Ladies' 1s trounced by Trojans

Trojans made the relatively short journey up from Southampton to face the Ladies 1s, still looking for their first league win of the season. Trojans started well, putting the Hawks defence under a lot of pressure from the start - and Hawks were reliant on some good saves from keeper Evelyn Hargraves, standing in for the injured Jess Hughes. Evelyn is not a new face for the 1st XI - but it was probably about 8 or 9 years since her last appearance!  However Trojans broke the deadlock after 10 minutes and quickly added another moments later, leaving Hawks with a mountain to climb. The girls reacted well and pushed forwards, winning corners and creating chances of their own with Becky Odlin on fine form, but the Trojans defence kept everything out. Just before half time Hawks were dealt a hammer blow as Trojans added another goal from a corner, which looked to hit a Trojans foot - but it was not spotted by either umpire and the goal was given. 

After some wise words from coaches Andy and Nathan at half time, Hawks hit the reset button and were a changed side - enjoying far more of the possession and winning multiple corners. However a breakaway goal ten minutes in made their mountain even higher but to their credit they continued to push forwards. Midway through the half the girls were awarded a stroke after Odders (or Reaney? Henri can't remember) was bundled over in the D, but Bex Oakes' effort was well saved. Minutes later Hawks did find the back of the net though, with Katie Lowe finishing well from close range. A frustrating scoreline for the girls, who can take a lot of learning from the game into their last match this weekend against Swansea.

Many thanks to Vicki Hearn for the super photos.