Sussex County FA Womens League Div 1 - 2nd April 2006

Haywards Heath 3rds 0 B & H Albion 3rds 5

With the Plumpton pitches waterlogged Heath switched to Hurstpierpoint College but even here heavy overnight rain made the pitch very heavy, with a gale force wind making good football very difficult. Heath went behind after 15 mins when a high lofted shot, that normally would have sailed over the bar, was caught by the wind and dropped like a stone behind keeper Celia Huggett. Minutes later Heaths Captain Hayley Miller had to go off, suffering from the after effects of an operation earlier in the week, with the experienced Jane Quilley replacing her. Less than 15 minutes later Heath suffered a further setback when midfielder Clare Hewitt pulled a muscle. With almost the last kick of the half the Albion increased their lead following a corner, a cruel deflection straight to an Albion forward giving her an opportunity that gave Huggett no chance.
With the wind increasing in strength significantly during the game Heath were battling against this and the slope in the 2nd half and the Albion scored two quick goals, a fierce shot from outside the area, and a header following a corner. Christina Cater then replaced Nicki Cook and Heath nearly pulled one back following a good run by Jo Stevenson before they went further behind with a deceiving lob.
Despite this reverse all credit to Heath for their “never say die” attitude in working hard until the final whistle against a Brighton side strengthened by the fact their 1sts game had been postponed. Heaths forwards Sherry Goodchild, Natasha Sole and Hayley Plummer showed some good touches in attack without being able really trouble the keeper whilst in defence Heaths “Player of the Match” Debbie Johnson worked hard throughout the game .

Team Celia Huggett, Jade Bubb , Nicky Cook (Christina Cater 60 Mins) , Eve Todhunter, Lindsey Richardson , Debbie Johnson, Hayley Miller (Jane Quilley 20 Mins) , Clare Hewitt (Jo Stevenson 45 Mins) Hayley Plummer, Sherry Goodchild, Natasha Sole.

To return to the "Results" page