Stone Hockey Club Ladies Seconds took advantage of their latest Tunnicliffe fixture at home against Old Hales on 2nd November to continue development of their team, fielding the majority of players who combined to bring success the week before.
Despite losing the coin toss, Stone were offensively sharp from the outset and immediately set the tone for the afternoon’s encounter. The opening goal came shortly into the half, as right wing Michelle Miles-Brown drove to the base line then singled out Captain Emma Dutton on the P spot who found the backboard. Just moments later, the same attacking pairing slotted home their second goal of the afternoon in a carbon copy of the first.
Stone took every opportunity to stretch their opposition’s legs: midfielders Aisling O’Brien and Jasmine Spooner worked tirelessly to develop and distribute play to their forwards, supported by the attacking skills of Nicole Lockett. She was responsible for Stone’s 3rd goal before the break, picking the ball up outside of the D and driving it home, much to Old Hales’ surprise.
The Enson Lane team were gifted a handful of penalty corners but unfortunately failed to capitalise. Tired legs was the name of the game as the session ran down and the half time team talk called for positional discipline and renewed vigour to trouble the away team.
Old Hales returned from the break brighter and carried some attacks through towards the defensive back line of Ellie Dixon, Natasha Spooner and Emily Obhrai. Their efforts meant goalkeeper Alanah Spilsbury only saw the ball 3 times and her clean sheet was never in doubt. Man Of The Match (and belated Birthday Girl!) Kath Taylor had a solid game in a defensive role, her wealth of experience recognising Stone’s strength could be improved by exploiting the width of the pitch yet further.
Fiona Brown threw herself into attacking play and quickly found it a role she could handle, scoring her first of the season around 45mins. Youngster Sally Tyler had a superb game up front combining well with her teammates and showing a maturity on the pitch beyond her years. Miles-Brown found the net for Stone’s 5th and Tyler and Brown teamed up for the 6th in Stone’s highest-scoring match this season.
Captain Emma Dutton said: “The team is doing a fantastic job; we’re working hard for one another on the pitch and growing as a team overall, which is amazing to see. This match has shown that when we pass quickly and decisively we can pull teams apart. I’m very excited for the challenges the Staffs league will bring in the coming weeks and proud of how hard the team has worked. Our best is yet to come!”
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