Battersea and Wandsworth 1-1 Hillingdon Ladies

On a blustery afternoon on a really bobbly pitch and a terrible referee, a battered bruised and semi fit Hillingdon Ladies side earned a credible draw with league leaders Battersea and Wandsworth. Several players down and several on the pitch carrying injuries, Hillingdon’s game plan was to press the ball and try and play football on an almost impossible passing surface. Battersea made their intentions clear from the start, dominating the first 10 minutes possession but not actually troubling Lisa Byrne on her debut appearance as a goalkeeper!

The Hillingdon Ladies consistently pressed the ball and drove forward with promise, starting to assert themselves on the game and forcing the Battersea keeper into making some saves. Hillingdon worked hard to earn a corner and Sophie Taylor swung it into the mix from the right with Sarah Atkin towering above the Battersea defence and scoring from a header to make it 1-0 o Hillingdon Ladies.

Hillingdon then really took the game to Battersea creating plenty of openings down the wings but never really troubling the keeper but utilising space really well and were ecstatic with a great first half performance.

After the break Hillingdon knew Battersea would be eager to turnover the deficit and there was almost 45 minutes of backs against the wall defending from a resilient Hillingdon Ladies. The match report could not be complete without a mention of the terrible referee who missed some blatant handballs and some awful tackles, leaving Caz and Hayley in particular ridiculously bruised and swollen but still battling on.

Unfortunately Hillingdon’s brave resilience was finally broken with 10 minutes to go following a 3^rd consecutive Battersea Corner. Hillingdon then worked hard on not conceding again and nearly grabbed a late winner, with some excellent link up play from Lou Gilbert and Kayleigh Austin producing a good save from the keeper. Battersea continued to throw the kitchen sink at the Hillingdon goal but despite 4 minutes turning into what seemed like 20 they could not find a winner and Hillingdon were well worth their draw for a performance full of heart and constant working for each other like a true team.                                                     

Player of the match; Lisa Byrne (if you didn’t wanna become our regular keeper you shouldn’t have been so good at it!!)

Muppet of the match; The ref by a country mile!

Team; Lisa Byrne, Hayley Lyon, Sarah Miller, Sophie Taylor, Becky Payne, Amy Fry, Caz Partidge, Hazel McLintock, Sarah Atkin, Sarah Miller, Kayleigh Austin

Hillingdon went into this tricky away game determined to right the wrongs of last weeks performance and bounce back with 3 points. Despite dominating possession, Hillingdon found themselves 1-0 down at half time with BA scoring from their only opportunity of the half and Hillingdon unable to convert any of their steady flow of half chances. After a change to an attacking 3-5-2 formation, things went from bad to worse after the break when another defensive slip left British Airway’s striker with a one on one with Hillingdon’s keeper, resulting in a double deficit; 0-2. Hillingdon Ladies kept battling and playing their passing game on a beautiful pitch and were eventually rewarded after Lou Gilbert closed down the BA keeper, leaving her with a tap in 1-2. Not long later Lou once again was the hero, going on a mazy run down the right and producing a superb finish into the top left hand corner of the goal. With the score at 2-2 with time running our, Hillingdon were confident of getting a winner and this finally came with 5 minutes remaining. Lou again putting pressure on the British Airways defence and heading the ball in for her and Hillingdon’s third and winner. Unsurprisingly Lou was awarded player of the match and Hillingdon could go home happy at finally pulling out a much needed result.

Team; Hazel McLintock, Becky Penhall, Sophie Taylor, Hayley Lyon, Becky Payne, Kayleigh Austin, Caroline Partridge, Sarah Atkin, Holly Keeney, Amy Fry, Lou Gilbert. Subs Victoria Holland (on for Amy 55).

Hillingdon Ladies went into this game having not been defeated so far this season, but knew from the 1st whistle it was going to be a tough afternoon against Tottenham Hotspur Reserves. It was a well contested first half, with the ball spending most the time in the middle of the park, and both keepers not having to do a great deal. Keeper Hayley Lyon making her first appearance in goal, normally a centre back, made an excellent save from a corner.  The 2nd half started much as the first finished, however in the 55th min, Spurs took the lead.  A corner was only half cleared and their centre half let fly with a great shot that went in via the underside of the bar. Spurs were then awarded a very soft penalty which brought an excellent save from Lyon who will no doubt have a very sore arm in the morning! From then on Hillingdon had to push forward and go for the goal but with gaps behind, they were eventually punished with a neat little chip. Hayley Lyon, Becky Payne and Caz Partridge all shared the Man of the Match vote.  Next week Hillingdon are away to local rivals British Airways. 

Team; Hayley Lyon, Becky Penhall, Sophie Taylor, Sarah Miller (Jess 75), Becky Payne, Kayleigh Austin (Amy Fry 70), Caroline Partridge, Sarah Atkin, Holly Keeney (Victoria 80), Lou Gilbert, Robyn Goodwin. Subs; Amy Fry, Victoria Holland, Jess O.

Hillingdon Ladies are looking for a keeper, aged 16 and over.  If you're interested contact Somerset Hughes on 07949 403927.

As of next Tuesday, 15th Sept, training will be on the astro turf at Stockley Academy, Park View Road, Yiewsley, Middlesex UB8 3GA.

We will be meeting at the front entrance for about 7.15-7.20, so that we are ready to start for 7.30.  It's on astro turf, so make sure you remember your astro boots or trainers (normal studs or blades are not allowed).  And there will be floodlights so we can train until 9.00pm.