Tenbury Ladies Convincing winners over Worcester 2nds

Tenbury Ladies 4 – Worcester 2nds 2


There was some apprehension amongst Tenbury Ladies for their first leage match of the season. But they shocked the team that finally topped the league last season by going three up within minutes early in the first half. All the goals were the result of scintillating play. Sarah Nightingale in midfield had an outstanding match. She was constantly driving through the opposition and laying on goal scoring class pin-point passes and then tackling back in defence. She opened the scoring with an unstoppable strike from a superb move with Oli Linton, following a short corner routine. Minutes later after more pressure, Worcester conceded another short corner and Emma Hillhouse drove the ball into the back of the net having eluded two defenders. The third goal came from the ball being passed at speed from one side of the circle to the other with Tina Bickley slotting it passed the stranded keeper. Tenbury players were now dominating the match. Abi Thomas, on the right wing, also showed outstanding skill and hard work, and her speed enabled her to outpace defenders and provide a constant barrage of crosses to waiting forwards. Following a brilliant run, threading through four Worcester players, she was able to lay on a final pass to Tina Bickley to score the fourth goal from a tight angle.


The second half saw a more determined approach by Worcester and both teams played with skilful fluency. The umpires ensured a flowing game by clear, consistent decision making. Worcester got back into the match when they scored during open play and another from a short corner. But the Tenbury defence held up well, with Vicky Riley excelling herself in the midfield.

The final score reflected the overall dominance by Tenbury, for whom Sarah Nightingale and Abi Thomas were joint Player of the Match for their brilliant contributions. This was another extremely well deserved win for the team.


Closely fought match ends in a three all draw

Kings Heath 3 – Tenbury Ladies 3


After last week’s outstanding performance Tenbury Ladies maintained their excellent start to their league programme holding Kings Heath to a draw. Tenbury dominated the first half scoring three goals in close succession. The first came from a rebound driven home by Tina Bickley. After some dazzling play and attacks from Rachel Croxton, Kings Heath came under increasing pressure and conceded another goal when Emma Hillhouse latched on to a superb cross from Nikki Edwards and drove the ball into the back of the net. The team was growing in confidence with wonderful interchanging of passes from both wings. Abi Thomas, on the right, again showed outstanding skills. Her skill and speed enabled her to outpace defenders and provide a constant flow of crosses to waiting forwards. From one break threading through several defenders, she was able to lay on a final pass to Emma Hillhouse to score the third goal.

The second half saw a more determined approach by Kings Heath and both teams continued to play with skill. However, an injury to Jo Broom, who was showing great determination and courage in the Tenbury defence, led the visitors with ten players for 15 minutes during which time Kings Heath were able to get back in the game. Nevertheless, Tenbury kept their heads up, reformed and showed true character with strong defending from Michele Petrie and Jo Turvey. Kings Heath began to play with more authority and their first goal came from a scramble in the circle. The second came after a succession of short corners with Tenbury conceding a penalty flick. Kailee Hurdiss made some treacherous saves during the match especially facing a dozen short corners in a row. Kings Heath equalised from one of these late in the game although a powerful flick by Oli Linton came within inches of winning the match for Tenbury. Jessica Selfe received Player of the Match for her tight marking against strong opposition.