Ladies 1s Match Reports - Season 2008-9

Date Report
4th October ERHA Div 2SE: Opposition: Blackheath 1s; Result: Drew 2-2;  Scorer(s): Vicky Wyatt and Michelle Dixey.
Upminster started very well and created some early opportunities with several driving runs from Emma Thompson and Lucy Costello in midfield. Frustratingly, Upminster's efforts were kept at bay by some superb saves from the Blackheath goalkeeper. Then from a well worked short corner Blackheath were first to hit the backboard, taking the lead 1-0.
Upminster continued to pressure the Blackheath defence and had many close chances including hitting the post and goal mouth scrambles. Finally Vicky Wyatt converted a well earned penalty flick after the ball was stopped on the line by a defender's head. With the whole team linking well and numerous strong attacks, Upminster were unlucky not to take the lead and the score was level at half time at 1-1.
Upminster had a slow start to the second half and Blackheath took advantage of a fast break and scored their second goal from open play. The second half became an end to end game seeing Upminster unable to convert some more chances. In the last 10 minutes Upminster stepped up the pressure again and moments before the final whistle won a penalty corner. With the whole team pushing up to attack the goal, Michelle Dixey scored with a strike from the top of the D and Upminster were able to save a well deserved point.
Notable performances by sweeper Michelle Dixey, Emma Thompson in midfield and forward Vicky Wyatt.
Upminster travel to BBHC (Kent) next week.
20th September

ERHA Div 2SE: Opposition: Maidstone 2s; Result: Won 3-1;  Scorer(s): E.Thompson, H.Davies & A. Davies
 Upminster played brilliantly in the first league game of the season and linked well as a team despite missing some regular 1st team players. Maidstone's goal keeper broke down on her way to the game, meaning they played with 11 outfield players. The home side capitalised on Maidstone's misfortune and took the lead from a short corner strike from top of the D by Emma Thompson. Maidstone made the most of their extra outfield player and levelled the scores before half time at 1-1.
Upminster's took the lead again mid way through the second half when Harriett Davies deflected the ball into the goal after good work from the Upminster midfield. There were some nervous times in the final third of the game but Maidstone couldn't find a way through the Upminster back line. Younger sister Annabel Davies put the game to bed with 5 minutes to go, excellently converting a penalty flick after the ball was stopped on the line in open play by a defenders foot. Final score 3-1.
A good start to the season taking 3 points. Upminster travel to local rivals Brentwood next week for what promises to be a good game.