Ladies' 1s unable to equalise with Trojans

Trojans were the visitors to Banbury Road North, and they startedstrongly threatening within the first few minutes, but Hawks soon woke up and began what would be a very close first half.  Bouts of counterattacks swung between the 2 teams, illustrated by the equal and high number of circle penetrations of 18 for both teams in the first half. Hawks had made a solid foundation and were building on it as the half went on. However, one of their counter attacks lead to a short corner and after some quick reactions in front of goal after the straight strike, the ball ended up in the back of the net. Undeterred, Hawks came out fighting and the level of physicality rose. The last few minutes of the half was intense and nerve racking as their attacks came thick and fast but all were denied by great defence and saves by Man of the Match, Hawks goalkeeper, Jess Hughes.

Andy Clark refocused the team at half time and they went out ready to win the game back. Fantastic leading and aggressive play in attack meant they began to take hold of possession and their passing began to dominate over Trojans' running game. However one slip of focus and suddenly Hawks were on the back foot, as Trojans broke and struck high into the top of the goal. Hawks responded well however and soon were in the Trojans area. From a long corner the ball was passed to Annabelle Denly on the top of the D whose early strike was deflected in brilliantly by Catherine Reaney to bring the home side back into the game. Hawks, totally dominating now, with double the number of circle penetrations in the second half, just needed the final push to equalise. But they couldn’t quite make it in time, and so despite very close and frantic last few minutes, the score remained 2-1 to Trojans.