30th September 2009
Staines resistant in National League!
In their first match of the season at their Ashleigh Road base, Swansea Ladies won the game on all stats bar the important one in going down 0-1. Despite having more possession, territory, and penalty corners Swansea were unable to convert their domination into the win that their play deserved. With Angharad Griffiths buzzing around up front and adding experience to the youthful front line, Swansea appeared to have the bite that they were lacking in their season opener at Buckingham.
Swansea have recruited well over the summer with U18 Internationals Sophie Clayton and Rosie Bailey joining the club from Clifton and Newtown respectively. With three other significant transfers in Emma Keen (Howardians), Sian Baldwin and Bridie Davies (both from Penarth) Swansea appear to have covered the losses of Fran Caunt (retired), Emma Griffiths (to Clifton) Robyn Wilford and Danielle Jackson (both dropping down to play at UWIC). Coming in the other direction is UWIC freshman Helen Jelly (formerly Leicester H.C.) Two new goalkeepers, Angela Ninian (Clifton) and Sophie Trigg (Firebrands) both members of the Wales squad are good replacements for Llian Trew who is relishing her role as new Team Manager following knee surgery supporting Head Coach Chris Marriott in the second year of his second stint as Swansea Coach.
Swansea started a little nervously but soon got into their stride with Sian Fowler operating strongly from half back, and Kat Budd being her usual industrious self at Centre Half. Two clear Penalty Corner chances went begging and the visiting keeper came out on top in a 1 vs. 1 with Angharad Griffiths.
Staines started the second half much stronger but were still not able to get the upper hand. Despite this, a weak shot from a Staines penalty corner contrived to find its way past the Swansea defence and despite their best efforts including more missed penalty corner chances the Swans were unable to find their way on to the scoreboard.
Head Coach Marriott will be encouraged by the improvement over game 1 but will want to see the improvements turning into points sooner rather than later.
