Crostyx 2 Tunbridge Wells 2

Having let a 2 goal lead slip against Tunbridge Wells earlier in the season Crostyx ladies were determined to make amends when they played host to Tunbridge Wells on Saturday.

The first 15 minutes of the game saw both sides enjoy possession, probing for a break. However, neither side was able to keep possession long enough to create any real chances.

The stale mate was broken when Tunbridge played a quick move down the left, moving the ball around and eluding the Crostyx defense. The ball was eventually slotted home from close range, leaving keeper Rebecca Clark little chance to save.

Crostyx responded well with the midfield of Alys Hackett, Keeley Pratt and Donna Blockley battling hard to win possession and build up some attacking momentum. Crostyx were eventually rewarded with a short corner which was played to the right slip and back to the penalty spot where Sarah Belsham just managed to slot it past the advancing keeper to level the game.

The score did not remain level for long as Tunbridge showed their own desire to win, attacking from the push back and winning a short corner. They converted the corner at the left post, arguably from a lucky deflection, to take the lead once more.

The home side went in 2-1 down at the break, feeling that they hadn’t yet got into their stride but determined to get back into the game.

The second half saw a frustrated Crostyx unable to break down the Tunbridge defense and lacking in a final killer ball. To give credit to the home side they battled hard but were unable to create any clear cut chances.

On the few occasions that Tunbridge broke into the Crostyx half the defense held strong with player of the match Anna Feldman getting the better of the Tunbridge right wing every time and Vicki Berrill, Kate Henley and Lisa Dennett ensuring that their efforts came to nothing.

Another surge forwards from Crostyx and a number of short passes in the D resulted in Sophie Daltry being fouled as she was about to slot the ball away, a clear penalty stroke.

Alys Hackett stepped up to take the flick and calmly fired the ball into the top left hand corner of the goal to maintain her 100% record and level the game again.

Despite continued pressure, with only 5 minutes left to play Crostyx were unable to break through again. They did not play anything like the hockey they are capable of and, although disappointing, the final result of 2-2 was probably a fair one.