After a fantastic performance last week, taking a point against top team Fareham, Salisbury Ladies 1’s were hoping for more of the same in another home game against Oxford 1’s, writes Matt Salmon.
With scores level at half time, Clover Crosse neatly deflecting the ball on the goal line from Nic George’s short corner strike, after Oxford took an early lead, Salisbury knew this was a game in which they could obtain at least a draw.
Unfortunately, a rather lacklustre show from many players in the second half meant they instead faced defeat against a far pacier, more skilful team on the day.
READ MORE: Hockey: Vital three points secured for Salisbury Men's
Player of the match, Georgia McDade, made several crucial saves to keep Salisbury in with a shout after Oxford took an early second-half lead.
But a lack of shape, desperate passes and poor tackles gave Oxford the opportunity to make it 3-1.
In the dying minutes of the game, Salisbury clawed one back, a goal from Nic George, but it was a case of too little, too late.
This was a frustrating loss in a game in which Salisbury knew they could perform better.
SEE MORE: Salisbury Hockey Club buck half-term absences to win two out of three games
Susanna Ribeiro Gallagher made her first-team debut. She worked hard off the ball to press and put defenders under pressure.
It was a great debut and captain Kate Parker said later: "I am really excited to see how this talented, very promising youngster continues to progress throughout the season."
This weekend they travel to Maidenhead, who sit towards the bottom of the table.
This really is a game where anything less than three points will see Salisbury heading towards a vulnerable position in the league.
Salisbury Men’s 1's played Southampton University 1s on what proved to be a difficult afternoon.
The match started poorly for Salisbury, with the younger and more energetic university team getting on top early and leading 4-0 at half time.
The second half was much the same as the first, with Southampton dominant in possession and making the bulk of the chances.
Mac Stevenson scored a consolation goal, but they couldn’t prevent the match ending 9-1.
The only teams to buck the trend at the weekend were the Men’s 4’s and Ladies 5’s.
The Men beat Romsey 4-0 to go second in the league.
The Ladies won 4-1 against Bournemouth and moved off the bottom of the table.
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