Girls' 1st XI v Haileybury

Result: Won 7-0
Review: After the heights of the midweek performance the Felsted 1st XI was careful not to take lightly a well-organised Haileybury side. Full of work rate across the pitch, Haileybury were hard to break down and Felsted went into half time just a goal ahead. The turning point in the game was a brilliant solo goal by Bryony Males, using her well-positioned team mates to fox the opposition defence. Arriving with the ball at the baseline, she opened up her body and feigned to play the now legendary 90 degrees pass. As the Haileybury defence raced to cut off this option in numbers, Males calmly turned the other way and slipped the ball past the goalkeeper's near post. From then on, Felsted played beautifully, controlling possession, patient in defence against counter attacks and selflessly moving and passing up front. A number of goals went in, all candidates for goal of the season. Amy Stewart was faultless back at the heart of the defence and there were other excellent performances from all 12 present, marking a fitting end to the season and the excellent standard of the play of which the team are now capable.

Star Player: Bryony Males

Girls' 1st XI v Ipswich

Result: Lost 1-2

Review: Following a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Ipswich in a 20 minute cup match earlier in the season, the Felsted 1st XI could be forgiven for making the trip away from home with a sense of trepidation. Armed however with a game plan and a keen desire to perform to the best of their ability Felsted, under some initial duress, were able to keep the score line at 0-0 for the first half. From then on they grew in belief throughout the match despite the individual strength of the excellent Ipswich players. Even conceding a soft short corner goal failed to unnerve the side as Felsted began to create more and more chances on the break. Anna and Mollie Stonham were constant threats up front, the defence held firm with full backs Hattie Holmes and Deanne Evans again impressing and Eli Mott-Brown, Immy Hargreaves and Anna Middendorf in midfield were superb. Meg Powell at left back had her best game of the season. The last quarter of the match was exciting stuff - school sport at its best. Anna Stonham found space yet again and drove round the back of the Ipswich defence before slipping a pass for Anna Middendorf to smash into the roof of the net - what a goal! Opportunities to win the game came and went at both ends. Finally, with seconds on the clock, Ipswich were awarded and converted their last short corner. A disappointing finish to a tremendous performance, marking the strides the team has made in the last few weeks.
Star Player: Anna Stonham & Immy Hargreaves

Girls' 1st XI v King's Canterbury

Result: Lost 1-3
Review: A light squad of twelve players started slowly away against Kings Canterbury and found themselves a goal down within minutes and two down not long after. Throughout the whole game Canterbury controlled possession much better although Felsted still created chances on the break. Lucky to be only two goals in arrears at half time, the second period was a different prospect, with the defence picking up spare players and coping much better with the strong running of the Canterbury midfield. Despite a good start to the half, another soft goal squeezed in and the game was almost out of reach. A spirited fight back and strong finish ensued from which Felsted must take pride and belief. Mollie Stonham was bright again up front, Tamara Evans produced another consistent performance and Lizzie Went, promoted from the 2nd XI, was superb in showing how well she can play at this level. A number of chances were created in both open play and from short corners but the 1st XI forwards were for once a little shot shy and unable to test the 'keeper. The game ended with its best passage of play - a break from Anna Middendorf down the right, a weighted cross and a first time strike from the irrepressible Anna Stonham into the roof of the net - a great goal and rich reward for the captain's player of the match winning performance.
Star Player: Anna Stonham

Girls' 1st XI v Bishop’s Stortford College

Result: Won 3-2

Review: An excellent result to win against Bishop's Stortford College in a rematch of the game earlier in the term. Felsted controlled possession and territory creating a number of opportunities and penalty corners. Bishops Stortford were strong and resilient again and created a number of breaks, notably through a speedy addition to their side on the left wing. Hattie Holmes impressed again at the back, further bolstered when Deanne Evans joined her there. Eli Mott-Brown showed glimpses of a return to form and Bryony Males was bright once again up front, as was Tamara Evans who came strongly into the game in the second half.

