Horncastle Women's Match Report
19/03/11
Alford Ladies 1sts 1 - 1 Horncastle Ladies
Horncastle ladies travelled to the coast at the weekend, to take on a very experienced Alford side at Skegness Grammar School. Both sides have always shown stiff opposition for one another and this game proved no exception, as neither side could take all three points.
The game consisted mostly of waves of attack channelling the wings, from either side, only to find a strong defence that seemed impassable. Play broke down into a midfield battle, the main objective being to hold possession long enough to create another attack, yet this seemed easier said than done. Throughout the whole match the main opportunities to break the deadlock were from set pieces, more so penalty corners.
This opportunity was taken first by Alford as they went one nil up towards the end of the first half. With the defence set and ready to charge, the ball was injected to the receiver and Ruth Cullen sprinted out, managing to get some contact off the shot. Unfortunately for Horncastle the deflection took the ball high into the air and landed in the back of the net, leaving Chloe Slater with little chance to see the ball let alone make any attempts to save it.
The away side knew they had to up the tempo, especially as Alford now had a confidence boost that would drive them onwards. The half time whistle was a welcome sound as it gave Horncastle the time to reset and pick up on any mistakes of the first half.
The second half didn’t get off to the best start for the away side and within ten minutes of resetting Alford had another penalty corner which took the same course as their goal had done. Only this time the players and umpires were undecided as to whether the ball had gone over the goal and landed in the back netting or it had indeed gone in the goal. As no decision could be reached with 100% confidence, Alford received a long corner and the score line remained at 1-0.
This was the wake up call Horncastle needed and a change of tactics were called for. Injured Becki Hall was brought on up front, acting as a focal point for the defence and midfield to hit the ball up to and hope that her powerful hit could see them back in the game.
Finally Horncastle’s efforts were rewarded as a result of another penalty corner. The ball was injected to the top of the D and slipped right, where Jen Rees beat the defence and swept the ball over the goal line.
The match continued to consist of countless attacks on the wings but neither side could secure a win for all three points.
Horncastle play at home on Saturday to what could be their greatest challenge, Skegness. (KO 3.30pm)
Man of the Match: Ellie Read
Team: Slater, Cullen, Wilkinson, Emmerson, Rawdon, Lewis, Read, Alayej, Wood, Windley, Rees.
Subs: Tokelove, Hall.
12/03/11
Horncastle Ladies 7 - 0 Louth Ladies 2nds
Horncastle ladies found their stride again at the weekend as they saw off the visitors with a confident 7 - 0 win. After beating Louth in the first half of the season, 7 – 2, it was definitely an improvement and crucial that Horncastle’s goal difference increased as the top of the league table gets ever tighter.
After feeling as though they had lost their touch in the past couple of weeks, it took the home side a while to find their flow, but after 20 minutes the deadlock was broken. Jasmine Roberts surged forwards to take on the Louth defence and offloaded to Becki Hall who then, without hesitation, claimed her 10h of the season.
The second came from a penalty corner 5 minutes before half time, this time from Jen Rees. Odette Rawdon injected the ball to Nick Rees and after some neat passing Jen Rees slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the goal.
Half time allowed Horncastle to pick up on the errors of the first half and the team talk served its purpose as the hosts grabbed a third within the first 10 minutes of restarting. Gemma Lewis picked up a cross from the right and hit the ball first time, sending it into the bottom left hand corner.
Becki Hall grabbed the fourth after picking up the deflection, as the Louth keeper saved the initial shot, and swept the ball hard making sure that the second attempt would count.
It was clear to see that Horncastle had found their feet again and that Louth had little chance of making a come back. This was made even more unlikely as Horncastle increased their goal count to five goals in the 52nd minute after some precision passing in the Louth D. The ball fell to the home captain, Gemma Lewis, who shifted the ball to the left and flicked it over the goalkeeper and into the top right hand corner of the net, claiming her 22nd of the season.
The sixth goal came 7 minutes later as Becki Hall increased her season goal count to 12. Ruth Cullen sent a rocketing ball up to Hall, who ran from the half way line, took on three of the opposition to hammer the ball past the keeper leaving her with little chance to react.
Leila Alayej sealed the win as she grabbed Horncastle’s seventh, 5 minutes before time. Lewis took the ball into the Louth D and enticed the keeper to the right before offloading a square ball to Alayej as she beat the defender and swept the ball into the goal with ease.
Horncastle ladies, who are proudly sponsored by The Black Swan Inn, play away to Alford 1sts on Saturday (KO 11am).
Team: Slater, Cullen, Tokelove, Emmerson, Rawdon, Lewis, Rees, Saddington, Hall, J. Rees, Alayej.
Subs: Read, Windley, Roberts.
