SEASON 2008 / 9
SEASON 2007 / 8
Ladies 1's (4) v Crostyx (1) on 08 Mar 08
This week saw another convincing win for Havering 1’s away at Crostyx in less than perfect conditions.
Crostyx were quickest off the mark putting Havering under some early pressure. Havering showed the progress they have made in the last few weeks by calmly soaking up this pressure rather than panicking as they have done in previous games. Havering were happy to wait for their chances to develop.
The visitors did not have to wait long for their opportunity to take the lead. The opening goal came from a well improvised short corner. Laura Chambers slipped the initial feed right to Lauren Burton who placed the ball back into the path of Chambers who slotted the ball past the Crostyx keeper.
The goal was just what Havering needed to settle into their attacking mode of play. Good work from Catherine Semon in particular on the wings was beginning to cause the Crostyx defence problems. Havering’s second goal was scored by Alex Semon. A fast ball in from the right was excellently deflected into the Crostyx goal by Semon.
Havering continued to create chances for the remainder of the second half. Crostyx did however manage to claw back a goal late in the half through a scrambled short corner that was not dealt with by the Havering defence.
The second half called for much of the same from the young Havering team. And more was indeed delivered. Good link up play between the midfield and the forwards was continually threatening to breach the Crostyx defence on many occasions. It was ironic that Havering’s third goal was an individual effort. A pass was picked up on the left by Catherine Semon who deceived the Crostyx keeper with a low shot into the corner of her goal.
Any Crostyx attacks were snubbed out by the Havering defence who were well supported by midfield duo Emily Defroand and Lauren Burton.
Havering’s final goal came from a well worked set piece. A free hit was won just outside the right hand side of the Crostyx ‘D’ from which Captain Lauren Burton fired a pin point ball into Emma Isherwood who was on hand to deflect the ball into the Crosytx goal.
Crostyx had a chance to grab a consolation goal with the last attack of the game. A short corner was awarded to Crosytx on the final whistle but Lauren Burton was on hand to stop the ball going in on her post.
Another excellent performance from all the girls involved. Havering host Old Loughtonians next week at Campion where they hope to end the season on a high.
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Ladies 1's (7) v Harlow (0) on 01 Mar 08
Havering completely dominated the game against Harlow this week by producing an excellent team performance.
Illness to regular goal keeper Karen Millicent saw Havering having to start the game with Stephanie Wigham playing as a kicking back whilst the team waited for youngster Sophie McCoy to turn up as a replacement.
Havering were anything but phased by this turn of events and began to put some good flowing moves together which the Harlow defence were struggling to deal with.
Havering’s opening goal came following an excellent solo run by Emily Defroand. Defroand bobbed and weaved through the Harlow defence before passing to a waiting Emma Isherwood who tapped the ball home.
Continued pressure from Havering with the midfield and forwards combining excellently resulted in a string of short corners. Laura Chambers scored Havering’s second goal from an excellent low strike from a short corner.
Havering’s third and final goal of the half was once again an excellent team goal. Solid work in the midfield from Lauren Burton and Defroand released Laura Chambers who attacked the Harlow defence and produced a pinpoint cross from Isherwood who was once again on hand to tap the ball home.
Havering started the second half as they had finished the first. Adele Sammons was moved to the forward line and began to torment the Harlow defence. The forth goal came following some excellent play from Sammons resulting in her initial shot being cleared by the Harlow keeper only as far as Alex Semon who fired the ball home from close range.
The fifth goal was rightly scored by youngster Emily Defroand who shone throughout the game. Havering were awarded a penalty flick following a Harlow defender stopping a Havering shot on the line with her foot. Up stepped Defroand who coolly slotted away the penalty.
Havering continued to link up their defence, midfield ad forwards to create chance after chance in this game. An early ball out from the defence released Emma Isherwood on the left. Isherwood took the ball round several Harlow defenders, along the back line and slotted the ball home at the near post to complete her hat trick.
One more goal rounded off a spellbinding performance. Adele Sammons received the ball from the midfield and drove her way at the opposition and rounded off an excellent display with her first goal for the first team.
