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Slough Ladies into National Indoor (Hockey 5s) Semis

Slough Ladies into National Indoor (Hockey 5s) Semis

Webmaster Slough Hockey4 Jan 2015 - 18:30
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Slough Ladies continued their excellence to move into the Semi-Finals to be played on 10th January 2014 in Kettering

Slough Ladies went into this weekend in second place but knowing that the top 4 semi-final spots were closely contested by up to 6 teams and they needed to deliver results through the 4 matches to make sure of qualification.
Slough faced a tough test in their first game against Sutton Coldfield, who were level on points. The game was a tense affair from the off but Slough battled hard and played some of their finest indoor hockey to come away resounding 4-0 winners against a quality outfit. Alex Scott scored two of the goals with Laura Bailey and Mel Ball bagging one each. This win kept Slough well in the top four hunt with Reading to play later that day. This was set to be another tough game with Slough fighting to retain their top four spot and Reading desperate for the win to give themselves a chance of finishing up there. The game saw one team take the lead and the other equalise 3 times until Reading took the lead 4-3. Slough created another 4 goal scoring opportunities but could not find the back of the net meaning the game ended 4-3. Reading were elated and Slough were left disappointed as they dropped to 5th place, on goal difference, overnight.

Over breakfast on Sunday morning Slough contemplated the fact they needed to win both games to secure a semi-final spot. First up was Canterbury, an in form side who had beaten league leaders Bowdon the previous day. Slough started the game strongly taking the lead through Laura Bailey but Canterbury fought back and levelled the game. Slough took the lead again through Mel Ball and extended their lead when Nora Ilkei executed a well worked corner giving Slough. Slough still looked like they were in control of the game but Canterbury found the back of the net leaving the game finely poised at 3-2. Slough put in an impressive performance for the last 5 minutes to keep Canterbury at bay and come away 3-2 winners. This win kept Slough in the mix for the top four spots.

Slough still had to beat Clifton, a side battling relegation, to secure their semi-final spot. The game was agonisingly close for both sets of supporters with Clifton scoring first closely followed by a Laura Bailey equaliser. Clifton then took the lead again but Alex Scott clawed back an equaliser for the pink and black side. Slough took confidence from this as Harriet Ward went on a solo skilful run finishing with a goal to give her side the lead 3-2. Not giving up easily Clifton put a kicking back on to pile the pressure on Slough. Some calm heads got the ball into Laura Bailey who spun two players to score in the open net. Some relief for Slough as they saw the game out 4-2.

A big day with two crucial wins sees Slough reach the semi-finals, a fantastic achievement in a very close tournament. They are up against East Grinstead on Saturday 10th January (at Kettering Sports Arena) in the battle to reach finals night at Wembley. Slough were bitterly disappointed to lose 4-3 in last year’s semi-final as Reading scored in the final 10 seconds of the game. Slough will be hoping to go one better this year.

Full details of game results on http://englandhockey.altiusrt.com/teams/18

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