05/03/11
Woodhall Spa 2 - 3 Horncastle
Woodhall hosted Horncastle only in name as they played at Horncastle Astro turf. Horncastle had key players missing this week with the like of Nick Rees, Jasmine Roberts and Leila Alayej so they knew they had to perform as best they could.
Woodhall Spa went 1 – 0 up within ten minutes of the first half and Horncastle realised that their hosts were much stronger than in their previous fixture and that they would have to step up a notch.
Becki Hall equalised a minute later on a counter attack from the restart as she took it round the edge of the D, shifted the ball to her right and sent a thundering shot into the back of the goal.
Horncastle pressure continued to dominate and Gemma Lewis grabbed Horncastle’s second as a result from receiving the ball off a penalty corner.
Each team had spells of dominance in each others attacking area but most chances were squandered and the half time whistle brought the teams in for a much needed team talk.
Horncastle got off the starting blocks and pressured continuously and their efforts were paid off when Gemma Lewis got her second of the game. Lewis round the defence on the top of the D, after initially picking up a loose ball, and slammed the ball past the keeper leaving her with little chance to react.
Unfortunately the away side started to get complacent and Woodhall dominated. After a wave of attack, the home side got their second goal and were after an equaliser. Luckily Horncastle managed to see out the remainder of the game and continued their winning ways in a tardy fashion.
Horncastle host Louth 2nd’s on Saturday (KO 3.30pm)
Team: Slater, Tokelove, Wilkinson, Emmerson, Saddington, Rawdon, Lewis, Wood, Hall, J. Rees, Read.
Subs: Bishop
26/02/11
Spalding Poachers 1 - 3 Horncastle
RAIN clouds covered the sky for a second consecutive weekend, but that did not dampen the spirits of the ever dominating Horncastle ladies as they played away to Spalding Poachers.
Horncastle found themselves having to adjust to the water based surface early on into the game and subsequently adjusted to the quicker game tempo that resulted from this. Despite of this difference, the guests got off the mark fairly early on as Jen Rees picked up a rebounded ball from a penalty corner and continued to lob the keeper.
The second came in the 26th minute as a result from a short corner received by Gemma Lewis who forcefully struck the ball and it founds its way through the away goalkeepers legs and into the back of the goal.
The half time break consisted of a brief team talk and the game was soon underway again much as it has ended; with Horncastle dominating.
Jasmine Roberts grabbed her 9th of the season as she pounced on a pass from Leila Alayej, from the left, and continued to drive the ball over the line on the right hand post - leaving the keeper with little opportunity to prevent Spalding conceding further.
The away keeper took an injury to the wrist after saving a shot from Horncastle’s captain and the severity of the impact meant that a change of keeper was in order. Needless to say that after this change Horncastle’s goals somewhat ceased after a number of quality saves.
Spalding took a lift from this change and had a dominant spell in the Horncastle’s defensive area and as a result the Poachers grabbed a fluke consolation goal. Frustration was running high and after Jessica Wilkinson was issued with a green card for breaking early on penalty corners, the final whistle was a welcome sound.
Horncastle Ladies, proudly sponsored by The Black Swan, play away to Woodhall Spa on Saturday (KO 11am).
Man of the Match: Odette Rawdon
Team: Slater, Emmerson, Wilkinson, Rawdon, N. Rees, Saddington, Lewis, Wood, Roberts, J. Rees, Alayej.
Subs: Tokelove, Read, Neame
Horncastle Ladies are hoping to introduce a second team next season and would like to invite anybody who is interested in playing in a competitive league to contact us. You can do this by visiting www.horncastlehockeyclub.co.uk and visiting the contacts section. Training is held at Horncastle Astro Turf on Thursday evenings at 7pm - anybody is welcome, irrelevant of your hockey ability, experience or even if you feel like you would like to start something new.
20/02/11
Horncastle 4 - 1 Lincoln Roses II
The two sides were due to clash earlier in the season but due to bad weather the game was rearranged and in an unusual Sunday night match, Horncastle ladies played host to Lincoln Roses II.
Horncastle got off the mark early in the 9th minute as Gemma Lewis slipped the ball through the defence to Becki Hall, who then continued to take the ball past the Roses keeper.
The away side managed to grab a goal to level the score as they picked up a stray ball from the Horncastle defence and the home keeper was left with little chance to prevent the equalizer.
Nick Rees then put the hosts back in front as she took on the opposition and claimed her 16th goal of the season.
The third goal came from a penalty corner awarded for opposition contact to the foot. Jess Wilkinson injected the ball to Gemma Lewis who struck the ball goal bound and it found its way into the back of the goal after ricocheting off a defenders stick.
The final goal came again from Nick Rees as she swept the ball into the left hand side of the goal and sealed Horncastle’s superb performance that now see’s them top of the Lincolnshire Women’s Hockey league table and three points clear from second place with a game in hand.
