Delting win over Spurs maintains perfect run
Delting defeated Spurs 2-0 in senior hockey’s Association Rosebowl league, maintaining their 100 per cent record, while there were also victories for Whalsay, Spurs and Scalloway.
Association Rosebowl
Spurs 4, Zetland 0
Both teams fielded a few changes in their line-ups and most noticeably missing from the Spurs team was Sarah Grogan, who slotted four past Zetland earlier in the week.
Zetland started with a more confident and impressive approach, spreading the ball and combining their experience and youth. Spurs began to become frustrated as their bid to repeat Monday’s performance seemed elusive. Zetland’s defence managed to block and clear all the attempts at goal where Debbie Kane and her defence looked comfortable, the score remaining 0-0 at half time.
Spurs had serious half-time talks, returning to the field upbeat and ready for action. A quick one-two outside their attacking circle saw Morag Fox score within the first minute of the restart. This gave Spurs the early goal they were looking for, and they continued to press forward.
Not to be disheartened, Helen Robertson rallied her team, and they began to fight back. Stacey Gardner made some telling runs up the centre of the park, often “skinning” her opponents. However, Elaine Smith in goal for Spurs was always ready for any counter attacks.
The Spurs second came shortly after when a team effort saw the ball pushed deep and wide from defence. Play was opened up by Rona Simpson to Fiona Shearer and Kristen Jeromson on the left coolly split the defence and scored.
Jeromson was soon to be awarded her second of the evening, following an array of penalty corners. A slick push out from Simpson to Fox was switched over to Jeromson, who again had no hesitation in slamming it past the keeper.
Zetland’s Lisa Johnston reorganised her defence and tried to break down the Spurs forward line. But by this time Spurs were riding their confidence and made superb use of their pass and move game.
Spurs got the fourth when a switch from Gayle Johnson on the right, through to Shearer on the left, saw a well fed ball through to Simpson at the edge of the circle. Unmarked, Simpson flicked the ball into the top of the goal, giving Zetland keeper Debie Kane no chance.
A good team performance by Spurs saw Fiona Shearer claim the honours for player of the match. For Zetland special mention should go to Lisa Johnston who fought doggedly to the final whistle.
Whalsay 1, Juniors 0
Whalsay got off to a good start with quick linking passes through to the forward line. In the first five minutes they managed to capitalise on their advances and Vicky Irvine sneaked in a decisive goal in front of a busy goalmouth scramble.
Juniors settled after that and for the rest of the half were quick to set up their defensive zones to counter Whalsay’s advances through from midfield .
In the second half Juniors made some strong movements in attack, creating some good chances for their forwards. However, they were unable to break through the defensive line-up of Faye Goodlad, Dianne Shearer and Maree Simpson.
For the remainder of the match Whalsay maintained most of the possession but were consistently blocked by Juniors defender Ava Sim. She had a fantastic game and deterred several advances from Fiona Dally and Angelina Sandison who were pushing for another goal.
Players of the match were Maree Simpson for Whalsay and Ava Sim for Juniors.
Delting 2, Spurs 0
Spurs started with the pass back and early on developed some smooth passing play to work their way into the Delting goal area.
Toni Sidgwick, Nicola Blance, Lauren Peterson and Ellie Burt combined well at the back to clear the ball from danger.
Delting had chosen to play with the sun at their backs so visibility for Spurs was challenging in the first half. Delting worked hard to play the ball down the right wide channel and were unfortunate on several occasions not to connect well with the crossed ball for the final shot.
Fifteen minutes into the game, following a drive upfield, the ball was crossed in by Jill Hibbert and Linda Gunn struck it past Elaine Smith in goal to give Delting the lead.
Spurs’ Fiona Shearer, Rona Simpson, Susan Morrison and Gayle Johnson were all instrumental in controlling the ball, demonstrating some slick passing to build up several attacks for Spurs.
Kirsten Jeromson attacking down the left flank showed some great reverse stick sweeping to play the ball across the Delting goalmouth but unfortunately the attackers were unable to capitalise.
Delting started the second half with renewed determination, focusing on keeping the ball wide and maintaining possession of the ball. Fifteen minutes into the half another ball crossed in from the right side of play had Kerry Burgess and Julie Kirkness at full reach to connect and it was Megan Hibbert at the far post who slotted home the goal to stretch Delting’s lead.
Players of the match were Ellie Burt for Delting and Fiona Shearer for Spurs.
Zetland 0, Scalloway 2
No report was received.
Fixtures Monday – Association Rosebowl: Spurs v Juniors at 6.30pm (Simon Skinner/Zetland representative); Burra v Zetland at 7.50pm (Simon Skinner/Juniors rep).
Thursday – Association Rosebowl: Juniors v Scalloway at 6.30pm (Janice Johnston/Delting rep); Whalsay v Delting at 7.50pm (Janice Johnston/Scalloway rep).
