Ladies 1st Team Vs Loughborough Students

Having gained our first point of the season, Boots were feeling confident going into the match against a young Loughborough University team.

Boots had the upper hand initially and were piling on the pressure to take the early lead. However, a lucky break for L’boro saw a deflection by their captain Kim Leiper allowed the opposition to go 1-0 up. Boots did not allow their heads to go down and continue to hold possession and create chances. Once again, a quick break by Loughborough which resulted in a short corner. A straight strike shot from the top of the D put Loughborough into the lead by 2 goals. Both goals were relatively early in the game and, no doubt, there were thoughts in the minds of some of Boots’ players that this could possibly be a thrashing – even though we had the majority of possession.

Fortunately, after a positive half time talk by Andy, Boots were determined to not go down without a fight. Early on in the half, with Boots going forward aggressively resulted in a short corner. A fantastic straight strike by Sharon McGucken bought Boots back into the game, now 2-1. Boots dominated the second half and constantly keeping the pressure on Loughborough. We were sure a second goal was coming. Boots had a great press and Loughborough couldn’t get the ball out of their defence. A strong run down the right and along the baseline by Becky Simms saw Sophie Aspinall deflect it in to bring the score to a level field. Boots were determined to go for the win but unfortunately it did not come.

On the whole, this game entailed some of the best hockey Boots have played all season. We were pleased with our performance but disappointed not to get all 3 points.