Match Report – 21/01/2023: Woking Ladies IV – 2 Leatherhead Ladies I – 0
South East Region: Oaks League – Division 2

Leatherhead Ladies 1st XI Frozen Out In Woking

In freezing temperatures last Saturday, Leatherhead Ladies faced a late start at 4.30pm in Woking as they took on opposition placed two above them in the table, and were frozen out by both the skill of the hosts and the conditions.

The opening exchanges indicated a close contest repeating the encounter when the sides met earlier in the season. Both sides enjoyed a share of possession and worked to carve out an opening to take the lead. Woking began to have the upper hand, applying pressure and breaching Leatherhead’s defence after 15 minutes to go one up. Leatherhead knuckled down to the task and crafted some breaks forward but their attacks were thwarted by Woking’s defence. In a swift counter attack in the closing move of the half, Woking produced a telling strike to put the hosts 2-0 up at the break.

Leatherhead showed spirit as they took the game to Woking after the break. Taking the initiative in attack, Leatherhead dominated possession for fifteen minutes and tested Woking’s keeper who proved equal to the challenge. As end to end play ensued, Leatherhead were resilient in defence denying the hosts the chance to extend their lead. As the game moved into the closing period, the pitch was glistening in the night sky, with sub-zero temperatures causing a frost, adding to the challenge. As Leatherhead fought to get on the scoresheet and pull their way back into the contest, players started to slip in the deteriorating conditions. A pause for a pitch review ten minutes from the end, determined the game could continue but after a further few minutes, Leatherhead called for an end to the contest, conceding defeat in the interests of safety. As Woking move up to 2nd in the table, Leatherhead retain 5th spot and hope to resume winning ways when they meet 6th placed Cranleigh next weekend.

New players are welcome at Leatherhead Hockey Club. The adult section caters for all ages 14+ and playing ability, with training each Tuesday from 8pm-9.30pm at Therfield School, and matches on Saturdays. If you’re interested in playing hockey or want to find out more, please visit our website at www.leatherheadhockeyclub.co.uk or get in touch via info@leatherheadhockeyclub.co.uk