Bowdon 3 -
1 Reading
Bowdon
reached the final of the National Cup for the first time
ever after a stunning second half display against the
league champions. The match was watched by a crowd of
over 400 people. The game started at a good pace,
however it was clear that neither side had played for a
few weeks - whilst there was plenty of endeavour, it was
a quiet opening quarter. First blood went to Reading,
their forwards working a good move after Bowdon had lost
possession in midfield. However, there was a quick
response from the home team, a short corner was
converted by Ali G, to level the scores. With time
running out in the first period, Ghazanfar was sent to
the sin bin after two offences within a couple of
minutes of each other.
The second
half saw a clear change in Bowdon's strategy, with the
home team favouring a more attacking style. This lead to
two more goals. The first from Simon Egerton, who
smashed the ball home after Ali G's drag flick had been
saved by Brothers in the Reading goal. It was a somewhat
freakish stroke of luck, after a good save by the
keeper, the ball struck the umpire in the chest and
rebounded to Egerton, who gladly accepted the find
gift!! Despite strong protests from Reading, the goal
was confirmed after consultation with the senior crowd
umpire, Mr R Lloyd. A short time later, it was even
better as Ali G scored his second, again from a PC, to
give us a 3-1 lead. Despite their best efforts to come
back into the game, Reading were thwarted by excellent
defence. They Rob Turner in irresistible form, as he
pulled of superb saves at half-a-dozen short corners.
Overall, it was a fine performance. THE FINAL IS AT
BEESTON HOCKEY CLUB, NOTTINGHAM ON SATURDAY 17TH MAY
(Time TBC).
Bowdon
Hightown 2 - 3 Slough
It was
Bowdon who started the second semi-final as the stronger
side, creating a handful of good chances during the
opening exchanges. However, these opportunities were not
converted and it was Slough who took advantage of this.
They scored 2 goals in the closing stages of the first
half, to leave Bowdon Hightown a little bit
shell-shocked going into half time.
However,
the home team showed the spirit and determination which
has seen them win the cup for the previous two seasons.
First Sally Walton converted at a short corner with a
fine flick and then Tina Cullen scored from the penalty
spot after a goal bound attempt had been kicked off the
line. With time running out, the umpires appeared to
lost track of how long had gone, and despite consulting
the Technical Delegate, who informed them that there was
no time left, they played a second half with lasted well
over 40 minutes. With seconds left, Slough scored from a
set piece, thanks to a fine deflection with saw the ball
fly into the roof of the net. Bowdon showed real courage
and determination to fight their way back into the game
and despite the loss, they should be pleased with an
excellent season. Finishing second in the League and
Indoors has shown they are one of the strongest teams.
Hopefully we can go one better next campaign!!
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