Haddenham Ladies win local derby v Aylesbury United Ladies
On what can only be described as a horrible afternoon on Sunday 6th November, Haddenham Ladies lined up for the much anticipated first local derby on Haddenham Playing Fields against rivals Aylesbury United Ladies. With both teams having a point to prove, it was going to be an animated game.
Buoyed by the fantastic away support, Aylesbury started quickly with a number of nice attacking moves involving Megan Bailett and Erica Luis. The match was end to end for the first 25 minutes, but the deadlock was broken on 29 minutes when Aylesbury quite fortunately took the lead through a Sara Madden-Connor corner that sneaked in at the near post! Aylesbury continued to press in the first half and were unfortunate when a goal from the lively Keely McLeod was ruled offside just before half time.
After the break it was all to play for with both teams pushing forward right from the whistle with some fantastic football. A little over ten minutes in to the second half and Aylesbury were under pressure in their area and were unable to clear their ranks effectively. After the ball ping-ponged between a number of players it ended up in the back of the net for an own goal to level the score at 1-1.
On the hour Haddenham capitalised on their dominant possession when Emily Tigz picked up the ball near the centre of the pitch and was allowed to run through the middle of the Aylesbury defence and then cheekily lob the Aylesbury keeper to make it 2-1.
Both teams had renewed energy and urgency at this point, and although Aylesbury continued to make runs up the wings in their attempt to take the game to Haddenham, nothing materialised due to some solid defending from the home side. There was no way through for Aylesbury and after a while they seemed to run out of ideas.
Then the game was pretty much over for the visitors when Haddenham's Tigz scored a very similar goal to her first on 70 minutes. A late flurry from Aylesbury still couldn't
penetrate the resilient Haddenham defence, apart from a powerful low drive that was saved by Shannon.
From this, the ball immediately found its way back into the Aylesbury area and even though Tigz was hustled off of the ball she still managed to stay on her feet and score her hat trick and Haddenham's fourth goal of the game.
Final Score: 4 – 1 win for the Haddenham Ladies
The Aylesbury players can give themselves credit for keeping up their fight right to the final whistle in very difficult conditions and both teams will be looking forward to the reverse fixture in February.
If any ladies are interested in joining the squad, ou can join from 16+ years. Please email Ian Simms on: iansimms@hffoodservices.com for more information.
Training is every Thursday 7.00pm – 8.30pm at Haddenham Playing Fields.
