(Rearranged 2.4.16) Luton Town Ladies 1st XI v Broxbourne 2nd XI

Luton’s top Ladies team went into this match, the very last of their season, in an extremely precarious position, teetering as they were on the precipice of relegation. They knew exactly what they had to do, the maths was simple, win and they would remain in 5 Counties Premier Division, lose and face the rather uninspiring proposition of division one hockey next season. With opponents Broxbourne in a similar position this relegation battle had the makings of an epic contest and it did not disappoint.

Spring had definitely arrived to mark the occasion, with the first hint of sunshine bringing the factor 40 out from hibernation. Whilst her team-mates completed the customary running and stretching Suzanne Starkey completed her warm up by consuming copious amounts of ibuprofen as a precaution to the inevitable sunstroke that would ensue from the searing 14 degree heat! It is certainly fortunate for the Luton striker that drugs tests are not in force at this level.

So with pre-match preparations complete the game began and it could not have been a more productive start for the visitors. Less than 10 minutes in Luton were awarded a short corner after the ball struck a Broxbourne player’s foot at the top of the circle. It is fair to say that Luton’s short corners have not been their best this season with far fewer than the expected percentage converted, however this one was a beauty, accurately delivered, perfectly trapped and struck firmly by Suzanne Starkey it found the corner of the goal giving Luton a well-deserved lead.

Throughout the game there was some of the best passing that Luton have exhibited all season, but their second goal, only a few minutes after the first, was an individual effort. After lifting the ball over the sticks of two defenders at the top of the circle midfielder Emma Whitehall beat a final defender before rocketing the ball into the top of the net (a pretty decent effort if I do say so myself!!!). 2-0 to Luton, which is how it would remain until the break.

Luton continued their good work into the second half and seemed to have their confidence buoyed from their performance thus far. When the Broxbourne defender needlessly cleared the ball off her own backline Luton were again awarded a corner. This time the ball was slipped left to Clare ‘Sharkey’ Philby who struck it superbly well, and with perfect accuracy it thundered into the bottom right corner. 3-0.

Broxbourne did have their opportunities in the game with some good balls into the circle and some penetrating runs from their skilful players, but they never really looked like a threat. Typically resolute defending from Ayse Samiloglulari, Janet Gray, Jean Limpitlaw, Sally Kelly, and Clare Philby as well as some decent saves by keeper Shannon Smith when needed protected the Luton goal. Alisha Patel and Kerri Stinton worked hard in the midfield supporting the defence when needed as well as linking well with the forwards including Captain Charlotte Dunham who worked tirelessly for the team. Broxbourne’s only goal came when a dubious penalty stroke was awarded after the ball struck Charlotte Mckinnon’s foot in the circle. Despite Smith having it covered a stroke was awarded which Broxbourne duly converted.

Luton’s final goal epitomised their performance. Emma Whitehall drove the ball forward from the opposition half, slipping it left to Suzanne Starkey who had found space on the left hand side of the pitch. Starkey’s cross was absolute perfection, straight into the path of Charlotte Mckinnon who had made a brilliant run up the right hand side of the pitch and into the circle. Mckinnon’s early strike into the bottom left of the goal was just superb and the ball crossed the line in the last second of the game. A simply exquisite finish to what was, without a doubt, one of Luton’s best performances of the season of which all the girls should be proud. 4-1 a well-deserved win and premier division hockey next year secured.

Emma Whitehall was voted as the player of the match for her determined performance whilst Charlotte Mckinnon was awarded the ‘mare of the match’ award for her unfortunate foot on the line which resulted in the penalty stroke.