As stated by a Havering player this week’s performance “…was like watching Brazil play!” From the defence through the midfield to the forwards, every player shone. This is the kind of hockey that Havering are capable of playing week in week out. Everyone involved this Saturday should be proud of their performance. Bring on Crostyx this weekend!!
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Ladies 1's (0) vs Chelmsford 3's (2) on 09 Feb 08
A bright and cheery Saturday morning saw Havering take on Chelmsford at Campion. Both teams started brightly with the intention of dictating the game from the off. The teams shared the possession early on but Chelmsford were looking the most likely to score.
Chelmsford took the lead midway through the first half through a well rehearsed short corner routine. Havering responded well forcing several short corners at the Chelmsford end, but they were unable to make the chances count and went into half time a goal down.
An injury to Charlotte Chamberlin in the first half led to a reshuffle in the Havering line up seeing Lorraine Farnham switching to right back and Liz Hozier going to left back. Havering were confident that they would be able to pull back the one goal deficit in the second half.
Alas, this was not to be. Chelmsford were attacking the Havering defence with a purpose and determination that Havering were unable to deal with. They won several short corners at the beginning of the second half and converted one to take a two goal lead.
Havering never gave up searching for a way back into the game but Chelmsford had shut the door to their goal with some solid defence play. Havering were unable to create any significant goal scoring opportunities and so were resigned to the defeat.
With no game this week due to the half term break, Havering will look to regroup and rebuild in order to finish the season in winning form.
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Ladies 1's (1) vs Southend & Benfleet (1) on 26 Jan 08
Having been a heated fixture last time the two teams met, Havering were determined to let their hockey do the talking against Southend this time around.
Havering started the game brightly creating good chances early on. Some good flowing hockey was being played linking the midfield and forwards. Havering took the lead midway through the first half. A good early ball from centre midfield Lauren Burton found Adele Sammons in space on the right wing. A determined and purposeful run from Sammons found Emily Defroand waiting on the back post. A cool finish by Defroand put Havering in the lead.
Continued good work from Havering saw them creating further chances and winning several short corners, however they were unable to increase their lead going into half time.
The second half started as the first had finished with Havering continually putting the Southend defence under pressure. Solid runs from Lauren Burton, Emily Defroand, Elizabeth Hozier and Alex Semon, won Havering multiple short corners. One such short corner saw Lorraine Farnham hit the post and another forced a good save from the Southend keeper following a good strike from Laura Chambers.
Southend were lucky to equalise towards the end of the second half. A Southend attack was not dealt with by the Havering defence which led to an own goal from the home side.
Despite continued pressure, Havering were unable to find the winning goal that the performance deserved and the game ended in a draw. Havering maintained third place in the league and travel to fourth place Wapping next week where a win will be vital to keep alive any promotion hopes.
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Ladies 1's (1) vs East London (2) on 19 Jan 07
It rains, it pours, the spectators snore. And that’s the way the first half went. Much huffing and puffing brought little reward as Havering allowed the opposition’s midfield to dominate proceedings. It was a little surprising that Havering took the lead as Alex Semon profited into the top left hand corner from a quickly taken free hit by Lauren Burton. Havering were becoming increasingly frustrated and an East London equaliser came a minute before the end of the first half.
The half time team talk focused on the need to do basics well, pass the ball and concentrate on stopping the opposing midfielders. The second half started and a weakly conceded short corner goal saw Havering go behind. Rallying and pushing forward Havering finally asserted themselves on the game. Thirty minutes of pressure saw good work from Catherine Semon, Emily Defroand and Adele Sammons and goals from Emma Isherwood and Laura Chambers. Emma Isherwood’s goal came following an excellent solo run from Lauren Burton and a good short corner move allowed Laura Chambers to net the third for the team.
Continued pressure allowed Lorraine Farnham to score her second goal of the season at the second attempt following a well worked short corner routine. Soon after the chance of a fifth was squandered from the penalty spot as Farnham found the keepers pads. Overall Havering deserved the win but could have played much better, and will need to in order to secure a high Essex Premier League finish.
Southend next week. We owe them!!