Horncastle, proudly sponsored by The Black Swan, travel away to Spalding Poachers next weekend in an 11am kickoff.
Team: Slater, Emmerson, Wilkinson, Tokelove, Lewis, Rees, Saddington, Windley, Hall, J. Rees, Alayej
Subs: Neame
19/02/11
Long Sutton II 1 - 2 Horncastle
Horncastle played away to Long Sutton on Saturday and made the trip worth while by bringing home all three points. The weather hindered both sides play as the pitch became increasingly water logged as the game progressed however the Horncastle ladies battled on through.
The match was certainly not the best that Horncastle have ever played, made worse by the rain as well as some extremely questionable Long Sutton umpiring. Despite this, the away side broke the deadlock not long into the first half as Gemma Lewis drove into the Sutton ‘D’ and launched the ball past the goalkeepers head and into the net.
To Long Sutton’s credit, they stepped up their game after conceding and clinched an equalizer just before half time. Horncastle’s structure was slowly fading and a half time team talk was somewhat crucial.
The rain continued to beat down on the 22 players and everyone knew that the second half would be a struggle just as the first had proved to be.
In the 46th minute Horncastle’s captain, Gemma Lewis, put Horncastle in front again and the away side held out for another victory that was to see them remain firmly in the top two of the league table.
Team: Slater, Rawdon, Emmerson, Wilkinson, Lewis, Saddington, Tokelove, Alayej, J. Rees, Neame, Roberts.
12/02/11
Horncastle 2 - 0 Boston
After a weekend without a game, the Ladies were back in action against a tough Boston side. Horncastle faced Boston for the first and only time this season as the away side conceded to Horncastle in the prior away fixture.
Horncastle got off the mark with only 5 minutes passed on the clock with a superb strike from centre-back, Odette Rawdon.
The away side stepped up their hockey immediately after conceding and the game was somewhat an even contest. Both sides were pressing into each others attacking areas though neither team were able to put away their chances. Horncastle’s Leila Alayej, Jen and Nick Rees and Gemma Lewis all had great chances to further their lead but it was safe to say that the Boston keeper was on top form.
With both team getting increasingly frustrated, Horncastle’s Leila Alayej clinched the winner with 10 minutes to go after beating the defender and sweeping home a rapid cross from Nick Rees.
After their first defeat two weeks ago, Horncastle are getting back into their stride and it was safe to say that the Boston keeper definitely kept them in the game.
Horncastle Ladies, who are proudly sponsored by The Black Swan, are playing away to Long Sutton next week (KO 11.30am) and are also playing a rearranged fixture against Lincoln Roses II at home on Sunday (KO 7.30pm).
Team: Slater, Emmerson, Wilkinson, Rawdon, Wood, Lewis, N. Rees, Saddington, Alayej, J. Rees, Massingberd – Mundy.
Subs: Read, Neame
22/01/11
Horncastle Ladies 7 - 0 Louth Ladies 3rds
Horncastle ladies still remain undefeated in the Lincolnshire Women’s Hockey League and prospects of promotion for the coming season are looking ever nearer.
The home side still dominates the top of the table and clinched another three points this weekend with a seven nil win over a somewhat youthful Louth team.
The hosts struggled this week in terms of team selection as the number of unavailable, regular players reached double figures which resulted in a less experienced side. Despite this and in the clubs spirit, the team pulled together and adapted into different positions to see off the opposition.
Horncastle’s first goal came within the first ten minutes of the first half as a result from a perfectly worked penalty corner. Emma Simmons, the injector, received the ball back on the left post and without hesitation, swept the ball comfortably into the back of goal.
The second took a little longer to create but eventually the hosts pulled through in the 23rd minute as Gemma Lewis drove through the Louth defence and slammed home a rather unstoppable ball.
Katy Wood made it 3-0 as half time was approaching with a strong sweep into the left hand corner of the goal, making her total this season to three goals.
As the half time break came to a close, Horncastle, although not doing badly, saw a glimpse of relief as reinforcements arrived – four players who were unable to play initially had arrived back early from their other sporting engagements.
As half of them were Horncastle’s usual defence and the other two were regular forward players it was safe to say that the home side were back in full swing. This definitely showed in the second half as possession was mostly in the oppositions ‘D’.
Captain Gemma Lewis got the team off the mark again as she fired the ball into the tight right hand corner, taking full advantage of the away team’s inexperienced ‘keeper.
Jen Rees made it five as she flicked the ball into the left hand side netting and though the umpire wasn’t convinced the goal stood, it was inevitable that it was going to be allowed by the other umpire.
Lewis grabbed the last two goals in quick succession, one hitting the roof of the goal after catching the ball on the bounce and the final one was lifted into the centre of the goal.
