Match Reports

Leatherhead Ladies 1's 2 - 2 Wanderers 4's - Saturday 20th March 2010

Leatherhead End League Campaign With Stylish Performance

Having secured their place in Surrey Ladies League Div 3 next season, Leatherhead were playing to decide their finishing position....between 4 & 8 in a very tightly contested mid-table. In a fitting culmination to their season's efforts, Leatherhead put on a polished performance against Wanderers’ stern opposition to earn a creditable draw that reflects the progress made since the teams met earlier in the season.

Wanderers made a positive start taking the imitative in attack. Leatherhead proved equal to the test and having absorbed the early pressure began to make some slick moves forward themselves. The hosts enjoyed a ‘purple patch’ midway through the half when they carved their way through Wanderers defence with some stylish passing and intelligent movement off the ball, to storm into a two-goal lead. With a swiftness that caught the visitor’s off-guard, Liz Aeissame fed the ball into the danger area where Alison Rowlands connected with the control needed to steer it beyond the keeper’s reach, to open the scoring and maintain her goal/game average (3 in 3). With confidence running high, Leatherhead took the game to Wanderers. Moments later Lizzie Barnes added the second with a sublime solo effort….driving forward from the halfway line, Barnes rounded the defence and powered home from the top of the D into the far corner to stun the visitors. Stirred into action, Wanderers made an immediate reply, capping their first attack from the restart with a sweet strike from the edge of the D. Having reduced the deficit, Wanderers had the momentum and clawed their way level just before the break, converting from a well-worked short corner.

Frustrated not to have held their lead for longer, Leatherhead put on a positive second half performance as they chased a victory to end their season in style. Dominating much of the attack, Leatherhead were denied by the post and a keeper who had found her form. The second half stalemate was not without chances for Wanderers either but Leatherhead remained focussed in defence to clear the lines. Unable to force the winner, Leatherhead were left to end their campaign with a creditable draw….and a superb performance that reflects their growth over the season. With league duties over, Leatherhead can enjoy a friendly fixture next weekend to draw a close on a challenging but successful season.

Leatherhead Ladies 1st XI: Lois Lodge, Rachel Thomas, Lara Bunster, Helen Ling, Amy Langfield, Trudy Banfield, Liz Aeissame, Sophie Dudgeon (c), Lizzie Barnes, Gill Sullivan, Alison Rowlands, Cathy Laslett.
Umpire: Nigel James