Slazengers began this second fixture of the weekend knowing a win would take them out of the relegation zone and above their opposition. However, a promising start was soon halted as an error in defence gave possession to the opposition who promptly scored.
Undeterred, Slazengers regrouped. Nez Rollinson came off the bench, and with her first touch of the ball guided it past the outstretched keeper.
The match remained evenly balanced with both teams having opportunities to score but unable to convert. Solid defending by Julie Finch, and great inter-passing play between Andrea Wallis and Charlotte Gunn in midfield, gradually turned play to Slazengers advantage. Daisy Gee-Saunders showed off her intricate stick skills, weaving her way through the mesmerised Netherwood defence to scored Slazengers second before half time.
Slazengers dominated early in the second half with accurate passing in midfield and penetrating runs in attack from Natasha Wiper. Following a short corner, Stacey Binns pressurised the keeper before deflecting the ball in to the net. Sue Hope then intercepted a poor clearance, evaded the defender with speed and agility, and struck the ball past a stationary keeper.
Netherwood showed great character as they fought back. Following a melee in the D, the ball hit a Slazenger foot on the line resulting in a penalty flick. The flick was converted and from the restart Netherwood were on the attack. Their determination reaped rewards as they scored from open play.
Slazengers then took advantage of the gaps in the Netherwood midfield and defence. On being awarded a short corner, a change in the routine enabled Daisy Gee-Saunders to flick the ball with pace and accuracy in to the roof of the oppositions net.
Late in the game Slazengers were awarded a penalty flick which was converted by Sue Hope. Although Sue Hope was voted man of the match, the 6 – 3 win was the result of an excellent team performance.
