1-1 draw against division winners Hertford

Second placed Shefford & Sandy Ladies 3s were up against Division leaders Hertford Academy in absolutely bitter conditions! Being the only team in the division to have beaten Hertford, S&S knew they were capable of a positive result. The first half was fairly even. S&S’s first short corner drag and flick shot from Scarlett Howman was saved by a defender on the line, despite it heading for the top right hand corner. Into the second half and S&S piled on the pressure and a pass from Freya Bradshaw into the D was met by Denise Alexander who then had a one one. Her shot being saved by the sharp keeper. The continued hard press from S&S paid off when Scarlett Howman beat a couple of defenders to shoot and score. Another short corner awarded to S&S and another drag flick from Scarlett Howman was palmed away by the keeper. Hertford began to fight back and a number of attempts on goal were confidently dealt with by keeper Grace Gravell. Justine Jones was as usual, cool as a cucumber and made some decisive tackles. Undeterred S&S continued to look for a second goal. Another short corner and Denise Alexander’s shot was cleared by the pesky keeper! Hertford responded with another onslaught on the S&S goal. This time managing to scrabble the ball over the line to take the score to 1-1. With the biting wind and arctic temperatures affecting everyone (including the brave supporters), both teams made last ditch attempts to grasp victory. Alas, the final whistle was blown by one of the frozen umpires. A fair result, which sees Hertford Academy become division winners. S&S have two remaining games to try and stay in second place and get promoted with Hertford Academy. It’s going to be tense!
Girlie of the Game: Grace Gravell.
Team: Grace Gravell; Justine Jones; Chrissie Harris; Corin Lancaster; Sharon Woods; Caitlin Bradshaw; Caz Bradshaw;Jo Hare; Wendy Shepherd Roberts; Denise Alexander; Scarlett Howman; Freya Bradshaw; Hannah Woodhouse.