Vice captain Sarah believes Maids should aim high
After three games played in the South Central Women’s Premier Division 1, Maidenhead Women’s first team are in a healthy fourth place and that’s exactly where vice captain Sarah Downes wants them to be, if not higher, at the end of the season.
On Saturday, the side were 2-0 winners over Henley at Altwood School but arguably could have produced a much more convincing scoreline.
Speaking to the Advertiser this week, Downes revealed skipper Chantal Hankin squandered a favourable opportunity while other players had shots go awry over the course of the match.
It’s something they will have to work on in training, she says, if they are to maintain their upward trajectory in the division.
“We usually have a pretty tough match against Henley but we had several chances over the course of the game and many we probably should have put away,” said Downes.
“Our captain missed an open goal and put the ball right over the top crossbar which actually looked more difficult to do.
“We missed a few glaring opportunities so we probably need to work on a few finishing touches and things like that in training.
“But, that is two wins out of three matches which is a really good start given we’ve got a few new players this season and people playing in different positions.”
Downes added: “I think we should be aiming for the top four, top three this season. We finished in the top five last year.
“We have lost a few of the key members of our squad, players who have now gone to University, but, we have brought up a few of the younger Colts in the club which has been great.
“They’re super quick, which is fantastic, and they will help the team develop this year.”
The Women play Fareham at Henry Cort Community School this weekend, a club they defeated home and away last season.
Elsewhere, Maidenhead Men’s first team remain undefeated in the South Central Men’s Premier Division 1 having drawn 1-1 with home side Banbury.
Phil Cowell’s side turn their attention to seventh-placed Staines on Saturday.