Star Player: Deanne Evans

Girls' U15A v Bishop's Stortford College

Result: Draw 1-1
Review: Felsted dominated this game from start to finish.The score does not reflect the game whatsoever and credit where it is due, Bishop's Stortford were resilient in defence and worked hard defending their goal. Felsted failed to take their opportunities and the numerous shot corners were squandered away through stupidity and complacency. Further, and to add salt to the injury Felsted scored the equalising goal just 3 minutes from time. A lesson has now been learnt by all and in the next session of training the team will learn about a 'killing instinct' - the girls were just far to nice and accommodating to be an effective force. This is going to change.
Player of the match: Alice Taylor

Girls' CCA v Bishop's Stortford College

Result: Draw 2-2
Review: Felsted started slow against a very organised Bishop's Stortford side, but soon picked up pace with some great interchanging passes down the wing. However, Bishops Stortford continued to press and eventually went one nil up. Fighting back Felsted managed to get a goal just before half time to make it all level. Into the second half and Felsted came out with much better intensity and were unlucky not to convert this into a goal. Bishop's Stortford were passing the ball around nicely and after a few minutes of sustained pressure scored another goal making it 2-1. Into the final ten minutes and some great break away play by Janneke led to her calmly finishing a one on one with the keeper making the final score 2-2.
Player of the match: Janneke Lind

Girls' CCA v Bedford Modern

Result: Lost 0-2
Review: With Bedford Modern fielding their fist team Felsted knew it was going to be a tough game. Felsted made a great start to the first half putting Bedford under maximum pressure when they had the ball. Some nice link up play by Alicia and Katie up front led to some great chances to score. However, just before half time a scrappy goal from Bedford put them one nil up. Into the second half and Felsted had yet more chances to score with numerous shots and crosses coming close. Felsted defended well against the well organised Bedford side. In-particular Freya Milford had a pivotal role, making some great tackles and distributing well. Unfortunately as Felsted pushed high to try and get level Bedford scored another goal to make the final score 2-0. A great team performance in a match that could have ended with a very different score line.
Player of the match: Freya Milford
 

Girls' 1st XI v Woodbridge

21st November 2011 Woodbridge

Result: Won 8-0

Scorers: Stonham S, Males, Evans T, Middendorf 2, Holmes, Evans D

Review: Strengthened by a solid week of practice and a return to a full squad of players, the 1st XI ran out 8-0 winners away against Woobridge. Felsted controlled possession throughout the match, passing and intercepting well to create a number of opportunities. Bryony Males looked sharp up front and almost back to full fitness, Hattie Holmes and Katherine Moore read the game brilliantly at the centre of defence and Alex Back was sound once again in between the posts. The goals were shared around the team including a wonder strike from Deanne Evans into the roof of the net and a brace from the outstanding Anna Middendorf.

Star Player: Anna Middendorf

Girls' U15B v Woodbridge

Result: Won 4-0
Review: Not the best game to watch although Felsted won with plenty to spare. This said, Woodbridge were a nice team and played to their ability. Overall I was disappointed by the standard at which both teams performed. There were some outstanding performances and Luca Goder and Tabitha Temporal are to be congratulated for their superb hockey skills. Felsted can be pleased with this home victory although there is still lots to do in training in preparation for the next game.
Player of the match: Tabitha Temporal

Girls' U15A v Woodbridge

19th November Woodbridge (Home)

Result: Won 3-0

Review: The U15A had their fair share of the possession in the first half but came up against a resilient Woodbridge side. Ellie Welsh cut into the right side of the circle early on and came desperately close when her strike came off the outside of the far post. Instead of wondering if this wasn't meant to be Felsted's day the girls pushed on and created some more opportunities, forcing the opposition goalkeeper to make a number of tough saves. Despite these opportunities the half time score remained deadlocked at 0-0. It took a well executed short corner to break the deadlock. Gemma Foley turned provider when her cleverly timed pass across the goal was met with a venomous shot from Olivia Schwier to register Felsted's first goal of the day. Having opened the scoring Felsted pushed on and Tor Seager broke through the Woodbridge defence and slipped the ball past the keeper to open up a deserved 2-0 lead. Woodbridge's resilience was again evident when, despite being 2-0 down, they continued to push on to create chances. A clever pass from their midfield set their centre forward through on goal forcing a first class save at full stretch from Phoebe Coulson to maintain the clean sheet. The afternoon was rounded off in style when the final whistle blew as Felsted were awarded a short corner. Ellie Welsh seized her opportunity and struck her shot low into the bottom right corner to see Felsted end up worthy 3-0 winners.

