Hertford Ladies Hit for 6

Following the Christmas break and two games frozen off, Hertford returned to action after a six week break. From the off, it was clear that Welwyn had played more, and they thwarted both Liz Berry and Molly Hobson’s early attempts on goal. In the 15th minute, Welwyn capitalised on their sharpness and their first goal was bundled over the line, despite the best efforts of Teresa Bartram and Becki Quiddington in central defence.

Welwyn continued to persist, testing keeper Lianne Warnell, who made some brilliant saves before an unstoppable strike hit the back board. At 2-0 down, Hertford rallied, and showed some of the promise of the games before Christmas with some great link up play between Molly Hobson, Lizzie Moore and Helen Owen forcing a short corner. In the pivotal moment in the match, Hertford had a superb deflection by Liz Berry disallowed for being high. Just before half time, whilst Hertford were still reeling from the decision, Welwyn scored a third to make it 3-0 at the break.

In the second half, Hertford went on the attack to try and bring the game back – more space was created on the pitch as a consequence, but it left the defence somewhat exposed, and Welwyn scored a 4th on the counterattack. Resorting to desperate measures, Nicola Estherby instinctively stopped a shot on the line, unfortunately it was with her hand not the stick and Welwyn were awarded a flick. Estherby was grateful for Lianne Warnell’s quick reactions in saving the stroke.

It wasn’t long before Welwyn’s fifth goal did arrive, some slick passing from the opposition exposed the Hertford keeper and another shot hit the back board.
Just before the end of the match, a tired Hertford scored a consolation goal, and showed a glimmer of previous form before Christmas. A pass out of mid field from Jen Heath found man of the match Liz Berry at the top of the D, who slipped to Lizzie Moore for a clinical tap in. Welwyn got the last laugh a few minutes from time when they scored their sixth, resolute defending from Laura Sharman, unable to prevent a confident Welwyn attack.

The scoreline of 6-1 did not reflect the effort by Hertford, but they left the pitch knowing they need to raise their game for Leighton Buzzard next week