Horncastle Ladies, who are proudly sponsored by The Black Swan Inn, are at home to Lincoln 2nds next week (KO 3.30pm)
Team: Slater, A Rees, Tokelove, Sharpe, Simmons, Costello, Lewis, J Rees, Neame, Wood, Wilkinson.
Subs: Read, Emmerson, Alayej
08/01/11
Horncastle Ladies 17 - 0 Alford Ladies 2nds
Horncastle Ladies moved three points clear at the top of the Lincolnshire League following a thumnping 17-0 victory over Alford 2nds.
Nick Rees scored six times, while further strikes came from Leila Alayej (four), Sofia Massingberd-Mundy (three), Gemma Lewis, Katy Wood, Jen Rees and Jessie Emmerson.
On Saturday, they travel to face Spilsby (KO 11am).
21/11/10
Horncastle Ladies 3 - 1 Alford Ladies 1sts
At the weekend, Horncastle faced their toughest opposition to date but it was clear to see that they wouldn’t go down without a fight. The home side played their strongest side to hold off the Alford visitors and after a goal-less first half, the match was proving frustrating for both sides. However, team spirit and sheer determination prevailed as the hosts extended their winning streak to ten out of ten.
The first half consisted of equal possession and both sides could have broken the goal-less dead lock on a number of chances. Waves of attack from the wings, Leila Alayej and Becki Hall, came to little and the same could be said for the opposition as they were thwarted by Horncastle’s defence - Odette Rawdon was on fine form throughout the game letting very little past.
The breakthrough came on the 38th minute as Becki Hall took on the Alford defence, from the right hand side, and sent the ball crashing into the goal for her 6th of the season. Horncastle had found their feet again and knew that this goal would only spur them on further.
As predicted the second came soon after in the 46th minute as a result from a calm Nick Rees who put the ball past the away keeper with relative ease.
In the 60th minute Horncastle surged forward in numbers again, leaving the opposition defence racing to get back. As Becki Hall sprinted up the right wing with the ball, Nick Rees and Gemma Lewis were charging into the attacking D. With no more than the goalkeeper to beat, Becki Hall sent the ball rapidly across the penalty area and Nick Rees was ready to sweep the ball comfortably over the line to make it three for the hosts and her 7th for the season.
As the match was drawing to its close, Gemma Lewis was unable to prevent Alfords consolation goal as she found her stick caught in the attackers shin pad, which left Chloe Slater to try and defend her goal – all to no avail. Despite this, the match drew to a close and inevitably Horncastle’s spirits were soaring.
Horncastle Ladies currently lie in second place in the Lincolnshire Women’s Hockey League and are due to play Skegness next weekend. Skegness are currently top of the table and will be even greater opposition for Horncastle to try and defeat on away turf. Kick off is at 12.30pm.
Man of the Match: Becki Hall
Team: Slater, Cullen, Wilkinson, Rawdon, Emmerson, N. Rees, Lewis (c), Wood, Alayej, J. Rees, Hall
Subs: Massingberd – Mundy, Roberts, Saddington
13/11/10
Louth Ladies 2nds 2 - 7 Horncastle Ladies
Horncastle Ladies stretched their winning streak to nine out of nine on Saturday afternoon, but they had to come from behind to do it at Louth.
The away side didn’t get off to the best of starts as they went 1-0 down in the opening 10 minutes as a result of a wave of early Louth pressure, but a resilient Horncastle side have shown that they're no pushovers before, and they did it again here.
Becki Hall put Horncastle level and back into the match five minutes after conceding, as she flicked the ball past the keepers’ pads from a perfectly weighted and somewhat text book delivery from the consistent Leila Alayej.
The away side continued to press into the opposition’s half and were rewarded with their second goal as Jasmine Roberts' precision strike cannoned off the inside of the right post and over the line.
But the game was by no means over, and a half time team talk was necessary to put an end to Horncastle's, at times, careless play.
It clearly worked, as Roberts got her second in the 39th minute, finding herself in a one on one situation with the Louth goalkeeper and winning the duel to pick up her 7th goal of the season.
After a series of wasted penalty corner chances, Horncastle's fourth arrived via a slice of luck as Ruth Cullen's strike from the edge of the D came off the post, only to trickle in via the feet of the home 'keeper.
Captain Gemma Lewis then added her name to the scoresheet, beating her marker on the right side and slotting home from the tight angle.
Louth pulled a goal back in controversial fashion soon after, taking advantage of a free-hit situation whilst Horncastle had a player down injured. The away team's protests fell on deaf ears, however.
Clearly riled, Horncastle added another goal thanks to Katy Wood, whose cross allowed Alayej to sweep home for Honcastle's sixth.
Finally, the scoring was complete thanks to the bravery of Roberts', the attacker completing her deserved hat-trick by getting a stick to the ball and pushing it through the legs of the onrushing 'keeper.
