Match Report for Swindon Mixed vs Salisbury

Salisbury 2 Swindon 2
(Swindon win 4-3 on penalty flicks)

The Swindon mixed side left it late to start playing hockey, but managed to sneak away with a win in the horrible weather down in Salisbury.

The first half was quite even, with limited opportunities for both sides. Gael Little picked up from where she left off against Newent, marauding down the right of the pitch. Despite the even nature of the game, Salisbury took the lead midway through the first half with a clinical finish. Swindon created a few half chances, with James Lewis carving an opening for himself, striking the ball cleanly, but being denied by the post.

The second half saw Swindon continue to play some reasonable hockey despite the appalling conditions. Adriana Boullosa worked hard and earned more short corners, which went unconverted; one in particular popping out to Henry Cheney, who had two bites, first hitting the post, then missing completely. Moments later, Salisbury took the lead following a composed piece of play left the striker with an empty net.

Despite the deficit, Swindon continued to play well and limit the hosts to opportunities on the counter attack. Nicci Foster-Kenyon put in some strong tackles at left back and Linda Dutchy Brouwers showed good composure down the right. With less than 5 minutes to go, Swindon earned a short corner, which was well hit by Chloe Lewis. The initial strike was saved, but fell to Ads, who showed good composure to flick beyond the prone keeper.

Rejuvenated by the goal, Swindon looked to press for an equaliser. Matt Kenyon drove at the defence before playing a fantastic ball towards the back post for James Lewis to equalise. As time went, no one was quite sure what would happen next (and no one wanted extra time). The ruling was to go to flicks, with five takers from each team.

Cheney took the first for Swindon after Chris Parsons won the toss and elected to take the first stroke. His strike was well taken, but was expertly turned away by the keeper down to his right. Salisbury had some composed takers; giving veteran keeper Alan Gough few chances to keep the ball out. James Lewis took the second, converting well, with Parsons taking the third, also clinical, to make it 2-2 before Salisbury again took the lead. Jim Towers scored the 4th, before the Salisbury player taking their 4th double hit the ball, resulting in no goal. Lewis Dyer stepped up to take the final stroke, converting confidently, before keeper Gough stopped the final stroke to win the tie.

In two weeks time we play in the next round, one step closer to the final in the Olympic Park!

Player of the game: Dutchy, composed and assured.
DOD: Henners, couldn't hit a barn door with a handful of gravel.