W1 Back On Top Of Table After Win At Hampstead
By Colin Pike
Surbiton Women returned to the top of the Women's Hockey League Premier Division table after they won 2-1 at Hampstead & Westminster on Saturday afternoon.
Hampstead replaced Surbiton last week following their 6-0 win at the University of Nottingham whilst Surbiton were held to a goalless draw at home to Wimbledon, but a penalty corner shootout saw Surbiton move one point ahead of their hosts with two games remaining in Stage One.
With goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran sidelined, Jemma Woods stepped up to a potential baptism of fire on her debut against the league leaders but looked at home in the Premier Division making some key stick saves and only denied a clean sheet five minutes from time.
On Remembrance weekend, a minute's silence was held before the match. Hampstead got the game underway as both teams tried to attack, Erica Sanders denied by Miriam Pritchard from close range before Surbiton won their first penalty corner in the sixth minute, Darcy Bourne's clinical drag-flick giving the visitors the lead in the seventh minute with her eleventh goal of the campaign to become outright top scorer in the Premier Division.
Ellie Mackenzie shot over the crossbar after a run towards goal, with Surbiton doubling their lead from their second penalty corner, this time Amy Costello beating Pritchard in the 27th minute to give Surbiton a 2-0 half time lead for the seventh time in nine matches, Costello scoring her sixth goal of the season.
Hampstead's failure to score before the midpoint also extended Surbiton's run of nine matches without conceding a first half goal, an incredible achievement, especially as Hampstead had an opportunity to score from their first penalty corner which was well defended.
The floodlights were switched on at half time, although after a brief overcast period, the sun shone over Paddington Recreation Ground, albeit at a low angle with the evenings drawing in.
Early in the second half, Surbiton's attempt to score from their third penalty corner was denied by Hampstead's Esme Burge who tipped the ball over the crossbar, with Surbiton ultimately earning seven penalty corners in the match, Mackenzie deflecting the ball against the right post from the final penalty corner.
By that point, Surbiton were aiming to run out the clock as Hampstead pulled a goal back in the 65th minute, Olivia Hamilton scoring her fourth goal of the season from the hosts' third penalty corner.
Third-placed East Grinstead lost ground as Wimbledon won 3-0 at Saint Hill to close to within one point of the West Sussex club. Flo Fletcher scored twice in the second half after Pippa Lock gave Wimbledon the lead late in the second quarter, all three goals, as at Hampstead, coming from penalty corners.
Reading stayed a point behind Wimbledon following their 3-0 home win over Barnes. Lucie Daman and Emma Findlay put Reading 2-0 ahead after just ten minutes, with Madeleine Goodman scoring the third goal six minutes after half time.
Durham University secured their first away win in the Premier Division, coming from going 1-0 down after just two minutes to win 3-1 at the University of Birmingham. Hannah Pearce gave Birmingham a quick lead, but Lizzy Pocknell turned the match around by the 17th minute as Durham led 2-1, Katie Birch's insurance goal in the 51st minute moving Durham into the top six.
Barnes' defeat at Reading meant they dropped into the relegation zone as the University of Nottingham drew 2-2 at home to Bowdon. Kate Barker gave Nottingham a 1-0 half time lead, but Bowdon fought back to lead 2-1 with eleven minutes remaining through Annabel Mills and Alex Lukin. Amelia Pollock struck nine minutes from time to earn what could be a vital point for the Nottingham students.
Clifton Robinsons' hopes of lifting themselves off the bottom of the table were dashed by Loughborough Students who drew 1-1 in Bristol. Steph Botha gave Clifton a 44th minute lead but Jess Dyson levelled for Loughborough in the 56th minute in another match where the goals came from penalty corners.
Surbiton are at home to the University of Birmingham next Saturday (15 November) push back 1500.