Ladies 1's Match Reports

Bicester Ladies I 3 vs 0 Gerrards Cross Ladies I

The away fixture was a very close affair with Bicester stealing the winner in the final minute of the game. Up until the last 10 minutes of this game there was a suspicion that the return fixture would go the same way with a late winner for either side.

Bicester dominated possession from the start but the extended lay off caused by the snow clearly took effect as Bicester failed to capitalise on a string of good chances. These chances included two one on one opportunities falling to Charlotte Cochrane and Lilla Venning. Although Bicester were dominating the game, Gerrards Cross were very dangerous on the counter attack as their defence was able to provide an accurate long ball to either of their two forwards. This tactic caught Bicester out a few times but dame of the game Joanna Underhill was the only Bicester player who seemed to have improved with the Christmas break, pulling off a string of last gasp desperate saves to deny the visitors.

Nerves were beginning to fray as Bicester continued to besiege the Gerrards Cross goal without success, until Charlie Humphreys byline cross wrong footed the defence; providing Charlotte Cochrane with a simple tap in from 2 metres out. This lead did little to settle Bicester as Gerrards Cross still threatened to score on the break and Michelle Dexter was called upon to save a shot on the line. With five minutes to play the game was made safe. First when Janet Southam’s penalty corner strike was deflected by a defender into the net and then with two minutes to play Tara Cochrane was able to dribble to the top of the D unchallenged and had all the time required to place her sweep shot in the bottom left hand corner and put the game beyond doubt.

7th November 2009

Bicester Ladies First XI was back to winning ways again with a comprehensive win 5-1 against Abingdon Pilgrims. After squandering a number of goal scoring opportunities early on, Bicester went ahead after 20 minutes with a strong strike from Janet Southam. Abingdon were quick to counter attack from the restart and the game was soon levelled at 1-1. After a disallowed goal and some flared tempers, Bicester went in to half time rather frustrated. After a stern word from Captain Charlie Humphreys, Bicester regained their discipline and played an exemplary second half. Charlotte Cochrane found the net from a deceptive angled shot from the right and then Charlie humphreys took the side to 3-1 with a sweet reverse angled sweep. Abingdon continued to contest strongly for the game, putting considerable pressure on Bicester’s defence but were denied any more goals by strong defence throughout. The game was put out of doubt by Lilla Venning who scored the last two goals from lifted sweeps from the left. Dame of the Game was Janet Southam for her domination of the centre of the pitch and for creating huge space for goal scoring opportunities. The team currently sit top of their division.

19/9/09 Bicester Ladies 1st 3 vs 1 Sonning Ladies 3rd

Bicester Ladies 1st team opened their Trysports League Division 1 season with a 3-1 win over Sonning 3s.  Bicester started the match brightly, putting Sonning’s defence under pressure from the start.  However, a break from Sonning led to Bicester conceding a harsh penalty flick and the visitors took an early lead. Bicester continued to attack well, creating plenty of chances but still failed to convert, at half time Sonning had managed to hold on to their lead.  The second half started in much the same way with yet more Bicester opportunities being missed, nevertheless Bicester played through their frustrations and the forwards were rewarded for all their hard work when Lilia Venning pushed the ball past the Sonning keeper to bring Bicester back on level terms. The goal seemed to give Bicester extra confidence and soon the early frustrations of the match were forgotten as Janet Southam scored Bicester’s second with a well placed strike.A full time penalty corner more than sealed the game as janet Southam scored her second with an accurate flick as the clock reached it’s final second to ensure a fine win for the Ladies 1s. Hannah Newell was the player of the match with a quality performance in midfield while the whole team should be proud of an excellent start to the season.

12/9/09 Bicester Ladies I 3 vs 4 Banbury Ladies II

A close fought match between these two sides who on paper are a league apart with the Banbury side playing in the higher league. The ladies I’s first game on the new pitch could not have got off to a worse start as Banbury attacked aggressively and scored within the first two minutes. Going a goal down focused Bicester on the job in hand and a midfield battle ensued between both sides with neither side dominating. Chances were few and far between for either side and it took a defensive mix up by the Banbury defence and the resulting obstruction preventing a shot on goal by the Bicester attack provided Janet Southam with a penalty stroke which she calmly converted.

Bicester could have gone two up, when Charlie Humphreys powerful cross was deflected goalwards by Charlotte Cochrane. However the umpire deemed that the ball had not crossed the goal line before ricocheting out.

Banbury then took the lead from a well worked short corner putting the ball just inside the right post and out of keeper Joanna Underhill’s reach.

In the second half Banbury increased their lead catching Bicester on the counter attack but Bicester were soon back in it with a well worked penalty corner routine enabling Charlotte Batty to score from close range. Banbury then regained their lead when Underhill saved the ball but a Banbury winger pounced on the loose ball and scored from a narrow angle. Bicester once more reduced the deficit with a goal mouth scramble and Lilla Venning having the final touch but with time running out Banbury came away victorious.