Wednesday 17th February 2010, Letchworth County Ground, Kick-Off 7:45pm, East Anglian Counties Women’s Championship.
Essex will go into their final Women’s fixture against Suffolk knowing victory will land them the East Anglian Counties title despite a 3-1 defeat to a strong Hertfordshire side at Letchworth’s County Ground, Zoe Rushen netting the away side’s only goal of the match with a fantastic free-kick.
Facing a team made predominately from Watford’s Premier League National side, boss Kim Coster remained delighted with her side’s efforts on a cold evening, explaining: “Our players have shown excellent spirit tonight against a talented Hertfordshire side, many of whom regularly play together. We were a little slower out of the blocks tonight than in our last game against Norfolk, but were up against a very strong side.”
Coster’s side head into that tie on 11th March at Heybridge Swifts knowing three points will bring the Championship trophy back to Essex for the first time in five years. She added: “We continued to try and play football and were very solid at the back. I changed tactics slightly at half-time and we got on top of the game in the early stages of the second half, but it wasn’t quite to be and we’re all looking forward to the final game!”
However, it was Hertfordshire who got the better of them on this occasion and, after a bright start, the first real opportunity arrived on seven minutes, Holly Miles firing over Hollie Dimambro’s goal from 20 yards. The home side then gained the lead in a fortunate manner on 21, Megan Wynne’s shot being well saved by Dimambro before the ball struck forward Sarah Wiltshire and nestled in the net. That advantage was doubled on 34, some neat build-up play culminating in a strong run and angled finish from Wiltshire.
Essex began to create some good play of their own, but a well-organised home defence stood in front of them, while Dimambro also did well to keep the score at two on the stroke of half-time, bravely blocking at the feet of Wiltshire. Within six minutes of the re-start Essex deservedly pulled a goal back, Rushen finding home ‘keeper Shauna Chambers off her line with a now trademark 30-yard free-kick.
Chances of an Essex fight back were unfortunately dashed eleven minutes later, however, as the hosts restored their two-goal cushion. Wiltshire completed a fine run by cutting the ball back for Bonnie Horwood to slide home from ten yards. Although Hertfordshire struck the outside of a post through Miles, it was Essex who enjoyed the better of the late exchanges but they were unable to peg their hosts back.
Hertfordshire: Shauna Chambers (Watford), Sally Wade (Watford), Kath McKenna (Watford), Georgia Kearney-Perry (Watford), Cori Daniels (Watford), Georgie Adams (Watford), Holly Miles (Watford), Bonnie Horwood (Watford), Sarah Wiltshire (Watford), Katie Owen (Watford), Megan Wynne (Watford). Substitutes (repeated): Sadine Madden (Watford), Lisa Burrows (Watford), Charlie Nicholson (Watford), Leanne Jones (Watford).
Essex: Hollie Dimambro (Billericay), Laken Duchar-Clark (Colchester United), Claire Pavett (Chelmsford City), Zoe Rushen (Braintree Town), Sarah Bovington (Billericay), Vanessa Wilson (Billericay), Kayleigh Xidhas (West Ham United), Hayley Spallin (Billericay), Nicola Carty (Enfield Town), Carla Rose (Brentwood Town), Karissa Rodney (Colchester United). Substitutes (repeated): Olivia Worsfold (Brentwood Town), Nicole Manning (Brentwood Town), Lisa Silverton (Billericay), Kiran Hare (Billericay).
Bookings: None.
Referee: Philip Williams (Wheathampstead).
Assistant Referees: Ian Hyde (Welwyn Garden City) and Lee Jessup (Hitchin).