LADIES 1's START WITH A WIN
Beeston showed that the success of last season was no flash in the pan as they started this year’s campaign with a 3-2 win against Wakefield. Games against the Yorkshire side at any level are always keenly contested and this was no exception. With a squad of 14 with a number of unavailability’s and three Beeston EHL debutants it was not a foregone conclusion. A tough afternoon’s hockey was in store.
Beeston started brightly and played the game at a high tempo, preseason training has paid off and the team was able to counter the Wakefield threats and respond quickly on the break. Sophie Robinson has fitted neatly back into the forward line and her pace caused a number of headaches for the Wakefield defence. Her first goal of the season was down to blistering pace and a cool head with the finish cracking finish rounding the keeper.
Holy Webb playing further up the pitch was given space and certainly relished the role distributing and being a threat when running at defenders at the top of the D. Gemma Tuplin was solid in defence and was instrumental in winning many turnovers. The first Wakefield goal came from a neat short corner move on the left hand post that left Lucy Dawkins with no chance. The corner itself was subject to dispute as it was awarded after a lifted ball from outside the D struck a Beeston player just below the knee!
Hollie Webb’s goal came from a great piece of individual skill with a reverse stick strike after calm and accurate build up through the midfield. Jess Webb on her Beeston debut put in the third and Beeston seemed to be cruising. A late Wakefield goal made for a tense last 5 minutes but Beeston's young defence, which includes Tuppers held strong. All in all a good first outing for Beeston, plenty of work to do, but one of the tougher league fixtures put to bed and three points secured.
This Saturday sees Beeston take on last year’s premier league side Cannock at Chase Park with Push Back at 1.30pm.
Photos of the Wakefield game are in the Gallery.