Bevan’s brace trumps Trojans

by Mike Haymonds (30 October 2009)

EHL Premier
Slough 5 Trojans 0

FORMER Wales international Louise Bevan is not a regular scorer for Slough Ladies but her brace against Trojans played a major part in a convincing 5-0 victory.

And her second strike will be hard to beat as Slough’s goal of the season.

From a Mandy Nicholson cross into the D Bevan raced in at speed to steer the ball home.

This win, which was never in doubt, lifted Slough a place to third behind Leicester and Reading, who both won, and confirmed that Trojans, who dropped into the bottom slot, are serious relegation contenders.

Slough coach Mike Williamson said: “We controlled the game from start to finish but, in the first half, our chances were limited as we were not precise enough in the D.

“Initially our movement of the ball around the back was slow but both these faults were corrected in the second half.”

Trojans had an early scare when a shot by Jane Smith to Lauren Penny at the far post was eventually scrambled clear.

Two penalty corners for Slough saw a Jane Smith strike fly wide and a second effort deflected away by a defender’s stick.

In between a goal-bound shot by Ashleigh Ball struck Lauren Penny’s body.

In the 12th minute Bevan opened the scoring, netting a Smith pass from close range.

Trojans’ only corner of the game, awarded after Slough were penalised for twice not retreating at free hits, was blocked by a defender.

After the visitors’ keeper Clare Glover saved a diving deflection by Smith and padded away a Nicola White shot Slough increased their lead in the 31st minute when Penny beat Glover with a shot into the far corner.

On 44 minutes, at Slough’s third corner, Fiona Greenham deflected home a Smith strike before a similar move at the next set-piece was charged down.

Trojans’ only second half chance came when Jo Bryant had only Slough keeper Becky Duggan to beat but failed.

After 51 minutes Chloe Strong, who was returning from a knee injury, came off as a precaution with Greenham moving into the back line and Smith replacing her in centre midfield.

But the changes did not halt Slough’s momentum and they added two more goals – a corner by Smith on the hour and Bevan’s stunning 65th minute strike.

For the last ten minutes Slough’s reserve keeper Kate Filochowski had some rare pitch time after replacing Duggan but had nothing to do.

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

Copy for Slough Express & Slough Observer 30/10/09