South East Counties Womens Football League - League Cup
HEATH BEAT PREMIER DIV OPPOSITION WITH SAUNDERS BRACE
Petts Wood 1 Haywards Heath Town 2 (Mica Saunders 2) - 14th Oct 2007
Heath arrived at Petts Wood knowing it was going to be a difficult game against an in form Premier League team with a 100% home record in both League and FA Cup games, and determined to bounce back from their narrow defeat the previous week.
In beating Petts Wood they were one of only 2 Div 1 sides to beat Premier Div opposition in the League Cup.
Petts Wood were threatening in the opening stages but slowly and surely Heath came more and more into the game with Jo Ashworth, Caz Walters and Mica Saunders very prominent up front. Heath's defence of Eve Todhunter, Penny Gittins, Julie Hawthorne & Karen Bridgewater were confidently resisting Petts Wood's attacks with keeper Rachel Virgo commanding her area and were being well supported by Lou Creasey in the holding position.
Heath's midfield were now pushing forward and creating opportunities for the strikers. From a firm header from Gittins, the ball went through to Heath's leading scorer and player of the match Saunders who chipped the ball over the opposing keeper for Heath's opener midway through the half.
The match continued in similar vein in the second half and Petts Wood Keeper was often in action as Heath applied pressure until the 73rd minute, when a long kick from keeper Virgo was brilliantly headed on by Ashworth into the path of Saunders who hit an unstoppable shot into the net. Heath remained on top and were playing with confidence when a through ball was finished by the Wood striker with just 7 minutes to go.
Heath though did not panic and calmly played on until the final whistle.
Heath were excellent value for this win and go into Sunday's Sussex County Cup match against local rivals Lindfield full of confidence.
Team: Rachel Virgo; Eve Todhunter; Penny Gittins; Julie Hawthorne;(Capt); Karen Bridgewater; Fran Pritlove; Lou Creasey; Cath Diffey; Mica Saunders; Caz Walters; Jo Ashworth. Subs not used: Michelle Winnard; Mel Conniff; Sarah Bridge.
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