Deserved three points for ladies

AFTER the long journey to Towcester last week, Loughborough Town Ladies 3s were back playing at home and ready to take on Market Harborough Ladies 2s.

Town got off to a strong attacking start, which put Harborough on the defensive, however they certainly rose to the challenge and protected their D well. It did not take too long though before Town were awarded their first penalty corner.

Unable to convert this attempt, they were not to be phased, and within a short time, a further two more followed. It was during one of these corners that Town opened the scoring. Although the initial attempt was saved, the follow-up scramble resulted in Town’s first goal, as Sam Dalby swooped on the ball to slip it past the keeper’s open side. Harborough, through some fantastic clearances, which beat Town’s press, saw them win a couple of their own penalty corners, all of which were saved by the solid Town defence. Half time arrived with Town holding their 1-0 lead.

As the second half started, Town again turned up the pressure to ensure that they came away with all three points.

Again, the defence held strong against any attempts by Harborough to score, and this allowed the attack to remain slightly higher up the pitch. It was this tactic which led to the second goal. An attack down the wing saw the ball enter Harborough’s D where an initial save led to Shannon Nel being in the right place to slot it home for Town’s second.

As the final whistle blew, Town reflected on an extremely positive performance and a welldeserved three points.

They are hoping to carry this forward into next week’s game as they are again on the road to Daventry to face Earls Barton.

Player of the match went to Abigail Archer for her amazing performance protecting the D and driving the line.