Saturday 8th March

Braintree 2 v OSHC 2
Win: 1-2
Goals: Charlotte Armitage & Beccy Withams
POM: Izzy
JOS: Kate (unfairly in my opinion!)

Saturday brought us a glorious day to play hockey, all was looking very rosy as our car pulled into Braintree in plenty of time for the meet. However things took a slight turn when our GK Katie, unfortunately let us know that she hadn’t been able to get her car to start. Mildly panicked- I formulated a plan, as the men’s 3’s were playing straight after us at Braintree we had Mark Armitages GK on route for our match. Therefore I had a kit…
Darren Stoner very very kindly drove to pick Katie up to bring her with him so we could at least get her to us for the second half. In the meantime with some help from jump leads Katie got her car started- we were back in action. Knowing she would be late though, Izzy very kindly stepped in to keep for the first 20 mins (after we delayed the start by 10 mins). It was slightly chaotic but we got there and the subs plan had to be re-written on the side of the pitch very hurriedly!
Also with Braintree just behind us in the league and after the home leg of this game, where their goalkeeper was sent off and used some very aggressive and colourful language- we knew this would be a tough match. We had a few nerves… well I did anyway!
Despite all this, we started the game really brightly and strong and after just 5 mins Charlotte Armitage stepped up and slotted home a goal after some great team play up the pitch. Izzy then made some cracking saves to keep Braintree out as they broke a couple of times. After 20’mins Katie arrived, kitted up at super speed and got herself into the pitch, meaning we had Izzy’s pace back on the pitch. We had the majority of the possession but just couldn’t convert it. Unfortunately with about 5 mins to go, Braintree managed to find the back of the goal and the first half ended at 1-1.
We had been a little quiet in the first half so after a rousing half time talk where we all pulled our socks up and said how much we wanted to win this game- we went out fighting in the second half. We were brighter, faster and playing better as a team. Constantly pushing into Braintree’s 25. Let’s just say they weren’t too happy with this and they got a little aggy- however we rose above it and just played our game. This paid off when Izzy and Beccy made a cracking run and finished it off with a beautiful goal from Beccy!! Just what we needed! The rest of the match we continued to play well and we constantly battled especially against an aggressive Braintree. We held our own though and ended the match rightly earning the 3 points and another undefeated match.
Jacket went to myself - even though Katie’s car didn’t start- I did manage to kick the ball constantly throughout the game!
Player went to Izzy for stepping up in goal and then her fantastic work and pace on the pitch too!
We had a debutant too in Martha who had a fantastic game and it was pleasure to have her join us!!
Big thank you again to Darren for his help and a final mention to Will for coming to umpire the game. We really appreciate it.

Kate