Smith’s two strikes clinch victory

by Mike Haymonds (23 Oct 09)

EHL Premier
University of Birmingham 1 Slough 2

SLOUGH Ladies’ veteran striker Jane Smith had made a modest start to the season with only one goal in the opening four games - and that was a penalty stroke.

But her two strikes to clinch victory against the Birmingham students showed she is back on course to bid for the leading Premier scorer prize against her regular rival Bowdon’s Tina Cullen.

The win kept Slough in touch with the leading pack, who all won, and lifted them into fourth place behind Leicester, Olton and Reading.

Slough skipper Fiona Greenham said: “It was a really good win although we had to dig deep at times.

“Our defence stood up to the pressure well and our keeper Becky Duggan made some excellent saves.”

Slough’s lack of success with penalty corners continues with five efforts proving fruitless.

Slough started strongly and dominated for the opening 25 minutes by which time they were two up.

In the 18th minute a drive to the left backline by Ashleigh Ball saw her cross to Smith smashed home.

After 25 minutes a hit by Greenham into the D was cleared out to Nicola White who struck it back for Smith to deflect it home.

Slough then allowed their game to become predictable and should have played with more width.

After Slough missed two chances early in the second half the students came increasingly into the game and Slough came under heavy pressure in the final stages.

But they restricted their hosts to a single goal from Jo Turnbull in the 53rd minute.

SLOUGH: Duggan, Nicholson, Harte, Coulson, Bell, Cunningham, Greenham, Ball, White, J Smith, Penny. Subs: Bevan, Lubbock.

Copy for Slough Observer & Slough Express (23/10/09)