Luton Town Ladies 1st XI v Harpenden 1st XI

Luton Town Ladies were back in action this weekend at home against Harpenden 1s, their first game back after a long lay-off for the Christmas break. With a month of inactivity behind many of the players and the excesses of the festive period undoubtedly taking their toll on some, it was not surprising that the Luton Town Ladies performance was, well let’s just say, not the most polished that you will see from them this season. That said they did what was needed, clearly having the upper hand for the majority of the game and earning a deserved 4-1 win against a team that had held them to a one all draw at the start of the season.
It was a game where everyone played their part and the inevitable mistakes were covered by others when they did occur. Kerri Stinton worked positively in the circle and Ayse Samilogulari put in a determined performance in defence. It was Rachel Shadbolt who was the first of the Luton players to find the back of the net, slotting the ball neatly into the corner of the goal to put Luton ahead. Harpenden did not let the home side have the upper hand for long however and a decent passing move culminated in them penetrating Luton’s defence and pulling back level, but their celebrations were short lived. Luton’s second came from a long ball into the circle which Suzanne Starkey picked up, turning the defence. Her powerful shot left the opposition goalkeeper with little chance of making a save. Luton’s third and Starkey’s second came from another penetrating ball into the circle delivered by Clare ‘Sharkey’ Philby. Santa had clearly not delivered Sharkey a compass in her stocking this Christmas and somehow the right defender found herself in attack high on the left hand side of the pitch. Her own players were somewhat puzzled by her appearance in this strange territory so in all fairness there was little hope for the opposition. Starkey took advantage of the confusion, finishing well to extend Luton’s lead taking them into the break with a two goal advantage.
Harpenden were not without their chances and their best one came after the ball struck a defenders foot near the line, culminating in the awarding of a penalty stroke. Harpenden hopes were dashed however by the young Luton keeper Shannon Smith who held her nerve and made a fabulous save to keep Luton Town 3-1 ahead.
It was therefore left to Starkey to seal the game in style, again finishing well to claim her first hat-trick of 2016, an achievement that also earned her this week’s man of the match award.
A visit to the opticians may be on the cards for Janet Gray who somehow managed to exit the pitch wearing odd shoes. It was almost inevitable that this would make her this week’s mare of the match. Should have gone to Specsavers maybe……?