Shefford scupper Ladies 1s comeback

It's squeaky bum time for the Ladies 1s as the end of the season draws closer, and the win against Welwyn last week had given them hope that their season was not over.

Knowing that a win this week could put them within a point of their rivals in the relegation zone, Hertford started the game strong, putting pressure on the Shefford defence from the off and forcing them in to their own half. It was immediately obvious that it was going to be a physical battle, but Hertford held their own, winning the 50:50 balls. It took twenty minutes of hard fought effort before Hertford scored their first goal, Jen Heath picking up a deflection from a Molly Pallett shot, and slotting it between the goal keepers legs.

This rattled Shefford, and the rest of the first half was a different story - the opposition piling the pressure on Basil Wilkins and Mel Evans who were covering defence, but both kept their cool. Shefford hit Hertford with a series of six short corners, but some calm and collected defending by Laura Sharman, and some speedy running out from Molly Pallett kept them at bay. It was 1-0 at half time.

Shefford, clearly riled by being down to a team they had previously beaten 4-1 came out even harder in the second half. Balls were won by tackles more akin to those found a rugby pitch. From scoring the opener, Captain Jen Heath then fell from hero to zero when she retaliated after being subject to a deliberate foul, and was sent off for ten. The Shefford player was also sin binned.

Playing 10 v 10 seemed to open up the game, and just minutes after, Molly Hobson was through on goal, and converted a reverse stick flick - now her trademark move. At 2-0 up Hertford could hardly believe it - especially when just a minute later, Leah Wilkerson made it 3-0 by dribbling it over the line after some fantastic build up play from Liz Berry and Lucy Whitamore.

The teams were soon back to full numbers, and then Shefford woke up. The sheer brutality of the game had started to take it's toll on Hertford, and despite putting their bodies on the line, and some superb defensive short corners, Shefford managed to pull two back in quick succession. To say the final ten minutes were tense would be a understatement, and both umpires did a valiant job of controlling the game when passions running high.

The heartbreaking blow came for Hertford when a foot in front of goal gave Shefford a chance to equalise with a flick. Lianne Warnell, who was superb throughout the match, couldn't quite keep it out, and Shefford, elated, came away with the draw.