Ladies 1st Team Vs University of Birmingham Women's 2nd

Boots travelled to Birmingham University to start the second half of their season. After an extended Christmas break with the weather hindering most pre season friendlies everyone was looking fresh and ready to go.

Becky Simms was looking especially spritely after a week of cream teas and chocolate and her movement across the forward line contributed to numerous attacks putting pressure on the Birmingham defence throughout the first half.

The midfield of Frances, Pip Ellie and Hannah and Sophie were all linking well and providing plenty of opportunities in the Birmingham D but a first half goal was not to be despite Boots having the majority of the possession.

A second half tactical change from Birmingham ensured the second half was not going to be quite so dominant for the Boots ladies. With Birmingham pressing higher, Claire Gribbin was working hard to close down the Birmingham centre backs and this pressure was eventually awarded with a short corner. A straight strike from Sharon rebounded off a Birmingham stick and on to a post players head, luckily there was no injury however the resulting stroke was calmly converted by Ann. Claire Shultze was called into action several times during the second half with a performance that earned her the player of the match award.

The defensive unit of Ann, Sarah, Karen, Kirsty and Kate were being well organised by Claire and were dealing well with the intense Birmingham attacks. After a well worked counter attack Boots were awarded another penalty corner and this time there was no mistake with another straight strike rebounding of the keeper into the top corner. Soon after Birmingham added a goal of their own, however Boots worked tirelessly in the final minutes to ensure the drive home
was a good one with 3 points secured.