Women's 1st XI Vs Repton 1

Telford & Wrekin Women’s 1s faced the daunting task of an away trip to league leaders Repton - who have been averaging over 10 goals per game without a goal conceded.

As the bitter wind howled & the rain hammered down the umpires blew the whistle to start the game & the beginning of the true storm.

As the onslaught persued the Telford girls refused to back away from the continual attacks & took the fight to their opposition.

Despite the intensive work rate & strong defending the Repton side including a GB Olympian & numerous junior internationals class showed as they scored 5 first half goals.

As the half ended Telford won a penalty corner as the Repton GK came through the back of Saffy Pemberton-Jandu in the circle.

From the resultant set-play Kathrine Sinclair fizzed a shot inside the back post only to see the Repton post defender deflect the ball wide to deny a Telford goal.

Despite being behind at the half time break the Telford girls were in high spirits as they knew whey were playing their best defensive hockey of the season & a massive improvement on the previous time the teams had met.

A proud half-time analysis from the coach & a battle cry from captain Jodie Lane sent the troops out for what was going to be another tough second half.

As the opposition refused to to let their foot off the gas & continually trying to impose their status on the game it seemed to just raise Telford’s game even more as every player ran that extra yard, won that next tackle & kept the ball as if it was their most prized possession.

Against the run of play Telford at times pushed their opposition back into their own half & during a purple patch forced two more penalty corners but unfortunately Telford couldn’t take advantage.

Despite the excellent rear guard action Repton did manage to score a sixth goal with ten minutes remaining.

At the final whistle & a 6-0 loss, respect was truly given but a Telford side walked off the pitch with every head held high as every tackle was fought & every player gave everything.

Mutual respect was given by the opposition as they knew they had been in a true game for the first time this league season & appreciated the work ethics of a determined Telford side.

Despite the man of the match going to the truly excellent goalkeeping display by Charlotte Eyre, it has to be said every player deserved a little part of that award.

Next week Telford look to finish strongly the first half the season as they welcome Edgbaston to St. Georges.