Maidenhead 1 v Bracknell Ladies 1's Score Win 1-3

A win was the only option for the game. They started spritely (or should that be elfishly in the lead up to Christmas?) with the midfield and forward line breaking up Maidenhead’s passing. In particular Katie, “You lot run too fast” Oliver making some great interceptions which would then begin another Bracknell attack. Some chances were created by Bracknell but much of the first half was played between the two 25 yard lines.

Bracknell began to commit players forward as they searched to find the breakthrough. Unfortunately, this left the defence exposed and with the Bracknell goalkeeper Jenny “I will clear this ball out of the D, at some point” Sawyer committing too early, Maidenhead scored a goal. This was decidedly annoying for Bracknell who had to go into half time a goal down.

The team talk was positive from Marcia “X-Factor” Clapson and Bracknell took this into the second half. Some strong attacking play from the forward line saw great passing into Gemma “Guys ......” McLean who’s 110% commitment saw her beat the goalkeeper to score the equaliser. This encouraged Bracknell who soon created another opportunity for a short corner. Yellie “Wot, no fence?” Powley followed up her initial strike to put it into the bottom of the goal via Kelly “No, Nnnn No-No, No, No” Lockyer.

This put Bracknell a goal up and meant Maidenhead had to go in search of an equaliser of their own. Bracknell continued to break up the play with forwards coming back to help out the midfield and defence. In doing so one of the Bracknell forwards made a diving tackle against a Maidenhead player who then decided to sit on her head. Becky “What day is it, says the paramedic? ..... Moving Day?!” Peatfield was knocked out and created quite a bit of concern for the players and wonderful side line supporters. With Tony “Do really want me to guess her age?” Heaver having to call an ambulance and Toddy “Spocky” Eatwell doing a sterling job as the team nurse, Peatfield was brought round. A twenty minute delay to the game then ensued as Paramedics and ambulances attended Peatfield who was determined despite not being able to stand unaided to continue playing. We will not repeat Nurse Eatwell’s response to this statement.

Finally, there was a restart and Maidenhead sportingly passed the ball back to Alice “Back of the Stick” Randall. Bracknell continued on the attack and warmed up quickly with some flurries into Maidenhead’s D. A great passing move from Randall, Powley and Oliver, then a dummy by McLean through to ‘Man of the Match’ Lockyer, saw a strike on goal that flummoxed the Maidenhead goalie and Bracknell had extended their lead. An excellent team goal!

Maidenhead tried to create some of their own chances and had a number of short corners that were kept out confidently by the defence. Some excellent play by Bracknell saw opportunities missed at the back post or cleared off the line. They were unable to extend their lead and kept Maidenhead at bay. This was one of the best performances from Bracknell this season and they came out deserving winners.