Wolverhampton 3, Stratford Ladies 4

AS the halfway stage of the season nears the top of Midlands Division B is very close.

Before Saturday's game Stratford were lying second with Wolverhampton close behind, stressing the importance of the game. It was also a difficult fixture with the memory of last year's heavy defeat lingering in the sub-conscious.

The pre-match warm up went well and Stratford hoped for a confident start.

Wolverhampton spoiled their hopes, starting at full pace and pushing Stratford back on to the defensive. The pressure yielded an early goal as a wide shot deflected off a forward's stick and into the goal.

Stratford appeared shellshocked but tried to put their game together by passing and moving and they did begin to get some possession.

The home side, though, attacked down the right and put in a good cross which was again deflected into the net with only 13 minutes gone.

Leadership qualities

Rachel Kent and Wendy Richards showed their undoubted leadership qualities by encouraging and organising the defence and the rest of the team.

This positive lead was taken up by their colleagues and Stratford began to play the sort of hockey of which they are capable.

The latter stages of the half saw them come more into the game and they began to control midfield and created several chances to score but were unable capitalise.

The second half got off to the ideal start. After only a few minutes Lucy Peacock played the ball to Kate Heritage in the middle of the pitch and she moved the ball on quickly to Sarah Charlton who was storming up the right.

She, in turn, drove up the wing and produced an excellent cross for Lara Naylor to deflect into the goal even though under pressure from her marker.

This wasn't only a breathtaking goal but also a crucial one as it turned the game.

Stranglehold

Stratford now gained a stranglehold on possession and played some outstanding hockey. A midfield passing movement lead to a straight ball from Naylor through to Clare Hassall, who got behind the last defender.

Her shot was saved but the keeper was now on the floor and, as Hassall tried to get to the ball, the goalkeeper fouled to clear it and the umpire was on hand to give a penalty stroke.

Heritage stepped up and coolly slotted the ball into the net.

Wolverhampton surged at Stratford from the restart and a shot was stopped on the line by a defender's leg, a penalty stroke was given and a third home goal was scored.

This setback didn't last long. The mental strength of the side is becoming exceptional and they carried on where they left off, passing the ball quickly and effectively and, just five minutes later after considerable pressure on the Wolverhampton defence, one of the short corners produced the equaliser.

After the initial short corner had broken down, the ball fell to Hilary Finnis, she turned, found space and hammered the ball home.

Ten minutes to go and the scores tied at 3-3.

Stratford pressure continued and several short corners later Heritage hit one of her trademark rockets into the corner and Stratford were ahead for the first time.

The final minutes saw Stratford play possession hockey only allowing Wolverhamp-ton one attack as the clock ran down to complete an excellent performance and a very professional ending.