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Ladies 1's (2) vs Maldon & Little Baddow (0) on 12 Jan 08
Havering entertained Maldon at Campion this Saturday having enjoyed a 5-0 win against the side earlier in the season. Maldon were determined not to repeat the experience and set out to play defensively from the start. Breaking down this determined defence was always going to be tough. In the first half Maldon started well but then Havering began to assert themselves. Havering forced four short corners producing two clear opportunities for Lorraine Farnham who was unable to convert either.
A change in formation at half time led to Lauren Burton playing as a third forward. Continued pressure from Havering eventually paid off after Lauren Burton produced a good solo run beating several Maldon defenders before finding Emma Isherwood for an easy tap in. Sam Blake and Stephanie Wigham snuffed out any offensive moves from Maldon. A lovely passing mood through the Havering midfield to the forwards found Lauren Burton who forced a good save from the Maldon keeper. Pressure finally told again with five minutes left to play when Laura Chambers fired a superb second from a short corner.
Havering maintain third in the league and travel to East London next week.
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Ladies 1's (1) vs Basildon (3) on 05 Jan 08
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Ladies 1's (2) vs Brentwood 2's (0) on 15 Dec 07
After a good run of form, Havering were looking to go into the Christmas break on a high with a win against local rivals Brentwood.
Havering started the game very positively and were causing the Brentwood defence problems from the start. Some good work between the Havering midfield and attack began to lead to goal scoring opportunities for the home team.
Havering’s opening goal of the game came mid-way through the first half. An excellent driving run from Catherine Semon down the right wing was finished by Alex Semon from close range.
Havering were encouraged by this excellent start and began pushing for a second goal from the re-start. Once again the midfield were causing Brentwood all kinds of trouble. Good work from Lauren Burton and Emily Defroand in the middle of the pitch was allowing Emma Isherwood and Adele Sammons to attack the Brentwood defence and win short corners.
Havering’s second goal of the game was scored by substitute Beverley Horne. A good cross in from the right was guided home by Horne with her first touch of the game.
Any attacking play from Brentwood was excellently dealt with by the Havering defence to allow Havering to go into the break with a solid lead. The half time team talk consisted of lots of jelly beans and a resounding “more of the same please” from coach Dave Pasola.
Havering continued to play the better hockey in the second half and were unlucky not to add to their tally. Stephanie Wigham in her new role of short corner striker went close on several occasions and was unfortunate not to score. Havering’s purposeful attacking play was clearly rattling Brentwood who were obviously unable to deal with the attacking venom of Havering’s under 18 players.
The game ended 2-0 in favour of Havering, which does not do justice to how well the team played in this heated fixture. Some strong defending performances from Lorraine Farnham, Stephanie Wigham, Charlotte Chamberlin and Samantha Blake ensured that keeper Karen Millicent was only called upon to kick the ball once. The midfield quartet of Catherine Semon, Captain Lauren Burton, Emily Defroand and Emma Isherwood worked tirelessly to support their defence and create numerous opportunities for their attacking colleagues. Adele Sammons, Alex Semon and Beverley Horne tormented the Brentwood defence all game.
This was an excellent team performance to end the first half of the season. With performances like this the team should be relishing the opportunity to play Basildon after the Christmas break.
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Ladies 1's (1) vs Old Loughts 3's (0) on 08 Dec 07
In appalling conditions with driving ran Havering started well and the first half saw Havering miss several chances with Laura Chambers forcing several saves from the keeper and one goal line clearance from the defence. Continued pressure saw Emma Isherwood go close on two occasions but Havering were unable to find the back of the net.
Havering’s belief in forward play needs to be mixed with the concept of going back to go forward. In the second half Havering continued to press and a good break away led to Beverley Horne smashing the ball past the Old Loughts custodian.
More pressure followed but no more goals were scored and eventually a whistle was blown and all returned inside to dry off! A well deserved win for the Havering girls.
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Ladies 1's (0) vs Crostyx 2's (0) on 01 Dec 07
After last weeks high, Havering returned to Earth with a bump. Unable to force their style of play on the opposition, Havering struggled to convert their numerous chances into goals.
Lauren Burton forced her way through the Crostyx defence only to fire wide from the penalty spot and a minute later Alex Semon repeated the experience.
