We’ve seen some pretty dull women’s matches over the last few weeks, so it was worth taking the trip north to Bowdon to see Bowdon Hightown play Slough in the Investec Women’s Premiership and be treated to some entertaining hockey.
A look at the tables shows that Slough are in dire straights and there must be concerns for their long term future. This was reflected in the fact that they could only muster 11 squad members for the match. But despite the shortcomings, Slough did not look like a side of the verge of extinction. Indeed, over the course of the match, Slough had more than their fair share of territorial advantage. Indeed, Sally Walton’s 29th minute goal for Bowdon came as a bit of a surprise.
It was no surprise when Tina Cullen got her name on the scoresheet with a cracking goal from the edge of the circle two minutes into the second half, to increase Bowdon’s lead. But Slough continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession, and Kirsty Mackay in the Bowdon goal was called into action more than once. When eventually she was beaten, it was off a cruel deflection which just evaded her outstretched glove – Lauren Penny the scorer.
Bowdon Hightown’s 2-1 means that Slough have slipped in the relegation play-off spot after Birmingham University held Clifton to a 1-1 draw.
Although Reading have all but won the Premiership – their goal difference assures them of that – their crowning was delayed by their 3-3 draw against Olton and West Warwicks. It was a result that offers a slim chance for Bowdon to qualify for the Championship play-offs. They are only two points behind Olton.
Jess Wood scored only Cannock’s eighth goal of the season, but they went down 6-1 to Sutton Coldfield. Sutton probably appreciated the three points as it probably assures them of staying in the Premier Division next season.
Second placed Leicester beat Canterbury 3-1. Leicester have a game in hand and theoretically could beat Reading for top spot. The problem is that Reading’s goal difference is +48 as opposed to Leicester’s +15 and best that they can do from their remaining three matches is to draw level with Reading on points.
Full results are available on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk. Images from the match between Bowdon Hightown and Slough have been uploaded to our Pictures pages at www.HockeyImages.co.uk.
