Swans flying high as they bury 8! Having only lost by a small margin to Highbury 2 the previous weekend, Croydon Swans were back at Petchey, determined to claim their first win of the season. With George making a return from the Isle of Wight, he started in attack with Walsh, Green and Galloway, with White, Smith, McDanell and Sturgess starting strongly in defence. It was a close call for the Swans, when Highbury were given a penalty, which they narrowly missed. Despite the Swans' fierce efforts in defence, the first goal went to Highbury when their boy managed to break free to take an undefended shot. The Swans came back thick and fast, and answered the opening goal with a quick turn in the feed position from Walsh, straight into the basket. Shortly afterwards, the Swans were given a penalty to equalise, which White sunk in beautifully (after some post repositioning!) In an almost replica of his first goal, Walsh again turned in the feed to bring the Swans up to 3-2. Highbury responded with determination, but strong defence pressure from McDanell resulted in them missing a runner. Further great attempts at goal by Galloway and Smith were unfortunately defended, and despite some excellent positioning in the feed by Green, the swans were struggling to add to the scoreboard. White kept his eye on the ball and managed to leap in and smack it back into their attacking half, which was quickly picked up by Walsh and into the basket, after a great feed from Green. With moments to go before half time, both White and Sturgess attempted long shots, which narrowly missed. Fortunately, White positioned himself in the feed, and McDanell got past her opponent to bring the score to 5-2 at half time. With Kelly coming on for Green and Bannister replacing George, the second half began. The Swans continued to add to the scoreboard, with running shots being sunk by White, with a great feed from Sturgess, and Walsh scoring his forth and fifth goals of the game with both feeds coming from Kelly. 8-2 to the Swans. Having given a strong performance as a section throughout, White's half had a funny five minutes and couldn't manage to widen the gap when in attack. With the ball in their attacking half, Highbury managed to score a further two goals, one lovely long shot, and another taken close to the post, despite Bannister's best efforts to keep his tall opponent away. The score ended at 8-4 to the Swans. A great effort by all. MVP goes to Walsh, for scoring 5 goals and playing a full game, despite continuing to fight off an illness for the third week running.Match Report by Emma | Updated by Emma Previous photo Next photo1 of 1 Final Score: Highbury 3 4 vs 8 Croydon SwansBen(5)Roger(2)Joe(0)Harry(0)Tom(0)Amy(1)Jocelyn(0)Emma(0)Jessica(0)Lindsey(0)
Croydon 5 make the long journey worthwhile with a winWe all travelled to Highbury, Craig for the second time in two weeks but with Jane, Callum and myself in the back. Tom and Hannah were already at the ground and just as I was beginning to think Mark and Vicky better come soon, they walked through the door! After watching the Swans win we stepped up to start, sections and divisions decided by Adam C. First attack Callum, Mark, Vicky and myself leaving defence of Craig, Hannah, Jane and Tom. Adam Stevens was on the sidelines to help with coaching. I do believe Mark opened the scoring with a runner and I followed it up with a medium shot. All change and obviously this is where I think hmm how did the game go and Mark reads and says it wasn't a running in shot! We done good is the main thing. Sure the ref shouted 3 -0 so lets say Jane scored one of her long shots - the girl or should I say mummy, still has it! as if we even doubted... Oh flash I let a goal in but then thought no more shots for my opponent. Change again. Craig was a super interceptor and I mean super as was a constant 'arrh thank you very much I'll just stretch and get that ball' both sections played the ball round well. Callum totally slotted in and looked a natural even put some shots up. Craig's shots a tease of bouncing around the rim - what he needed was Jane to straighten the basket (after a little slip on it) and yeah goal for the interceptor. Maybe the half time score was 2 - 5 and I did think oh come on guys, we got to win but it was all was ok, Vicky scored after a tactical chat with Mark and Jane was on form with another goal, I scored from a perfect pass from Callum, or was it a shot? Tom, Hannah and Callum you all put shots up which is half way to a goal so next time score sheets guys. Final score 10 - 5 to us and we did play structured and no silly passing so all good and totally makes journey home easier. Thank you Craig for driving and so you for MPV as you were all over the pitch, a Mark in the making as he always can be everywhere! Enjoyable game guys, thank you and anyone want to add please do, Pictures by Adam S xMatch Report by Lorna Previous photo Next photo1 of 16 Final Score: Highbury 4 5 vs 10 Croydon 5Craig(2)Mark(2)Callum(0)Tom(0)Lorna(3)Jane(2)Victoria(1)Hannah(0)
