1 Team, 2 Goals, 3 Points

Hertford Ladies began the day at the top of the table having won their first 3 games in the league but knew Saturdays game against second place Cambridge South would be no walk in the park. The opposition had a shock the previous weekend with a loss to Royston but Hertford were eager to make sure this did not make them complacent going into the game. On a soggy away day there was a much unchanged line up with Lotte Butler the only casualty of the squad having suffered an injury the previous week meaning a switch around in defence was required with Lucy Whitamore stepping in at Full Back to complete the back line.

The game began with just the right intensity that Hertford were looking for with Cambridge unable to deal with the initial pressing of the ladies in blue. The momentum built during the first half with the home team defence sending panic balls into the middle of the pitch for Hertfords central midfielders Emily Palmer & Sophie Rawlinson able to pick up the ball and drive once again. Despite the possession Hertford made few changes in the opening half with only a few saves required from the Cambridge Keeper. The home team also had their chances as they won 2 short corners but failed to successfully inject the ball from the base line, resulting in it being snuffed out by the number 1 runner.

Midway through the first half Hertford did break the deadlock as Hertford won a short corner thanks to quick hands from the attacker who drove the ball onto a foot. The short corner was injected out to the number 1 castle, passed right but intercepted by the Cambridge defender who tried to send the ball out to the sideline but instead sent it straight to the Hertford runner who sent it across the D to Becki Quiddington who took one touch and slapped the ball passed the keeper who could only get a deflection off of the foot sending it into the goal. The final action of the half came from a Cambridge South short corner which was dragged flicked and heading into the top left corner only for Lianne Warnell to save well and deny the equaliser.

As half time came about Hertford knew the game was far from over and it certainly showed as the second half began as Cambridge began to up their game and get on top of the Hertford defence. a spell of 10 minutes saw the home team have 2 short corners saved and several penetrations into the D thankfully snuffed out. A few changes to the back line to give people a short break helped settle the nerves and it wasn't long before the second goal came. Another short corner fell aside and came out to Becki Quiddington who slapped it across goal to the on running Emily Butler who angled her stick to perfection and sent the ball high into the goal to double Hertfords lead.

As the game came to a close there were few chances created and Hertford remained firm and solid throughout the team to see them grab this all important victory and keep them at the top of the table with 100% of the points they could have. Next weeks game sees them host Royston who will be looking to upset the apple cart much the same as they did against Cambridge South 2 weeks ago.