Luton Town Ladies 1st XI v Saffron Walden 3rd XI

After a contest that was much closer than they would have liked Luton Town Ladies got back to winning ways this week. With just one point separating the teams before the match Luton knew that this was one they simply had to win. In a performance that was more sure and steady than back with a bang they did just enough to hold the advantage finishing the game 3-2 winners against Saffron Walden.

In what seems to be becoming something of a trend the opposition were first to score an early goal, with the ball somehow managing to end up over the line after a goalmouth scramble. Saffron Walden’s lead however was short lived. Minutes later Rachel Shadbolt picked up the ball on the right hand side of the circle and calmly slotted it past the keeper into the net for the equaliser. Shadbolt, quite justifiably, could not hide the grin across her face, after not only bringing Luton back into the match, but also scoring her first ever goal for the team. The rapidly improving attacker, who only broke into the side this season, seemed to gain massive confidence from this and used it as a springboard to what was to be, without a doubt her best performance yet. Throughout the game she caused the defence considerably difficulty with some impressive penetrating runs down the right hand side and into the circle. Alongside this her decisive movements into space enabled her to receive the ball in dangerous positions on several occasions, making an important contribution to Luton’s attacking threat.

What followed was probably Luton’s best spell of the game which led to their second goal. Fluent, accurate passing from the midfielders and amongst the attackers culminated in Captain Charlotte Dunham’s strike putting Luton ahead. Dunham has become something of a force to be reckoned with in front of goal this season and today was no different as she used her speed and determination to break through the defence. Dunham looked dangerous throughout and it was no surprise when she managed to find the net again for her second. The visitors did manage to pull one back, but ultimately it would prove insufficient.

Both teams had openings in front of goal throughout the course of the game and Luton will be disappointed that they did not convert any of their opportunities from penalty corners. However a win is a win and they will be pleased to maintain contact with the upper echelons of the league.

It was Rachel Shadbolt who received the player of the match award this week for her aforementioned encouraging exploits.
Suzanne Starkey was voted as mare of the match. The typically dependable striker may attribute her slightly off par performance to jetlag after recently returning from the States or it may be that her internal compass was slightly misaligned after her international jet-setting. What is for sure is that she will need to be back on top form when Luton travel to Leighton Buzzard next week.