Havering continued to dominate into the second half with Emma Isherwood and Charlotte Chamberlin both coming close to breaking the dead lock. Strong front running from Adele Sammons failed to breach the stubborn Crostyx defence.
Havering will be looking to bounce back next week at Old Loughtonians and continue to push forward in the Essex Premier league.
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Ladies 1's (4) vs Harlow Ladies (0) on 24 Nov 07
Havering ladies faced a challenging away fixture at second in the league and previously unbeaten Harlow 1’s. Unfazed by position and record, Havering started strongly and dominated play from push back. Emma Isherwood went close with two lifted shots before opening the scoring with a cool finish after the ball lifted up in the Harlow “D”.
Captain Lauren Burton then produced a wonderful goal line stick stop from a rare Harlow attack, before Havering broke from a short corner allowing Samantha Blake to feed Emily Defroand for her first 1st X1 goal.
Better was to come as Emily Defroand tormented the Harlow defence and Adele Sammons entered the fray to harass the overworked the back four. An inspired substitution from Coach Dave Pasola saw Alex Semon reintroduced to the game. Twenty seconds later she made it 3-0 from close range.
Half time came and went with Havering focusing on increasing the lead and maintaining the pressure on the Harlow defence. Good work between Lauren Burton and Emily Defroand led to a second for the 13 year old.
Good chances for Havering to add more goals to their tally went begging later on in the game, but a solid performance from Karen Millicent and the Havering back four ensured that Havering kept a clean sheet.
Last weeks goal scoring demon Lorraine Farnham proved that it was a fluke by falling over instead of connecting in a Havering short corner routine!
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Ladies 1's (3) vs Colchester Ladies 2's (3) on 17 Nov 07
Havering went into this game against Colchester 2’s with renewed optimism that they would be able to end the disappointment of the last few weeks.
The game started fairly evenly with both teams pressurising the oppositions defence but neither were creating any clear cut chances. Colchester took the lead early in the first half following a mistake from the Havering defence.
This was the wake up call that Havering needed, and they began to create chances at the Colchester end. Havering were beginning to turn this spell of pressure into short corner chances. Havering drew level through a well executed short corner routine. The ball was slipped back to the injector Lorraine Farnham who coolly slotted the ball home at the keepers near post to score her first goal for the team after many years of trying. Havering continued to pressurise the Colchester defence but were unable to add to their tally before half time.
Havering seemed to fall asleep at the start of the second half which invited the Colchester defence to attack the Havering goal. Colchester won a string of short corners from which they once again took the lead after Havering failed to clear their lines.
Once again, conceding a goal seemed to spur on Havering who were determined not to come away from this game empty handed. Havering once again equalised, this time through open play. Good work down the right wing released Emma Isherwood who was on hand to fire the ball past the Colchester keeper.
Not content with a draw, Havering continued to create attacking chances in the Colchester half. Havering were awarded a short corner for their efforts which was scored following an excellent strike by Laura Chambers.
Havering saw out the rest of the game professionally to come away with a well deserved 3-2 victory. Hopefully this will be the turning point in Havering’s season and the team will look to build on this result when they travel to Harlow next week.
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Ladies 1's (2) vs Chelmsford Ladies (3) on 10 Nov 07
Havering went to Chelmsford this week with the intention of capitalising on the previous weeks cup final win. Both teams started brightly with both defences being kept busy. Havering were defending with confidence and some good early saves from keeper Sarah Gray kept a well drilled Chelmsford attack at bay.
Chelmsford took the lead midway through the first half after winning a dubious short corner. A well worked routine saw Chelmsford hammer the ball into the back of the Havering goal. Havering responded well, putting the Chelmsford back line under pressure. Catherine Semon went close for the visitors, firing her shot just wide of the post. A well worked attack saw Havering winning their first short corner of the game. A good strike by Laura Chambers found the back of the Chelmsford goal bringing Havering back into the game. Havering went into the break level at 1 – 1.
Unfortunately Chelmsford started the second half more positively than Havering. A well worked Chelmsford move was slipped past a stranded Sarah Gray who could do very little to prevent Chelmsford regaining the lead. Further pressure from the Chelmsford attack proved too much for the Havering defence who were again beaten by an open play goal.