Player of the match: Gemma Foley

Girls' U15B v Sevenoaks

12th November Sevenoaks (Home)

Result: Lost 1-4

Review: This was just one of those frustrating games! Felsted were slow to get going and allowed Sevenoaks to dominate in the early part of the first half and sadly this negative approach led to the only goal in the game being scored. This said, and facing a possible thumping by Sevenoaks the girls rallied and for long periods of the games looked the more likely to score. Felsted could, and should have scored in the latter stages of the game but a wonderful save by the opposition's goal keeper assured victory for Sevenoaks. My players can be pleased with their overall performance. Happy!!

Player of the Match: Emilia Blyth

Girls' 1st XI v Sevenoaks (Home)

Sevenoaks (Home), 12th Novevmber

Result: Lost 0-1

Scorers:

Review: An amazing result for the 1st XI against a very strong opposition showed once again that, on their day, the girls can compete with any opponents. Already down to 12 players with the absence of 3 players, the 1st XI were reduced to an 11 strong squad when Amy Stewart went off injured. Hattie Holmes moved from centre forward to makeshift left back and looked immediately at home. Sevenoaks had much of the first half and created numerous chances. Their profligacy nearly cost them the result as tiredness from the midweek cup competitions set in for both sides. Felsted grew in strength as the game went on and confidence rose as they began to nullify the Sevenoaks attacks. In the closing stages of the game, Anna Stonham broke down the right, the cross rolled across the face of the goal past the goalkeeper and Felsted were just unable to get the last touch into the open net. Through sheer weight of numbers the result was fair. The Felsted girls should be commended for the great heart and team spirit that the XI showed.

Star Players: Anna Stonham, Hattie Holmes

Girls' U15B v Bishop's Stortford College

Result: Won 3-0
Review: For the first time this season the 15B’s enjoyed home advantage. The home crowd coupled with a familiar playing surface worked its magic, and the ‘B’ side took full advantage. The team’s resolute steely determination and good early possession enabled this young side to manufacture the confidence to go on and win from the first whistle. Accurate passing and good tackling were the cornerstones that lead to the goals being scored. What was also pleasing was the hard work from the mid-field players who ran off the ball creating gaps in the oppositions defence. Felsted did look a little lacklustre in their short corner routines and this training ground drill will be tightened up after half term. Finally, this was a satisfying performance and Bishop’s Stortford College are also congratulated for the manner in which the game was played.Well done to all.

Player of the match: Annabel Dines

Girls' U15A v Bishop's Stortford College

18th October Bishop's Stortford (Home)

Result: Lost 2-3

Review: Felsted took a deserved early lead in the match after some sustained pressure was finally converted into a goal by Tor Seager on the far post. Bishop's Stortford looked dangerous on the break and drew level before half time after a number of near misses. The second half was not without controversy when a Felsted goal was ruled out because it was struck marginally outside of the circle. This was followed by two late goals from Bishop's Stortford against the run of play, which was a cruel end to a match that the Felsted girls will feel unlucky to have lost.

Player of the match: Olivia Schwier

Girls' CCA v Bishop's Stortford College

Result: Won 1-0
Review: After last weeks 6-2 win the CCA's were looking to continue their winning run against a strong Bishop's Stortford side. Felsted played some nice hockey in the opening minutes with a few early chances whistling past the post. The forwards were linking nicely with Alicia, Katie McGuckian and Janneke all having chances to score. There was also some great defence work by the back four, in particular Isabel Woodford had a superb game stepping to the ball and making some great tackles. Half time and Felsted were disappointed to finish the half without a goal after dominating proceedings. Into the second half and Felsted pushed on with Katie McGuckian breaking free and keeping her cool to score a one on one with the keeper. Into the last five minutes and Bishop Stortford piled on the pressure winning several short corners. Felsted managed to closed out the game with captain Eliz controlling the middle and making some crucial interceptions. Final score 1-0 to the CCA's, another well deserved victory.

