Suffering Sandy succumb to Harvesters

Sandy travelled with just 10 players after four went down ill in the 24 hours prior to the match. Of the 10 there were three who were not 100% fit either so it was always going to be tough against a squad with 15 players.

To make matters worse one of the girls had to come off after just 15 minutes so the team played with nine against 11 for 75 minutes, and several playing out of position because of player absences.

Sandy started positively with a couple of good early breaks but went two down conceding goals on 7 and 11 minutes to give the home team a comfortable cushion.

The team held on until the 38th minute before letting in a third goal so three nil at half time with Harvesters having the benefit of the slope in the second half.

Despite everything the girls played magnificently. Although they were under the cosh for most of the second half a goal almost from the kick off, and then on 68 minutes, was all the home team could manage and yet the nine players must have been hugely weary by the time the final whistle went.

The defence of Lucy, Alicia, Pearl and Chloe had to work so hard and when Lucy came off Faye dropped in at centre back and was brilliant making so many interceptions, blocks, tackles and covering the other defenders so well she won Player of the Match.

Amie in goal had to make many good saves/stops and also made a lot of clearances after calling for the ball to be played back to her.

Loren, Katie and Claire were outnumbered in midfield but never gave up and Amber on her own up front was a still constant threat and held the ball up really well.

Next Sandy have to face top team Hertford but let’s hope everyone has recovered so they can turn out a full team for what is going to be another tough match.

Sandy Ladies: Amie Fage, Lucy Saunders, Alicia Cobb, Pearl Houghton, Chloe Barton, Loren Ellard, Katie Seldon, Faye Prout, Claire Ashwell, Amber Willett.