Horncastle face their toughest test to date next weekend, at home against Alford 1sts (KO 3.30pm)
Man of the Match: Jasmine Roberts
Team: Slater, Cullen, Tokelove, Emmerson, Wilkinson, Wood, S. Emmerson, Lewis (c), Hall, Alayej, Roberts.
Subs: A. Roberts, Costello
6/11/10
Horncastle Ladies 7 - 0 Woodhall Spa Ladies
Horncastle were on the look out for yet another triumph and a local derby was sure to be a game that they were keen to win. Visitors, Woodhall Spa, held the home side off for as long as they could but were unable to prevent a thumping 7-0 defeat.
The home side took a little while to find their form but with the return of both Sofia Massingberd-Mundy and Katy Wood from University, Horncastle put out a very strong and confident side.
Woodhall Spa’s defence were not going to give up without a fight and Horncastle knew that they had to take every chance they were given and in the fifteenth minute, Horncastle were awarded their first penalty corner. Odette Rawdon injected the ball out to Gemma Lewis at the top of the ‘D’ and, as has worked twice before, sent the ball straight back to Rawdon who swept the ball into the goal to achieve her third goal of the season.
Katy Wood soon made her mark on the game as she swept the ball goal bound, and even though the away keeper managed to get some contact, it was not enough to prevent Horncastle going 2 – 0 ahead.
The last goal of the first half came just five minutes before time as Horncastle’s captain, Gemma Lewis, took on the Woodhall defence and slammed the ball into the bottom right hand corner.
The second half carried on just as the first had ended, but this time it was the turn of Sofia Massingberd-Mundy. After a scramble at the right hand post, Massingberd-Mundy skilfully found the gap and pushed the ball over the line. Her second followed in quick succession as she shifted the ball to the right and struck the ball hard towards the left hand post and increased Horncastle’s lead to 5-0.
In the 57th minute Woodhall were caught on the break as Katy Wood and Gemma Lewis surged forward into the attacking half. Wood took it past several of the opposition and then off loaded it to Lewis who carried it past the last defender and sent it crashing into the backboard for Horncastle’s 6th and Lewis’s 8th of the season.
Horncastle were still dominating right to the very end and Sophie Emmerson sealed the win as she picked up the loose ball near the away goal line and gave Horncastle a rewarding 7-0 win.
Horncastle’s next match is away to Louth 2nds (KO 3.45pm)
Man of the Match: Katy Wood
Team: Slater, Wilkinson, Cullen, Emmerson, Saddington, N. Rees, Massingberd-Mundy, Lewis, Alayej, Rawdon, Wood Subs: Tokelove, S. Emmerson, Read, A. Roberts
30/10/10
Horncastle 4 - 1 Spalding Poachers III
Horncastle Ladies played host to Spalding Poachers 3rds at the weekend and managed to maintain their league success with a resounding 4 – 1 win. The home side took Spalding by surprise as they dominated from the start with quick play and creative passing which left the Poachers scrambling to settle into a comfortable formation for much of the first 10 minutes.
The outcome of this was inevitable and the end product followed in the 8th minute as the ball was played, at pace, into the attacking circle. By using the balls pace Jasmine Roberts skilfully guided the ball into the back of the net as it deflected off her stick to set the home side off to a great start.
Horncastle seemed to back off after the opening goal and it became apparent that the, usually solid, defence was losing concentration and shape. Spalding took the opportunity and equalised which was somewhat deserved as it acted as a wake up call and spurred the hosts back into form.
The goal that was to put Horncastle back into the lead took a little longer than hoped as opportunities were squandered, as the ball missed the goal by inches or was cleared away by the Spalding defence. The home side were finally rewarded for their persistence from a set piece which saw Odette Rawdon receive the ball back from previously injecting a penalty corner and comfortably sweeping the ball into the goal.
The next 2 goals came in fairly quick succession as captain, Gemma Lewis, rounded the defence and flicked it, on the reverse, into a tight space at the left post, much to Spalding’s annoyance. The home side were quickly on the offensive shortly after the restart as Becki Hall picked the ball up at the penalty spot and sent it thundering into the goal to complete the 8th consecutive victory of the season.
Horncastle’s next match is 6th November at home to Woodhall Spa (KO 3.30pm)
Man of the match: Odette Rawdon
Team: Slater, Emmerson, Wilkinson, Rawdon, Saddington, Roberts, Lewis, Hall, Wood, Read, S. Emmerson Subs: Bishop, Costello
23/10/10
Horncastle 2 - 0 Long Sutton II
After a two week break, Horncastle ladies were back in action, in their new kit, and up against a well structured Long Sutton side looking for a win.
It was noticeable that the first 10 minutes of play acted as steady a build up allowing Horncastle to get back into their stride following their break away from the game.
