Ladies 1's vs Crowborough Ladies 1's

Crawley started off the season with a cracking win away at Crowborough. Hockey is a winter sport but the first game started with lovely summer conditions which made it tough to play in. Crowborough were one of the newly promoted teams to the league so the pressure was on for Crawley to win. Within the first 5 minutes of the game Crawley broke the dead lock with an excellent cross by Maskell from the right wing across the D and Silver was there to tap in. Crawley maintained the pressure with Maskell scoring the second and the third goal a penalty flick converted by Silver. Crowborough however broke quickly after the third goal and they too were awarded a penalty flick after a scramble in the D and scored. Crawley didn't let their heads go down and continued the pressure, quick balls from Bettsworth and Whitelock released Allen for a storming run and a text book strike from the top of the D.

The second half started slowly with the possession of play spread quite evenly and both missed opportunities but it was Crawley who broke the deadlock with some fast passes by Cornwall to Bettsworth and out to the right wing to Maskell who crossed into the D for Silver able to slot the ball home for her hat-trick. Crawley fought to the end and after being given a short corner Maskell smashed the ball into the right hand corner net. Crowborough didn't give up and managed to score a short corner in the final 30 seconds of the match.

Crawley welcomed new team members Melissa Hunter and FIona Bettsworth who both made huge impacts on the game in the midfield with their work rates. Overall it was a great performance by the whole team and a well deserved 3 points.

Next week Crawley ladies 1's and 2's are both playing at home against Southwick from 10.30.

Team sheet : Hunt, Lomas, Owen, Lyon, Bettsworth, Cornwall, Whitelock (c), Hunter, Silver, Allen, Maskell, Stewart.