Star Player: Isabel Woodford

Girls' U15B v Kings Ely

 Result: Lost 0-6
Review: The Felsted Team played a good Kings Ely 'A' side, who were fortunate enough to have an extremely talented Centre Half who dominated their attacking play. This said, the score does not reflect the effort and team spirit in which Felsted played. Felsted U15B's can take pride in their performance and the 'never say die' attitude which was clear for all to see. Well done girls.
Player of the match: Emilia Blyth (Team Captain)

Girls' CCA v Sevenoaks

Result: Won 4-0
Review: A superb performance by the Cromwell Club 1st XI produced a 4-0 victory against Sevenoaks. A great result against a school of large numbers. Sound in defence with the presence of Freya, Issy, Eliz, Beth and Janneke, held together by the calming influence of Charlotte in the centre of midfield and bolstered by the explosive pace of Katie and Elle up front, the CCA's have really come on under the tutelage of Miss Gordon. Goals from Katie, Elle (2) and Charlotte were rewards for their efforts.
Player of the match: Katie McGuckian

Girls' 1st XI v Stamford School

Result: Draw 3-3
Review: An unusually small 1st XI squad of 12 players battled back well to draw against Stamford School away from home. Felsted started strongly and created numerous chances, two of which were eventually tucked away by Bryony Males. Despite creating a number of further scoring opportunities Felsted were unable to convert and conceded two soft goals on the stroke of half time. A quiet second half came to life 10 minutes from time as the Felsted players realised they were on the brink of defeat. A number of strong runs down the right hand side from Anna Stonham produced several opportunities including an excellent equalising goal from Katherine Moore.

Girls' 1st XI v The leys

Result: Won 9-1
Review: The Girls' 1st XI had a much-improved performance to beat an under-strength, yet still strong Leys side. Felsted started sharply with Bryony Males leading the line and pressurising the opposition from the whistle. A number of clear opportunities were squandered early on and the game remained close. Eventually the deadlock was broken and the goals began to come, notably for the irrepressible Males who finished the match with five goals. Tamara Evans put in a composed performance on the right hand side, with Katherine Moore and Eli Mott-Brown outstanding once again.

Girls' 1st XI v Framlingham (Home)

Result: Lost 1-7
Review: A lacklustre first half to the game resulted in a first loss of the season for the school 1st XI. With little in the way of cohesion with or without the ball Felsted struggled to control any possession and conceded five goals before the break. In contrast, Framlingham were sharp and organised despite the unseasonal temperatures and were worthy winners. A different team appeared in the second half for Felsted, creating a large number of excellent chances, scoring first in the half before conceding two counter attacks late on in the game. Disappointed with their level of performance and still clearly tired from their heroics in the week it was great to see the side finish the game strongly and keep heads high throughout.

   

Girls' U18 Essex Championship

Review: The girls' under 18 hockey side had a strong showing at the Essex Championship on Tuesday finishing equal first on points but finishing runners-up on goal difference to worthy winners Coopers Coburn School. After a slow yet successful start beating New Hall and Chelmsford County High, Felsted's players grew in confidence throughout the day, buoyed by a well-contested 1-1 draw with Coopers Coburn. Fielding a number of strong senior league players and one junior international, Coopers went a goal down before drawing level towards the close of the game. With the boost this gave the side, Felsted went on to win against Bancrofts, Chigwell and Brentwood. With some of the 1st XI side playing in the Under 16 age group, new players into the group took the most of their opportunity and performed superbly. Existing squad members were also outstanding and worked tirelessly throughout. Everyone gave their all and will have benefited from the fitness gained from so many games. To only concede one goal all day was also a great achievement.