Long Sutton took advantage of this and pushed the home sides midfield and gained a couple of short corners to put Horncastle on the back foot – all coming to little. Horncastle’s defence returned to full strength this week with the addition of absent centre-back Ruth Cullen and the combination left little for the home keeper to deal with.
Horncastle had quickly turned possession around and continuous runs down the left and right wing by Ellie Read, Becki Hall and Jasmine Roberts opened up holes in the Sutton defence.
The home side struggled to turn their possession into an effective end result but persistence eventually paid off and the break through came in the 24th minute, as a result from a penalty corner. A text book injection from the consistent Odette Rawdon allowed a solid strike from Ruth Cullen and with help from a deflection off a Sutton defender, the ball effortless passed the away keepers pads.
The second half was well underway with Horncastle quickly dictating the play and pressing Long Sutton well into their half. A swift sprint down the right wing by Becki Hall allowed her to cut inside and release a dangerous ball across the goal. The away keeper managed to get a slight touch, but Horncastle’s perfectly positioned centre-forward, Jen Rees, pounced on the opportunity and a powerful sweep sent the ball crashing against the backboard and extended Horncastle’s lead further and secured the win.
Horncastle’s next game is at home to Spalding Poachers III (KO 3.30pm).
Team: Slater, Wilkinson, Cullen, Rawdon, Emmerson, Saddington, Lewis, N. Rees, Read, Hall, Roberts Subs: S. Emmerson, J. Rees, Bishop
02/10/10
Lincoln 2nd's Ladies 1 - 2 Horncastle Ladies
Horncastle faced their toughest match of the season to date and knew that a spirited performance was in order to see them remain at the top of the league table.
The first half proved to be a struggle for the away side, having to adjust to Lincoln’s playing surface (a dynamic water based Astro turf) as well as their 4-4-2 formation which surrounded Horncastle and outnumbered them in every aspect of the match.
Despite this, and arguably against the run of the play Nicola Rees pulled the away side in front as she received a vigorous ball from Gemma Lewis through the heart of the defence. Nick took it calmly on her stick and effortlessly slotted the ball home past the ‘keeper to bring her total this season to an impressive 5 goals in 2 games.
The match restarted in the same way in which it had begun with Lincoln’s midfield controlling the game, and even though Horncastle’s first choice ‘keeper was back in between the posts and saving countless attacks, Chloe Slater was unable to prevent an unexpected goal produced by a stray Lincoln pass.
Half time was welcomed with open arms and gave Horncastle the chance to adjust to the formation they had come to struggle against. As the second half became underway it was clear to see that the away side had come back to life and had adapted to the different playing surface as they soon dominated the game.
Horncastle’s wings were fighting back hard to switch play and create counter attacks. The energetic efforts of Leila Alayej were crucial as she continuously tracked back to defend and win the ball to then run the line to link up with Jasmine Roberts and create another attack, fulfilling her midfield role perfectly. The same efforts were seen on the right wings as Becki Hall burst through on several occasions, leaving the Lincoln defence struggling to catch up to win the ball back.
Though Lincoln had chances, which were mainly thwarted by the away side’s alert defence, Horncastle’s domination was finally rewarded as a result from a cleverly worked penalty corner. With 20 minutes to go until the final whistle Odette Rawdon delivered a quick ball to the away captain, and Gemma Lewis sent the ball straight back to Odette who’s sweep at the near post sent the ball into the back of the net, opening her account for the season.
Horncastle’s possession continued and saw off the home side to achieved their fourth consecutive win in as many games.
Man of the match was Leila Alayej.
Horncastle’s next match is 16th October away to Boston, kick off 2pm.
Team: Slater, Tokelove, Wilkinson, J.Emmerson, Rawdon, A. Rees, Lewis (c), Roberts, Hall, Alayej, N. Rees
Subs: Read, S. Emmerson
25/09/10
Louth 3rds Ladies 1 - 7 Horncastle Ladies
Horncastle Ladies extended their lead at the top of the league table after another victory away to Louth 3rds. Louth ladies found they were quickly dominated by the Horncastle attack; strengthened this week by the return of Nicola Rees. It was Nick Rees that put Horncastle in front in the opening 20 minutes, with a second following in quick succession from the acting centre forward.
Gemma Lewis claimed the third from a penalty corner produced by Odette Rawdon. The ball was firmly struck and travelling towards the far post but took a massive deflection off the defenders stick and found its way past the ‘keepers pads and into the back of the net.
After some skilful stick work to keep the Louth defence on the back foot, Jasmine Roberts slipped the ball to set Nick Rees up for her hat trick, which couldn’t have been any simpler than a tap in over the line.
The second half started just as well as the first and a blinding run down the right wing allowed Becki Hall to hit a striking ball across the goal line, resulting in setting Jasmine Roberts up to sweep the ball in, with no hesitation.