The determined response from Havering unfortunately came too late in the game to affect the result. Havering were awarded a goal for their efforts after Emma Isherwood netted from close range following a goal mouth scramble. Havering continued to push for an equaliser but the game came to an end before one could be found.
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Ladies 1's (0) vs Wapping Ladies (1) on 03 Nov 07
Havering Ladies came away from their match against Wapping 2nds frustrated at not being able to capitalise on the good hockey played. Despite dominating for large sections of the game the goals would not come. Emma Isherwood forced a fine save from the Wapping keeper following a quick free hit by Catherine Semon in the first half but the first half remained goalless.
Wapping began the second half the stronger side but a goal line clearance by captain Lauren Burton prevented them from taking the lead. With Havering trying to force things forward Wapping were always trying to grab opportunities and when a dubious short corner was awarded to the away side, Wapping grabbed the advantage and the goal that would eventually take the three points. Havering immediately responded with a fight back and Laura Chambers went close with a short corner strike however the equaliser eluded them and Havering left empty handed.
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Ladies 1's (0) vs Southend & Benfleet (1) on 20 Oct 07
How Havering did not come away from this fixture with three points is a mystery. Havering dominated the game and dictated the play for long periods but were unable to find the back of the Southend goal.
Havering created chance after chance and won short corner after short corner but were unable to find the final touch to put the ball away. The Southend keeper made three excellent saves in the second half to deny Havering the points in this game. A lapse in concentration by the Havering defence gave Southend the opportunity to score a weak goal late in the second half.
The spirit shown by every single member of the Havering team cannot be faulted and they gave their all in the final ten minutes to try to search for an equaliser. Unfortunately you get no points for spirit, determination and grit and if Havering are to get anything from this season then they must start to put away the goal scoring opportunities they create.
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Ladies 1's (2) vs East London Ladies (1) on 13 Oct 07
Havering went into this game with renewed confidence following last weeks convincing victory. The team knew this would be no easy game and they would need to display a solid team performance if they were to come out of this game with all three points.
Havering were the quickest out of the blocks putting East London under constant pressure for the first ten minutes of the game. Unfortunately Havering were unable to capitalise on this early spell of pressure which allowed the game to open up slightly. However, good defensive work from Havering’s back four ensured that the visitors’ attempts at goal were kept to a bare minimum.
Havering’s opening goal was an excellent example of why you should always play to the whistle. Good work from Laura Chambers left the East London defence with no option but to foul her at the top of the circle. Good advantage from the East London umpire however allowed Elizabeth Hosier to slot the ball home whilst everybody else on the pitch stood and watched.
Havering continued to work the East London defence with good attacking play from sisters Catherine and Alex Semon but the team were unable to add to their tally and went into the break 1-0 up.
Havering were determined to start the second half as they had started the game. Good attacking play on the wings resulted in Havering successfully winning several short corners. Havering went close on one such short corner with a good low strike from Lauren Burton that went just wide of the post. Alex Semon was on hand to convert a short corner that had broken down to give Havering a comfortable 2-0 lead.
A goal mouth scramble late in the game gave East London a consolation goal but this was not enough to unsettle the home side. Havering saw out the rest of the game comfortably and came out deserved winners.
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Ladies 1's (5) vs Maldon & Little Baddow (0) on 06 Oct 07
Havering went into this game knowing that if they are to progress this season they need to start converting their good performances into winning games. With this in mind, Beverley Horne was pushed into attacking midfield as Havering made their attacking intentions clear.
Havering started brightly and applied pressure to the Maldon defence. The team began moving the ball around well releasing the forwards who were causing the Maldon defence all kinds of problems. Havering were able to turn this pressure into penalty corners. Havering converted one such penalty corner early into the first half. A well worked routine saw the initial shot from Abigail Gowers saved by the Maldon goal keeper, but Emma Isherwood was on hand at the post to force the ball home and give Havering a settling early lead.
Havering built on the early goal and continued to create some well worked attacking moves. Havering’s second goal came as a result of an excellent short corner routine. The ball was fed to the top of the circle and was quickly fed back to the injector Beverley Horne who was on hand to fire the ball past the stranded Maldon keeper.
