Saturday 7th November 2009

Ladies 1sts

The Ladies 1st XI continued their winning streak with a 2-nil win away from home against City of Oxford 2s. Aylesbury started out nervously under the watchful eye of their coach, Lee Eldridge. City of Oxford put the visitors under pressure for the first ten minutes of the game but failed to take advantage of some sloppy play by Aylesbury. But Aylesbury knuckled down and then started to get some breaks. The team’s hard work was rewarded by a couple of short corners which although they failed to convert, the momentum started to swing their way. In the 25th minute a strong hit from the Aylesbury defence found forward Tash James, who wrong-footed two players and coolly pushed it passed the keeper.  This gave Aylesbury the 1-nil lead they deserved at half time.

In the second half, Aylesbury lifted the pace and dominated the game. City of Oxford's keeper made some great saves and but in the 17th minute could not deny Josie Hassall her first goal for the 1st XI. Aylesbury went 2-nil up. This was the midfielder’s second time playing for the 1st XI and her efforts won her player of the match.

The Ladies 1st XI now sit in second position in the Premier 2 Division, pressuring Wokingham for the top spot. Opportunity to go top beckons this coming Saturday as Aylesbury play the team at the bottom of division, Maidenhead.

Ladies 2nds

The 2nd XI faced a tough match at home against top of table, Bedford who remained undefeated to date. However, Aylesbury were much the stronger team and sensing the frustration of the Bedford players, Aylesbury started to dominate the game. Pace at the front through Evie Plumb and Liz Brooks troubled the Bedford defence and finally gave way to a great finish by Charly Smith.

Aylesbury continued to push forward and won several penalty corners. Liz Brooks converted one with a sweet strike from the left. Aylesbury deservedly went into the half time break 2-nil up.

Bedford came out stronger in the second half and started to move the ball about better. They were awarded an unfortunate penalty flick when an Aylesbury defender’s foot stopped the ball from rolling over the line into goal. Keeper Claire Mason made a great attempt to stop Bedford getting back into the game but the Bedford player duly converted the flick. Bedford continued to push forward and attacking play from both teams really opened up the game. A sensational run from defender Tiz Brooks down the left, connecting with sister Liz, re-asserted Aylesbury’s lead with unstoppable strike by Liz. Aylesbury were leading 3-1 but with Bedford not giving up, and sloppy play by Aylesbury, Bedford continued to push for a draw. Bedford were given a free hit just outside the Aylesbury D and somehow the ball found its way into the goal. The last ten minutes were somewhat frantic but Aylesbury held on to a deserved victory. Player of the match was Emma Cooling.

Ladies 3rds

The Ladies 3rd XI entertained Banbury 4s, the team sitting just above them in the League, at Meadowcroft this Saturday. Banbury pressurised from the pushback but Aylesbury’s defence stayed strong despite a number of short corners being given against them. Goal keeper Hannah played a brilliant game keeping Banbury at bay. Aylesbury’s quick breaks allowed a few attempts on goal but to no avail. Unfortunately Aylesbury conceded a couple of goals in the first half.

In the second half Aylesbury came out strong switching the ball from left to right with the midfield setting up further assaults on goal. Unfortunately Banbury broke from one of Aylesbury’s attacking short corners and caught the home team off guard, resulting in their 3rd goal. It could have been all Banbury after that but determined play from in the last ten minutes was rewarded with a much deserved goal scored by central forward Simone James. Minutes later, the ball was quickly picked up by Aylesbury once again, taken down the right then fed to the back post to be swept in by Helen Baines. The 3rd XI continued to push right until the final whistle but missed out on a valuable point. The players showed strong teamwork and perseverance throughout the match and were happy with their performance. Player of the Match this week was Claire Heale. The Ladies 3rd XI face Amersham & Chalfont next week.