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Whitchurch Saints 2s v Gwent 2s – Match Report

For the first South Wales League Premier 2 game of the season Saints 2s were pitted against newly promoted Gwent 2s. With Jude Livesey taking the helm this season Saints were aiming to put all the preseason training and fitness into practice.

The game started cagey, with both teams trying to assert some dominance into the game. Both teams had early chances – the more attack-minded defence were caught by a swift Gwent attack, but youngster Megan Blake in goal and her defence were able to ward off any danger.

Saints were given space to attack down the flanks. Jen Stuart-Smith and Nicky Oliver teamed up well on the right to provide the forwards with opportunities in front of goal, but the Gwent defence stood firm. It appeared that Saints had broken the deadlock with Georgie Manly slotting the ball home at the far post, only to be judged to have scored with her backstick by the umpire.

It wasn’t long before Saints did score the first goal. A well-worked penalty corner resulted in injector Cat Fenton ensuring Stuart-Smith’s shot ended up in the goal. The score remained like this until a minute before half-time, when Gwent were awarded their own penalty corner. Despite the defence’s efforts to clear the ball, Gwent scored off the keeper’s pads.

Following a positive team talk from Livesey the team were geared up for a strong second half. Some wayward passes in midfield allowed the Gwent attack to put pressure on the Saints defence, which eventually resulted in their second goal, when they created a 3-on-1 attacking situation.

Saints were determined to produce an equaliser, and with the supporting crowd cheering them on they were able to cause mistakes in Gwent’s ‘D’. Manly won a penalty corner for Saints, and with a similar routine to the previously scored corner Livesey made the score 2-2.

Some frantic hockey ensued, but with an excellent counter-attacking move involving Nicky Oliver and man of the match Catherine Fleck Saints produced the winner 10 minutes from time with a shot from the top of the ‘D’ from Fleck. Gwent did not want to lose this game, but with excellent defending from Saints they were able to hold onto the 3-2 lead.

Saints showed great tenacity in getting back into the game when Gwent appeared to be more dominant, but will be pleased to win their first game in the league. Penarth 2s, who last year were relegated from Prem 1, will be their opponents next Saturday. Well done to everyone involved.