Luton Town Ladies 1st XI v Shefford and Sandy 1st XI

Luton Town Ladies 1st XI knew they were going to have a tough match on their hands when they ran out against current league leaders Shefford and Sandy this Saturday. Captain Charlotte Dunham's pre-match talk inspired belief in the Luton players and with cries of "warriors" they went into battle. However as the game progressed it was soon to become evident that the Luton ladies were maybe less like gladiators and perhaps more like 'lambs to the slaughter'. Luton did manage to hold their own early on and fend off the opposition’s numerous attacks, but it was only a matter of time before Shefford pulled ahead. Despite Luton’s best efforts they were unable to hold off a team who were strong in all areas of the park, with the final 5-1 score highlighting the visitor’s clear superiority.

Luton did have their moments and at times managed to find gaps in the Shefford press and make progress up the pitch. After Shefford took an early lead it was one of these moments that resulted in Luton’s equaliser. Suzanne Starkey picked up a through ball from midfielder Emma Whitehall, who had cut through the opposition defence to open up the opportunity. Starkey, with only the keeper to beat, looked initially like she had carried the ball too far, but the Luton players and on-looking supporters need not have worried as the back in form striker smashed the ball into the corner of the goal.

Unfortunately Shefford were not shaken by Luton’s comeback and continued to play the ball confidently around the park waiting for opportunities to attack to materialise. Their patience paid off and resulted in a number of penalty corners which the home side struggled to defend thus resulting in the visitors going into half time 3-1 ahead.

Luton’s ability to respond was not helped by unfortunate defender Ayse Samiloglulari having to leave the pitch just before the break after her hand was struck by one of the Shefford attacker’s sticks. After a short period of recuperation Samiloglulari, in true warrior fashion, returned to the pitch to see out the latter stages of the second half.

At the end of the day Shefford were just too fast, too strong and too experienced for the Luton side and thoroughly dominated the second half, managing to convert a further two opportunities before the final whistle.

The ‘Mare of the match’ award this week went to Ayse Samiloglulari. At some point in time the youngster will learn that sticking your fragile body parts in front of hard, fast moving objects really is not the way to facilitate longevity on the hockey pitch, however that day is yet to come. In a game where none of the Luton players really shone Emma Whitehall was awarded the player of the match award for her contribution.

Next week Luton face St Albans in what really is a must win game. "Ad victorium!!!"