Carlton Park I 6 v Grasshoppers I 1

07/03/09

Carlton Park knew that another win would push them a step closer to their promotion challenge but started off very nervous. Passes were a little scrappy and although they put pressure on the visitor’s defence they just could not seem to find the rhythm or passes of the past weeks. In fact Grasshoppers were the first to score and this was the first time this season that Park found themselves behind. It was a well taken shot on goal which beat Karen Fletcher who saw the ball at the last minute. Park didn’t panic and knew they could play better. From the pushback they immediately put pressure on the Grasshopper defence and within a couple of minutes had found the equalising goal. Some excellent work by Vicky Le Fanu saw her slot the ball beyond the keeper and into the back of the net. Park quickly added their second when a shot on goal by Sarah Whatling again beat the keeper. Park had now found their rhythm and moved the ball well around the pitch. Again the defence of Mercedes Buckle, Emma Tuckwell, Kirsty Marshall, Mel Rodwell and Kerry Whatling worked hard. Emma Tuckwell was unlucky not to add her name to the scoresheet when her shot on goal went just wide of the post. Park finished the scoring in the first half when Vicky Le Fanu chased the ball and managed to push into under the advancing goalie.

In the second half Park played much better hockey. They moved the ball well around the pitch and made Grasshoppers chase the game. The midfield of Justine Howe, Wendy Corneby and Tori Walton linked up well with the attackers and distributed the ball across the pitch. Emma Tuckwell then added her name to the scoresheet when a shot on goal was first cleared by the goalie but straight back to Emma who slotted home. Lynn Whittingstall then added her name to the sheet when a shot on goal by Sarah Whatling took the accustomed deflection from Lyn Whittingstall which gave the keeper no chance. Park were awarded a few penalty corners and these were distributed well by Mel Rodwell. Tori Walton then finished the scoring for Park when she was left to drift into the ‘d’ and her shot on goal was coolly taken and beat the goalie at the far post. Next week Park travel to Ipswich to play Christchurch in a top of the table clash.

Squad: Karen Fletcher, Mercedes Buckle, Emma Tuckwell, Mel Rodwell, Kirsty Marshall, Kerry Whatling, Justine Howe, Tori Walton, Wendy Corneby, Lynn Whittingstall, Vicky Le Fanu, Sarah Whatling, Denise Manning

Report by Denise Manning.