Aberdeen Atoms (AA) V Hazelhead (HH) 26th February 2014
Match report by Katy Boyes
As always AA turned up in numbers fielding a squad of 11, while unfortunately HH could only muster 5.
This was the second meeting of the two clubs, with AA being the victors of their previous match. Based on the statistics this was looking an easy game for AA. However match nerves played a significant part in Q1 and it was not as straightforward as initially thought.
AA made over zealous passes and were penalised for a number of footwork faults. Despite HH’s low numbers they fought valiantly particularly in AA’s goal third. This forced AA to ‘work the circle’. AA’s shooting duo showed match nerves but with added knee bend they got there in the end!
At the end of Q1, AA led.
Q2 showed improvement for AA and match nerves were firmly under control. HH still remained strong in AA’s goal third with control being won frequently, but unfortunately HH was not always able to capitalise on their advantage. AA’s defence was just too strong with Millar and McDonald making great interceptions. Following HH’s strong defending, Buckley was forced to make a cheeky backline pass against the post which she scored from immediately.
Buckley’s form in the circle remained strong sinking shot after shot. As confidence grew Buckley pushed her shooting distance and made some magnificent goals.
At the end of Q2, AA extended their lead to 28 goals to 6.
In Q3, it was evident that HH’s five players were tiring. AA defended hard and try as HH did, they just could not capitalise on any short lived advantage. AA closed down all HH’s options at centre passes and frustration and fatigue was beginning to show. Great circle work by Buckley and Edgar saw goal after goal. Buckley kept Edgar on her toes with a tight pass but Edgar was on the ball and sank the shot.
At the end of Q3, AA remained dominant extending their lead further.
In Q4, HH dropped their GK to go for the all-out attack, but AA pressure saw HH still struggling to get out their centre passes. When HH did get it into their goal circle they had a goal disallowed after the GS contacted the AA GK.
At the end of the game AA proved to be just too strong for HH.
The final whistle saw a victory for AA and also sees AA remaining firmly at the top of the division 4 table.