Nick Rees claimed her fourth of the match after a penetrating pass, from defender Jess Wilkinson, as it was driven straight through the heart of the midfield.
Horncastle’s first choice goalkeeper was unavailable which allowed Amy Sharpe to step up to the plate to defend Horncastle’s goal. Amy had deservedly held a clean sheet throughout the majority of the game but after a huge gap in the defence, Louth countered on the break and calmly drove the ball past the ‘keeper to open their account.
After what seemed to be a wake up call, the away captain grabbed the last goal of the game as she rounded the defence and slotted the ball home between the ‘keeper’s legs to seal the win.
Man of the match, without a doubt, was Nick Rees. Horncastle, proudly sponsored by The Black Swan, play away to Lincoln II next Saturday, kick off 12pm.
Team: Sharpe, Rawdon, Wilkinson, Tokelove, Lewis (c), J. Roberts, S. Emmerson, Read, N. Rees, Alayej, Hall, A. Roberts.
18/09/10
Horncastle Ladies 2-0 Spilsby Ladies
Horncastle continued their winning ways with a comfortable victory over Spilsby on Saturday afternoon. Goals from captain Gemma Lewis and Becki Hall ensured a scoreline which, while perhaps slightly flattering on Spilsby’s part, was well deserved with regards to the home side’s efforts.
Horncastle made four changes to the side that walloped Alford last week, but, under overcast skies, continued where they left off away from home, dominating early on.
Hall had Horncastle’s first shot on six minutes, but she was denied by the away stopper. Lewis had a shot of her own blocked soon after, some good stick work following a penalty corner from Odette Rawdon leading her through a crowd of defenders. Once again though, the visiting ‘keeper came to the rescue.
Spilsby replied with a chance of their own, but home ‘keeper Chloe Slater shone this time, alert to the away side’s number 22, who thrashed a shot straight into her pads.
Hall then shot wide on 11 minutes, signalling the end to the control of possession that Horncastle had maintained. The game became scrappy, both sides battling to keep hold of the ball in midfield.
Rawdon, Lewis and attacker Jen Rees all had chances to break the deadlock, but they were merely bright sparks in what was a largely dull first half, Spilsby’s keeper looking an early bet for the man of the match award as she thwarted all three.
The half-time break seemed to do little to rejuvenate Horncastle, despite the determined runs of Katy Wood in midfield, as the second half continued in the same vein as the first.
The home side were lucky not to go behind with ten minutes gone in the second period, after a penalty corner went wrong and Spilsby broke. Despite having a 6 on 2 advantage, their passing was poor, and Anne Rees broke up the attack.
That must’ve served as a wakeup call for Horncastle, as Lewis shot wide moments later after Sophie Emmerson had a shot of her own blocked by Spilsby’s ‘keeper.
And on 52 minutes, Spilsby’s resistance was finally broken. Collecting a penalty corner from Rawdon, Wood skilfully shifted the ball to Lewis on the edge of the area, and she needed no invitation to find the angle required to slam the ball home.
It was Lewis’s third goal of the season, and the relief on the faces of the Horncastle players was evident. Even so, Spilsby were still threatening as the home side committed numbers forward, and the feeling was a second goal would be crucial.
It came Horncastle’s way with nine minutes left. Sophie Emmerson’s run down the right flank took her past two Spilsby players, before she offloaded to Hall, who shifted the ball onto her right side before unleasing a powerful drive across the away ‘keeper.
It was no less than Hall deserved after her efforts throughout the game, and with Spilsby heads dropping, Horncastle were afforded the remainder of the game to relax and run down the clock to secure the victory.
While the scoreline may not look as convincing as last week, Horncastle’s players will know that this was probably the more rewarding result of their two games so far, and will look to continue their 100% start to the season away to Louth III next Saturday. Kickoff is at 3pm.
Horncastle: Slater, Tokelove, A.Rees, Wilkinson, Rawdon; Wood, Lewis (c), Roberts; Hall, J.Rees, S.Emmerson. Sub: J.Emmerson.
Written by Nathan Hildred
11/09/10
Alford Ladies 2nd XI 0 - 11 Horncastle Ladies
Horncastle began their league campaign with a stroll in Skegness, but will know that the rest of the season will not be such a walk in the park.
Alford were swept aside by a deluge that effectively ended the game as a contest inside 20 minutes, as Horncastle ran riot against weak opposition.
In truth, a score line of 11-0 may have flattered the home side in the end, and Horncastle’s profligacy in front of goal may come back to haunt them in the weeks to come against tougher opposition.
The away side could’ve been out of sight inside three minutes, as first Becki Hall, then Gemma Lewis, then Serena Massingberd-Mundy missed chances to score. As it was, Massingberd-Mundy would wait until the sixth minute to open the scoring for Horncastle.
