Slough hit back to beat champions

by Mike Haymonds 2 October 2009

EHL Premier
Bowdon Hightown 3 Slough 4

SLOUGH Ladies bounced back from last week’s opening day defeat to record a deserved win over the reigning Premier champions Bowdon.

It was all the more remarkable as Slough were missing seven players, six of whom would have been probable starters.

Despite this, Slough were the dominant side and were 4-1 up with ten minutes left before Bowdon closed the gap with two late goals.

Slough skipper Fiona Greenham said: “It was an excellent team performance and the three points were very important at this stage of the season."

“The win boosts our confidence after last week’s defeat and, when we have everyone fit and available, we will have a very good squad.”

Slough got off the mark from their first penalty corner in the second minute when Greenham got a deflection to a Jane Smith shot.

Bowdon equalised after 19 minutes when keeper Kate Filochowski’s corner save was not cleared and Tina Cullen pounced to convert the rebound.

Slough had the lion’s share of possession, as they did throughout the game, and defended well, allowing their hosts few shots on goal, and there were no further goals before half-time.

In the 43rd minute Greenham scored an identical goal to her first and Ashleigh Ball increased the lead nine minutes later with a near post corner deflection.

Smith made it 4-1 two minutes later, converting a penalty stroke after she had been fouled in the act of shooting.

Bowdon scored twice in the last 10 minutes, when Sally Walton fired home a backhand shot and Cullen bagged a second, getting a deflection to a cross from the right.

SLOUGH: Filochowski, Nicholson, Strong, Harte, Coulson, White, Greenham, Ball, Penny, J Smith, Lubbock. Subs: Stewart, Shanahan.

Slough have strengthened their squad with a high profile signing.

Becky Duggan, 26, England’s number two goalkeeper, has joined them from Trojans.

Duggan, who has 30 England caps, was a member of England’s bronze medal-winning squad at the recent European Championship.

Another new recruit is 17-year old striker Katie Shanahan, formerly with Barnes, who has played at England U16 and U18 level and made her Slough debut at Bowdon.

Copy for Slough Express & Slough Observer 02 Oct 09