|
A
strong Ipswich Ladies Under 18 squad headed to Nottingham hoping to emulate
their club’s previous successes in the National Plate Finals in 2004 and
2005. A quick look at the programme provided a certain level of confidence,
as all of the squad members had been involved in Regional hockey or above,
including two who had represented England at Under 16 level. The weather was
hot and sunny and it was obvious that all 13 players would see plenty of
action in the semi-final and possible final to follow.
In
the semi-final Ipswich were drawn against a team from Gloucester City. A
little homework before the day, suggested that the opposition could
certainly score goals and the Ipswich defence would need to be strong and
organised. But, as the whistle blew for the start of the match, it was the
Ipswich attack that showed its intent. The Gloucester City goal was put
under a relentless barrage, with shots coming from all directions. After a
series of short corners the deadlock was broken in the 15th
minute when a short corner strike from Faye Curran gave Ipswich the lead.
More chances followed for the team from Suffolk, but it was an excellent
one-on-one save by Ipswich goalkeeper, Alice Tillett that prevented the
scores being equal at half-time.
The
second half saw the resumption of the assault on the Gloucester net. Driven
on by excellent control and distribution from Annabel Driver and Kate Watson
at the back, Ipswich ruled all areas of the pitch and attacked at will.
Pressure eventually told with Ipswich scoring two quick-fire goals through
Chloe Hunnable from a short corner and captain Anna Sherring in open play. A
3-0 win saw Ipswich through to the Final to face Eastbourne.
Ipswich
started the Final in the same attacking frame of mind creating a plethora of
chances. The Eastbourne goalkeeper was called upon to make some excellent
saves, while other attempts were somehow cleared off the line. The best of
the chances came after an excellent run from Katherine Gwynne-Wood, who was
very unlucky to see her lifted shot hit the goalkeeper’s arm as it headed
into the net. Just when it appeared that the scores might be level at
half-time, a clinical finish from Chloe Hunnable saw Ipswich move into the
lead.
The
half-time team-talk revolved about the need to convert chances into goals
and it appeared that the request had heeded when Chloe Hunnable’s second
goal was followed rapidly by the best goal of the day. Picking up the ball
on the halfway line, Michaela Chidgey weaved her way around six Eastbourne
players before finishing from an acute angle past the advancing goalie. With
the floodgates open, further goals from Hannah Martin and two more from
Chloe Hunnable saw Ipswich record a resounding 6-0 win.
Many
of the squad members have played together since Under 13 level and winning
the National Title was a wonderful and well deserved success. Whilst six
senior squad members (Annabel Driver, Anna Sherring, Chloe Hunnable, Faye
Curran, Michaela Chidgey and Catriona McDonald) are involved in Ipswich
Ladies 1st team’s attempt to regain a place in the National
Premier League, the future certainly looks bright with the contribution from
the youngest members showing the club has huge strength in depth.
Semi-Final
Ipswich
Ladies U18 3 : 0 Gloucester City U18
Goalscores:
Chloe Hunnable, Faye Curran & Anna Sherring
Final
Ipswich
Ladies U18 6 : 0 Eastbourne U18
Goalscores:
Chloe Hunnable x 4, Michaela Chidgey & Hannah Martin
|