She was unlucky not to have a second moments later after good work by Lewis and Jenny Rees, but the shot was blocked by some resolute Alford defending.
Lewis then had a golden chance to double the score from the penalty spot, but her weak effort was swatted away by the home ‘keeper.
The diminutive away captain made no mistake on thirteen minutes though, crashing home after a penalty corner from Odette Rawdon.
And the score moved to three just three minutes later, as Massingberd-Mundy swept a tempting ball across the goal. Rees couldn’t quite get a stick on the ball, but Hall could, opening her account.
Alford had a rare foray into opposition territory in the 20th minute, but their number 71 had her shot cross blocked by Rawdon.
Horncastle had to wait until the 25th minute for their fourth as Lewis cut in from the left and rounded the home ‘keeper who was left hopelessly exposed by her defence.
Indeed, by this time, Horncastle had foregone the need for a goalkeeper of their own, and just before half-time the score was 5-0 as Hall turned in her second of the game after good work by Leila Alayej.
Alford were clearly shell-shocked as the half-time whistle went, but if they thought the scoring was complete they were very much mistaken.
Three minutes after the restart, Massingberd-Mundy had her second goal, reacting quickest to a blocked shot from Jess Emmerson and sweeping home Horncastle’s sixth.
Jasmine Roberts then got in on the act on 47 minutes, knocking home from close range. She clearly enjoyed the feeling -two minutes later it was 8-0, Roberts’ long range attempt crossing the line despite the best efforts of a hapless Alford defender to hand her a second goal.
Alayej’s quick thinking then made it nine, helping in a shot from Rees, before Rees herself helped Horncastle into double figures with a poacher’s effort on 55 minutes.
By this time, Alford too had decided there was no need for a goalkeeper, deciding instead to add to their defensive numbers. It worked too, as the home side turned away wave after wave of Horncastle attacks.
They also had their first chance of the game, the home support almost willing a shot from the number 71 over the line. Instead, it was deflected away by the Horncastle defence.
Lewis should’ve made it 11-0 with her second penalty of the game, but it was saved again, leaving the captain in little doubt as to the focus of the team’s next training session.
As it was, it was left to Roberts to seal an impressive hat-trick moments before the final whistle, with a shot that was seemingly helped over the line by an Alford defender.
Horncastle: S.Emmerson, J.Emmerson, Wilkinson, Rawdon, Alayej, Lewis (c), Hall, Read, J. Rees, Massingberd-Mundy, Roberts Written by Nathan Hildred
13/03/2010
Horncastle ladies travelled to Surfleet to face Spalding Poachers 2’s on Saturday, hoping to secure yet another win for the side. The good weather lifted spirits and despite the early start, Horncastle looked more than ready to face the young side. Spalding started the game and it quickly became apparent that it would be a tough game, with both sides playing with a strong line-up and possession being fairly equal. However, Horncastle rose to the challenge and upped the quality of their play and with increased determination and great runs from the forwards and midfields; Nick Rees secured the first goal, with a fantastic strike. Despite various short corners against Horncastle, their strong defence quickly dealt with every attack and with good communication and tight marking, distributed the ball accurately back into their attacking third. It was clear that Chloe Slater (GK) was on top form, saving difficult strikes and dealing effectively with a range of Spalding’s tactual play. With a couple of substitutions, Horncastle was able to retain its agility and strength and through good passing and use of space, Nick Rees quickly slotted away yet another goal, not only securing her lead as Top Goal Scorer for the side but ensuring that Horncastle had a strong position for the second half. After a half time break, Horncastle recognised that they could not become complacent as they had previously encountered as a problem from previous matches and with some tactual changes, and advice from Ruth Cullen (Captain), the side looked motivated to play yet another strong half. Through improved passing and by using the full width of the pitch, Horncastle quickly exploited Spalding’s tiring players and weaker marking, which lead to Katy Wood to make the best run of the match and scoring one of her best goals of the season, clearly showing that training has paid off. Horncastle’s attacking players worked effectively together, using their pace to out run Spalding, which along with a strong passes from Gemma Lewis and Katy Wood, allowed Jen Rees to score another respectable goal. However, Horncastle was beginning to tire and after Jessica Wilkinson sustained a reoccurring injury, Horncastle’s defence weakened, allowing Spalding to sneak a goal in. However, Horncastle was determined to increase their goal difference and through intensifying the pressure on Spalding’s defence, Gemma Lewis managed to score another fantastic goal for the side, putting her equal with Nick Rees on the Top Goal Scorers Table. With an end score of 5-1, it is clear to see that Horncastle Ladies is certainly becoming a team to watch out for!
| Visitor Counter: | |||||||
 |  |  | |  | | ||