HOCKEY: A SOLID all round team performance helped Olton Ladies scoop a much-needed 3-2 win against Swansea on Saturday.
The 16 strong squad stuck to the game plan of playing simple hockey and, over the 70 minutes, successfully broke down Swansea’s style of play.
The game also saw Mandy Gatherer back into the set up as she joined Kat Burns on the side line.
Saturday’s game started at great pace and within 15 minutes Sally Walton was on target when she won a flick after being stick tackled by the Swansea defence.
Olton continued to play well and broke down any chance Swansea had on goal.
Kerry Thompson-Moore acted as a brilliant pivot in the central midfield position and supplied some excellent through balls to attackers Katie Brough, Lucy Smith, Alice Conquest and Sally Walton.
The hosts continued to create chances, and they were rewarded when Lucy Smith – who bagged her first national league goal of the season – struck with ten minutes of the first half to go to double Olton’s lead.
Swansea took advantage of a passing error just before half time to bring the score to 2-1.
The second half saw another Swansea goal after a break through ball was converted.
But Olton proved relentless in the closing stages of the game. Keeper Fran Taylor had to be on her toes to stop Swansea earning a late winner though.
The game was won in the closing moments when Sally Walton managed to get a touch on Pritchard’s cross to send it under the logged keeper into the goal.
A positive 3-2 win for Olton who next week face Cannock at home.
Picture: Manjit Narotra.