Maldon were unable to find a reply to the Havering attacks and the Havering keeper, Sarah Gray, was rarely troubled. Any pressure that was applied by the Maldon forwards was quickly dealt with and turned into attacking opportunities for Havering. Havering finished the half positively by scoring their third goal of the game. Once again Havering scored an excellent goal from a short corner. The ball was slipped right from the top of the circle to Captain Lauren Burton who powered the ball low into the goal.
It was a worry that Havering would rest on their 3-0 lead in the second half and invite pressure from Maldon. This was fortunately not the case. Havering continued where they left off and once again were creating chance after chance. Excellent work down the Havering right wing from sisters Catherine and Alex Semon allowed Havering to add to their goal tally. A good early ball from birthday girl Alex released sister Catherine, who cut into Maldon circle and put a well placed shot beyond the reach of the Maldon goal keeper.
Havering’s fifth and final goal of the game was the icing on what was an excellent performance from the team. Yet another short corner was fired home by Abigail Gowers from the top of the circle.
The Havering girls must now look to take such a positive result into the rest of the season and continue to build on the performance that has kicked off their season.
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Ladies 1's (1) vs Basildon (2) on 29 Sept 07
Havering went into this eventful game knowing that would have to play with determination and grit if they were to overpower a physical Basildon side.
Havering started the game brightly putting Basildon on the back foot from the whistle. Havering began building attacks and were dictating both the pace and style of the game. Havering were able to turn their early pressure into penalty corner opportunities but unfortunately were unable to convert any of their chances.
Halfway through the first half Basildon turned the pressure back onto Havering who struggled to cope. Basildon pinned Havering back into their defending half which left the Havering defence lost for ideas. Basildon converted this spell of pressure into a 1 -0 lead late in the first half from a penalty corner that Havering failed to deal with.
Havering finished the half more positively as they began to once again gain control of the ball which allowed them to retain possession for longer periods. Havering were unlucky not to equalise on the stroke of half time through a short corner.
Havering came out of the blocks immediately after the restart with Beverley Horne coming close after a well worked move. Basildon had no reply to the pressure that Havering applied during the opening ten minutes of the second half. Havering scored a much deserved equaliser during this dominant spell. A well worked move released Abigail Gowers down the right who struck low into the Basildon goal from the top of the circle.
Havering were further spurred on following their equaliser and were pressing for the winner throughout the remainder of the game. Excellent defensive work from Lorraine Farnham, Stephanie Wigham, Samantha Blake and Charlotte Chamberlin kept the Basildon scoring opportunities to a minimum. However, Havering were unable to prevent Basildon’s controversial winner late into the game. There was not enough time left on the clock for Havering to find another equaliser and the game finished 2 -1 in favour of the visitors.
Havering did not deserve to lose this game based on their second half performance. Havering created chance after chance in the second half with good performances from all players. The effort and determination that Havering showed in the second half was a credit to the team and they should come away from this game with their heads held high. The team were unlucky not to come away with at least a point from this game but will go into next week’s clash with Maldon with a positive attitude.
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Ladies 1's (1) vs Brentwood 2's (0) on 22 Sept 07
Havering faced local rivals Brentwood on a glorious Saturday afternoon for their first game of the season in the Essex Ladies Premier League. With high expectations placed on the team this year they were determined to start the season with a positive performance.
Havering started the brighter of the two teams creating some good early chances. Havering began creating a lot of space down the wings which was clearly troubling the Brentwood defence. Havering’s only goal of the match came early in the first half following another positive run down the right wing by Alex Semon resulting in a pass to sister Catherine who was able to fire past the Brentwood keeper into the net. Havering continued to pile on the pressure with Laura Chambers and Emma Isherwood combining well on the left wing. Unfortunately Havering were unable to convert any of the well worked attacks into goals. Havering defended solidly throughout the game, with goalkeeper Sarah Gray rarely being troubled. Brentwood’s only real chance came five minutes from the end of the game following a good short corner strike. Luckily Captain Lauren Burton was on hand to save at the far post.
Havering host Basildon next week which could prove to be a vital game in the team’s ambition to win the Essex Premier division this season. |
