Bracknell Ladies 1s v Milton Keynes (3-0)

Bracknell started slowly allowing MK around the back of the defence. But once they were in their stride MK struggled to contain the pressure piled on by Bracknell’s attacking forces. With some great inter play along the right hand side Dash Heaver crossed a pin point ball into the D which was greatfully received by Caz Apsey who coolly lifted the ball between the goal keepers legs for 1-0. MK came out hard after half time using their pace and long balls along the back in an attempt to level the score line but were unsuccessful. Bracknell knew that 1-0 wasn’t enough and continued to attack, passing the ball strongly around the pitch. Gemma Mclean made a determined run into the D and cleverly placed the ball on the feet of the opposition to win a short corner. Kelly Lockyer received the ball on the top of the D and took a shot which rebounded off of the goalkeepers kickers, Katie Oliver reacted first and reverse hit the ball neatly into the corner of the goal, 2-0. Bracknell quickly won another short corner, Gemma McClean placed a well paced pass across the face of the goal which was hit by Katie Oliver for goal number 3. At times Bracknell played the best hockey they have all season, showing great movement and support play, this was a great team performance by the ladies.

Or Sean's report of the same game - Spot the difference!

Backnell returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over undefeated Milton keynes. After last week's tepid performance Bracknell started the match with a sense of purpose and desire. Playing their possession game Bracknell quickly created some decent half chances but failed to convert. Attacking down both flanks Bracknell put Milton Keynes under severe pressure which eventually took its toll. A sweeping move released right winger Dash Heaver who crossed into the D for Caz Apsey to sweep into the goal to give Bracknell an early lead. Milton Keynes responded as a top two side would and created a number of chances for themselves testing the Bracknell defence. A hard fought half saw Bracknell edge the honours going into half time with a precious one goal lead.

With the cold wind against them and knowing Milton keynes would want to press and get back into the game Bracknell started the second half like a train. The high tempo, pass and move play tore Milton Keynes apart with only goal keeping heroics maintaining the score line. This failure to convert almost proved costly after having hit the post two minutes earlier Gemma McClean gave away a penalty stroke. The Milton Keynes player strode up but put the ball wide. With this let off and coach Sean Hardingham demanding a goal Bracknell duly responded. A slick short corner routine saw Katie Oliver score her first of the season and give Bracknell a two goal lead. This seemed to take a lot of the fight out of Milton Keynes and sensing blood Bracknell mounted attack after attack. The third goal came after another short corner routine 3 minutes from time again from Katie Oliver. The final whistle saw Bracknell run out deserved winners with a dominant and professional performance sending them up to joint second in the league.

Next week Bracknell travel to bottom of the table Abingdon where they will look to continue their assault on the league table.