SOUTH EAST COUNTIES WOMENS FOOTBALL LEAGUE - PREMIER DIV - Jan 8th 2006
Haywards Heath 2 [Natalie Bagwell(pen) Mel Rooney] Wandgas 3
Heath managed to play a league game for the first time in eight weeks with the weather, Christmas and the New Year and a Cup game, all contributing to the long league gap, and were very unfortunate to come away without a point.
On a very heavy pitch and in driving rain, Heath were quickly out of the blocks against high flying Wandgas. However they were hit on the break and the speedy Wandgas forward netted to open the scoring after just 8 mins, the shot just missing the post. Heath continued to push forward and with Jenny Greenfield and Natalie Bagwell making some excellent runs, Heath began to have far more of the game. Just when it seemed that an equaliser was sure to come, with Heath having far more of the play , a speculative long distance shot flew over the head of keeper Vicki Lank despite a valiant attempt to divert the ball, and Heath were two down with just 5 mins of the half remaining.
In the second half Heath changed their formation and brought on Mel Rooney for her first outfield game of the season with the First team after a lengthy spell out injured. The move had the desired effect and Heath began to get on top. They reduced the arrears in the 52nd minute, when defender Penny Gittins was brought down from behind following a rare excursion up front, and Natalie Bagwell scored from the spot. Heath now went looking for the equaliser and Rooney went close but Heath were stunned when a Wandgas forward slipped the ball into an empty net following an error close to goal after 75 mins. To their credit Heath still came forward and were rewarded with a goal just 4 mins later from the influential Mel Rooney. Try as they may Heath were unable to get the equaliser that their commitment and efforts deserved. despite sacrificing midfielder Catherine Diffey for speedy forward Fran Pritlove.
At the back Karen Bridgewater, Kim Strong and Penny Gittins (Heath's Player of the Match) were outstanding. The midfield worked tirelessly and with any luck, the team will end this losing run in the not too distant future although they have a very tough league game next Sunday away to unbeaten League leaders UKP.
Team: Vicki Lank; George Thomas(Mel Rooney 45); Kim Strong; Penny Gittins; Karen Bridgewater; Kim Donno; Leigh Farley; Mel Bramley; Catherine Diffey (Fran Pritlove 85); Jenny Greenfield; Natalie Bagwell. Subs not used: Michelle Winnard; Julie Hawthorne; Sarah Woods.
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