HERTFORDSHIRE FA KICKED OFF THEIR 2018/19 CAMPAIGN AWAY TO MIDDLESEX AT RECTORY PARK.

An entertaining match, played with a continuous background accompaniment of Diwali fireworks, ended in a 2-0 defeat for Hertfordshire.

The visitors found themselves one-nil down in the fourth minute. Paige Laidler released Chloe Sampson, whose cross was headed home by Lavana Neufville.

Middlesex then had several more scoring chances with Ashley Cheatley making several dangerous runs through the middle. She attempted to lob the Hertfordshire keeper, Yasmine Walford in a one-on-one situation but Walford got her fingers to the shot. Moments later, Cheatley fired just over the bar and Walford saved well from Paige Laidler.

Cheatley ran through the defence again but slid the ball across goal and wide of the far post, then Royston Town’s Becky Fisk impressively cleared off of the goal line after Cheatley had rounded the keeper.

However, the hosts managed to double the lead in the final minute before the interval, through debutant Alessandra Barreca, who shot on the turn into the corner of the away net.

Although Middlesex dominated the second half territorially and had most of the possession, they were unable to add to our goal tally. Hertfordshire defended well and continued to deny the home side from capitalising on some good approach work.

MIDDLESEX

Lizzie Rose, Sheryce Slater, Chelsea Orridge-Golding, Page Laidler, Mara DeLuca, Rachel Keightley, Sue Gyamfi-Kumaning,  Ashley Cheatley, Chloe Sampson, Alessandra Barreca, Lavana Neufville.

Subs: Justine Buckmire, Anya Kinnane, Kasha Petit, Kara Howes.

HERTFORDSHIRE

Yasmine Walford (Royston Town), Katie Farrell (Harlow Town), Katie White (Hitchin Belles), Becky Fisk (Royston Town), Erin Davis (Cambridge City), Ellie Lovelock (St Albans Ladies), Sammy Edger (Royston Town), Jess McNamara (St Albans Ladies), Molly Norman (Enfield Town), Eva Ramsey ( Royston Town), Becky Scott (Royston Town).

Subs: Charlotte Bolland (Watford), Charlotte Hindmarch (Stotfold), Kelsey Millen (Pro Direct Academy), Danielle Maloney (Watford).

Match Report: Jim Taylor