Bracknell Ladies 2s v Henley score 2-3

After a positive performance against Harlow last week, and once again sporting their new kit - sponsored by Hall Hunter Partnership, Bracknell ladies 2s were confident that they could get a point away against Henley. Both teams started strongly and made attacking runs into the opposing half, but few shots on goal resulted at either end. However, 20 minutes in to the first half, Bracknell conceded a short corner which resulted in GK Marion Shaw, making 3 fantastic consecutive saves to ensure Bracknell kept a clean sheet. Bracknell responded well with Helena Wells and Lorna Palmer showing excellent skills which put Henley’s defence under pressure. On this occasion, Henley’s back line proved too strong and Bracknell were unable to capitalise on their forward runs into the D. It wasn’t long before Henley counter-attacked and put Bracknell under pressure by winning another short corner. This time, despite Bracknell’s best efforts, they were unable to keep the ball out and Henley found themselves 1-0 up, with only a few minutes to go before half-time. This did nothing to knock Bracknell’s confidence and within minutes, Lorna Palmer had smashed the ball towards goal - A helpful deflection off the Henley goalkeeper meant that Bracknell had equalised right on the stroke of half-time.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with both teams hungry for a goal. Unfortunately for Bracknell, with this attacking play came an injury to one of their forwards, Helen Goodall, who had to be carried off the pitch and was unable to continue in the match. This unsettled Bracknell and Henley took advantage by winnig themselves numerous short corners. Bracknell’s defence withstood Henley’s advances for some time, but eventually Henley pushed the ball past Shaw and found themselves in the winning position for the second time in the match. Bracknell’s problems continued when Henley scored a third from open play. Despite being 3-1 down, Bracknell came out fighting and a well-timed cross by Rebecca Yeomans found the stick of Liadh Troy, who drove the ball home to score Bracknell’s second. Maintaining much of the possession, Bracknell were positive that they could get a draw against Henley and they were unlucky not to when Helena Wells' shot rebounded off the post. Although the final score remained at 3-2, Bracknell can be happy with their performance, further building on their strengths in the previous game against Harlow. The whole team played well but it was Lorna Palmer’s impressive performance in midfield that earned her girl of the game.