MK Ladies 1sts vs. Hampstead and Westminster 2nds - 5.11.2016

The Milton Keynes Ladies 1st team returned to their home pitch this weekend, looking to back up their win from their previous league game two weeks ago. Standing in the way of the three points this weekend was top of the league, Hampstead and Westminster, but MK went into the game knowing the points could be theirs if they played the hockey they knew they were capable of. MK started the game strongly, Karmel Bracken rounding a number of the Hampstead and Westminster players right from the starting whistle and earning Milton Keynes an early penalty corner but the early goal was not forthcoming. Hampstead and Westminster stepped up their intensity and MK found themselves under prolonged periods of pressure in defence, however, all chances were dealt with effectively by goal keeper and player of the match, LJ Millers and the defence of Beth James, Maxine McMenamin and Clare Stacey. The home side worked tirelessly to create chances of their own up the other end of the pitch but it was the visitors who found the net first and it was the visitors who had the ascendency going into half time.

Returning to the pitch after a half time team talk from coach, Dave Fenton, the team knew they hadn’t played the hockey they were capable of and the game was far from over. As a result of this, they began to play with improved consistency and accuracy, building some promising attacks. Once again, they earnt themselves an early penalty corner, this time Sophie Reynolds winning the ball and driving towards the D causing the Hampstead and Westminster defender to foul. MK found the net from their second penalty corner, Karmel Bracken firing home from the top of the D to level the scores. Buoyed by this goal, MK went on to play some of their best hockey of the match, creating a number of goal scoring opportunities but they failed to find the net. Hampstead and Westminster on the other hand found a way through at the other end from a penalty corner of their own to take the lead once more. Milton Keynes fought to equalise once more, Alice Vigor, Thea Jackson and Laura Browne working tirelessly in midfield to link defence to attack but, after an incident leaving LJ Millers and Maxine McMenamin on the ground injured in the D, Hampstead and Westminster slotted the ball home to double their lead with less than ten minutes remaining in the clock. Following a delay whilst both injured MK players received treatment, MK restarted the game, prepared to battle until the final whistle but unfortunately Hampstead and Westminster had the last laugh, scoring their fourth goal in the final minute of the game. A disappointing result against a team who MK had high hopes of taking points from and one which sees MK slip to 8th in the league. The team will look to re-group and re-focus this week ready for their game next weekend away at 4th placed Oxford Hawks.