Haslemere’s women’s first team fell to a 4-2 defeat at South Berkshire.
Alice Toynton opened the scoring for Haslemere with a skilfully-executed first time hit after Beanie Bradley dribbled down the right-hand side and delivered a powerful cross. However, it wasn’t long before South Berkshire equalised from a penalty corner.
The hosts scored again from a penalty corner just before half-time to take a 2-1 lead.
South Berkshire came out firing after half-time and their young, energetic side were very dangerous on the break – scoring another two goals to go 4-1 ahead. The home side used their five substitutes effectively, rotating continually throughout the match.
With captain Abbie Walhen and two other players unavailable, Haslemere had turned up with only 13 players.
Haslemere were fired up and produced a number of excellent attacks, which they were unable to convert. Bradley hit the crossbar from a narrow angle, Hannah Enticknap sent two excellent balls into the D which could have been deflected and Toynton dived for another Bradley cross but was unable to get a stick on it.
Haslemere scored their second goal through another excellent finish by Toynton.
Player of the match went to Ella Heffner, who put in a fine performance on the right-hand side of the pitch.
Goalkeeper Charlotte O’Callaghan also impressed.
Haslemere’s women’s first team will travel to league leaders Reading today (Saturday), in what promises to be a tough match for the team.