Match Reports from 15th & 16th November
Shrewsbury 2-3 Ladies 1st XI
Goals: Dani Hagan, Claire Petrie (2)
On a foggy day in Moulton, Saints took on a hyped up Shrewsbury ladies team who had done their homework on Northampton. Shrewsbury started strongly, piling pressure on Saints from the first whistle. Shrewsbury scored a well worked goal 0-1. Play continued with both defences being tested and several short corners being given but no score. Both teams have very attacking formations leading to fantastic end to end play. Both teams forcing play and forcing errors into each other’s play.
Shrewsbury were quick to capitalise on a loose pass, searing up the pitch to score their second. 0-2 Shrewsbury.
The second half started with more intensity from Saints, and Chloe Cozens nearly scores within the first few moments. Saints then won a short corner: Claire Petrie scored to bring the home team back into the game!
Saints continued to pile on the pressure to win another short and Dani Hagan scored to make it 2-2.
Another break out of defence and a fantastic piece of skill from Petrie and Hagan lead to another goal for Petrie ,3-2 saints. Saints played out the last few minutes with 10 players after Petrie earned herself some time in the sin-bin, but they held on to deservedly win the game 3-2.
Men’s Vets travel a bridge too far
Bridgnorth Masters -2 Men’s Masters
Goals: Martin Wilkes, Pete Ellis
The Saints made the lengthy trip trip Bridgnorth for this second round cup tie with a bare eleven. The first half was an even affair with Bridgnorth having more of the ball but creating relatively little due to a solid defensive display backed up by the solid Pete Adey in goal. The Saints on the other hand whilst having less of the ball looked the more dangerous on the break with forwards of Noble, Wilkes & Gray looking lively feeding off an aerial bombardment from the right back Ellis. It was the Saints that took the lead with a fantastic solo effort from Martin Wilkes throwing the years beating several defenders before slotting past the keeper. A great first half was spoiled as right midfield John Brown pulled up with a tight hamstring – with no subs he battled on bravely at walking pace.
The second started with 10 minutes of solid saints pressure and a second goal was no more than they desereved – a great short corner routine slotted away by Pete Elliis. Shortly after Martin Wilkes had to leave the park with a knee problem. Bridgnorth started to make the numbers count and were starting to create clear chances and despite the best efforts of Pete Adey who was in inspired form pulled level within a 5 minute period – a deflected shot and a stroke both with elements of bad luck for the away team. With 5 minutes remaining and with Saints trying to hold on for strokes – Bridgnorth came up with a classy short corner finish to take the lead. Saints battled gamely for the last 5 but couldn’t find an equaliser. A brave performance but ultimately one where the numbers counted on the day.
Saints now go into the trophy where they reached the semis last year – but have been handed a tough draw on 11th January – Away at Olton
Team: Pete Adey, Jim Phipps, Ian Knight, Pete Ellis, Steve Morris, Dave Wenningtopn, Martin Wilkes, Malcolm Gray, Jon Noble, Nigel Downs, John Brown.