hertford were still trailing at half time. A few tips from coach Downer were given in the short break and words of encouragement to try and boost the team spirits. The second half was how Hertford should have played from the starting whistle and a buzz within the team looked from the sideline like Hertford could turn the game around. They started to communicate much more clearly and instead of hitting and hoping balls were placed on sticks and triangles started to form within the midfield. A cracking run from Sophie Rawlinson in midfield got the ball the entire length of the pitch but despite chances in the D Hertford just couldn't finish. Foster was awarded a penalty flick after a dodgy defending attempt but the keeper showed her worth by saving it with her right hand and batting it away. Hertford continued to battle in desperate attempts to even the score but Brentwood managed to grab a second goal with 15 minutes left to play and it became an impossible challenge for Hertford to make a comeback finishing the first half of the season with a disappointing 2-0 defeat.