Swindon started their league campaign with a hard fought home win over Hereford. After some even early exchanges, the visitors took the lead after Swindon gave away possession in midfield. After a settling period, Swindon rallied and drew level when Vicki Stokes deflected a pass from Linda Brouwers into the net. Before half time, teenager Chloe Lewis drove a penalty corner past the Hereford keeper to give Swindon the lead.
After initial Swindon pressure at the start of the first half, poor defending allowed Hereford to level the score at 2-2. The home team forced a flurry of penalty corners which were all saved by an excellent Hereford keeper. Shortly afterwards Hereford forced their own penalty corner which was converted and the visitors took the lead 3-2 with 15 minutes left in the game.
With extra determination, Swindon pressed the Hereford goal and were instantly rewarded when Linda Brouwers found the net from a penalty corner to level the score. In the last five minutes, Hereford's gallant keeper looked as if she would keep the game as a draw but a late winner was scored by Vicki Stokes to secure the win for Swindon.
Craig Sage