Crawley Ladies 2nd XI - 0 - 0 Middleton Ladies 2's

Sussex Ladies Open League Div 3

Following an excellent 8 - 0 victory by Crawley Ladies 2nd XI in their opening game of the season against Penguins, this weeks opposition were clearly going to be more challenging.

The match began in a fairly even manner, Crawley were having more success early on when they sent the ball wide to Hannah D’Urban-Jackson, who linked with Marissa Marais on the right. Player of the match, Carinna Luxford and Sophie Lomas added their support and the home side were causing Middleton’s defence problems.

An experienced Middleton defence remained sharp, and were quick to send the ball forward on the counter attack, ensuring Hannah Banton, Jill Donaldson and Daryl Duncan-English were kept active as they battled to regain possession of the ball.

As the half progressed Crawley were looking more likely to score. Linda Palmer and Gemma Henry were quick to attack and Pauline Dempsey had a couple of good shots on goal which were blocked by defenders and saved by the keeper.

At the start of the second half Middleton had their best spell of the game. A spell of sustained pressure ten minutes into the half saw Rachel McAllister in goal pull off two double blocks and diving saves to keep her side well and truly in the game.

At this time Liz Ford and Sym Savage were also called into action with good blocking tackles as well as clearing the ball out of their defending half. Both sides continued to play end to end, but neither set of defence could be broken down, so honours were shared with a goalless draw.

Crawley; Rachel McAllister, Liz Ford, Sym Savage, Jill Donaldson, Daryl Duncan-English, Mariska Marais, Hannah D’Urban-Jackson, Hannah Banton, Linda Palmer, Sophie Lomas, Corina Luxford (player of the match), Gemma Henry and Pauline Dempsey