Sussex County FA Womens Challenge Trophy
Rottingdean 2nds 1 Haywards Heath Town 2nds 2 (d’Ambra, Trend) (AET) - 21st Oct 2007
A very long and tiring match finally paid off for Heaths 2nds.
With debutant goalie Alison Field covering the absent Huggett, Heaths team had many changes from the previous game. Jo d’Ambra recovering from injury, along with Mel Conniff meant that Heath had 2 committed strikers to hound Rottingdeans defence.
From the start Heath attacked Rottingdeans defence with wingers Nat Trend and Jo Stevenson linking well with the strikers and central midfielders Michelle Winnard and Tash Kaye. After 25 minutes Rottingdean unfortunately went down to 10 players due to an injury.
After Heaths continued attack resulted in a goal from d’Ambra after excellent work from the midfield. Half time quickly came and 10 minutes into the 2nds half d’Ambra was replaced by Managers Player of the Match Sarah Bridge. Heaths defence were beginning to be kept busy, but Gemma Paull, Bex Smallman, Julie Boyce and Dawn Gaston remained calm and worked well with Field in goal. After a slight lack of concentration Rottingdean were given the opportunity to equal the scores. Both teams were intent on it being decided in extra time. A very ill Keveena Mosen replaced Jo Stevenson for Heaths final attempt to win it. Mosen nearly pulled it off with a freekick that just missed the top right hand corner of the goal.
Extra time began and Heath seemed more determined than ever to not let this become another defeat. Consistent hard work from the whole team and good team spirit continued to put Rottingdean under pressure, and any of Rottingdeans attacks were calmly dissolved. 5 minutes in the 2nd half of ET Trend made a superb run down the left wing, and after a very attack run into the box she calmly smashed the ball passed the keeper to win Heath the game.
An excellent game for all to watch, and credit must go to Rottingdean who played for 100 minutes with only 10 players and never gave up the fight. Well done to all the players.
Team: Alison Field, Gemma Paull (captain), Bex Smallman, Julie Boyce, Dawn Gaston, Tash Kaye, Michelle Winnard, Nat Trend, Jo Stevenson (Keveena Mosen 70 mins) Mel Conniff, Jo d’Ambra (Sarah Bridge 55 mins)
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