By Lee Clow
USW Women’s Hockey 1st have suffered back to back defeats as Royal Agricultural University Women’s 1st came away with 2-3 victory at the USW Sport Park.
Going into the game USW were looking for a response having lost their opening game of the season, but they immediately found themselves 0-1 down when Royal Agricultural University broke down the left flank. Holly Walsh tapping home for RAU after an initial shot was blocked, shocking the home side who had little chance to settle into the game.
Much of the first half was evenly split with USW just edging the possession. RAU continued to get in behind USW’s defence but were unable to capitalise on their chances.
In contrast, RAU’s defence was much more organised limiting USW to any clear-cut chances. USW attacker, Carmen Clements had a chance to equalise late in the first half, but her effort was saved well by the feet of the RAU goalkeeper.
In the second half USW were once again hit by an early goal as RAU capitalised on a short corner mistake, Lucy Randle tapping home from point blank range.
Eight minutes later RAU scored a third goal to stretch their lead. A short corner resulted in a goal mouth scramble before Tia Barlow slid the ball into the back of the net. A now dominant RAU looking like they could score four or five more before the final whistle.
USW kept the game alive when they found a goal through Clements. Having failed to take her previous chances, the attacker finally got her goal when she fired low in the bottom corner via the post with 10 minutes left to play.
Clements’ goal seemed to inspire USW as they found a second goal in quick concession. A clever short corner routine fell into the path of Abi Ruffle who smartly despatched her finish past the goalkeeper making he score 2-3. USW were now the team on top and looked like they could find an equaliser to complete a spectacular comeback.
Despite the spirited comeback, USW were unable to find an equaliser they wanted and arguably deserved. RAU’s defence proving too strong and earning them the victory.
After the game USW Captain, Femke Reinders said: ‘In the second half we played a lot better we were pushing a lot more. I think we just need to work on that a little bit. It wasn’t the worst result it could’ve been a lot worse so I’m happy that we got a few goals in, the short corners went quite well’
She continued: ‘It is only the second game in to be honest, so we still have a lot of work to do. We’re getting there, it’s a lot better than last week so there is an improvement.’
USW, who went unbeaten last season, have now lost back to back games and this may be a concern when they face Cardiff Women’s 3s in their next fixture.