Guernsey hold their nerve from the spot to progress
GUERNSEY had the winning ticket as their first match in the new Women’s Tier Two Championship went down to the dreaded penalty strokes.
In a hard-fought and entertaining contest despite the constant heavy drizzle that swept across Footes Lane from first whistle to last on Saturday afternoon, they and London Wayfarers could not be separated after 70 minutes and, in truth, neither deserved to lose.
But a draw – in this instance, 1-1 – is not an option in the national knockout and the visitors missed their final two strokes in the shootout to send the Greens into the next round.
‘I’m pleased for the players and it is important for us to have these matches as something to work towards and something to train for,’ said Guernsey coach David Wray.
‘They showed a lot of grit and determination today.’
Just before the half-time interval, Guernsey made the breakthrough.
Izzy Whalley won a short corner from which Tasha Symes’ bouncing shot found its way into the net with her sister Bianca getting the final touch.
It was only a matter of time in the second half until the equaliser arrived and when it did, after 43 minutes, it was a cracker with Nicola Mollison’s drive giving Atkinson no chance.
Despite both sides continuing to threaten, penalties were required.
Early on in the shootout, Purcell made an excellent save from Izzy Whalley while Atkinson came mightily close to stopping the first three Wayfarers efforts but all went in.
But when it got to the business end, the outstanding Mollison put her stroke wide and Emma Dunn hit the post.
With Underwood, Liz Dudin, Katherine Bushell and Hubbard all successful for Guernsey, they were through.
Full report in Monday's Guernsey Press.
