Stanton, an avid Newhaven fan told me before the match that their Women’s team had recently played Fulham, Sutton United and Dartford. Let’s face it our new squad were in for a tough evening at Fort Road. Conditions couldn’t have been any better on a breathless, warm evening on a wonderful 4G surface. Newhaven’s ground is very well appointed with a brilliant two tier stand and ample seating behind the ‘town’ end. Floodlights in good order across the whole ground. The huge Transmanche Ferry docking in the harbour adding to the drama.
Hill kicked off decked in resplendent purple kits towards the fort end. They were well ordered for the opening spell, competing high up the pitch. The hosts weren’t allowed to dominate possession or territory. However, on 20 mins Newhaven took the lead with a 20-yard driven shot high into the net. It certainly wasn’t a que for heads to drop. Indeed, Hill battled on well including some breath-taking saves from the keeper. The hosts went two up on the stroke of half time.
The third and forth goal were scored mid-way through the 2nd half. Hill rallied for a brilliant twenty min spell where they played some neat one touch football and nearly got behind a solid defensive line. In truth and as Stanton had alluded to the Dockers showed their higher level by adding a 5th goal late on.
Manager Tom Clingo said ‘I couldn’t be any prouder of the team, we actually saw how we wanted to play. Newhaven are a fantastic team, and we have to that into perspective. We could have had a couple of goals, and we pressed in the right areas. We are peaking at the right time and are very much looking forward to our 1st league game on the 8th September. We play Oakwood away who are a very strong team. We are buzzing for it!’
Bowman says ‘Huge thanks to Newhaven for hosting and allowing our squad that opportunity to travel and play in a very competitive game. Our new Women’s team would have learnt a lot from the experience. Perhaps we could look to host you guys’ next August here in Mid Sussex. Good luck for the season. Forgetting the scoreline for a moment there was a lot of great things from our team this evening. I think the squad and management team would have gained a lot from the whole experience not least travelling away mid-week and playing under floodlights. You showed some excellent patterns and determination out there which will stand you in good stead as the league programme finally gets underway. Just keep working hard in training, listen to the coaches and increase that fitness. Keeper Catherine Love receives the Player of the Match award for several wonderful saves and commanding her penalty area’
The team are back in action on Sunday 1st September 2pm at the Homecall in their final preseason game. Make a date!
Tom Clingo chats to Hillians TV following the Women’s team pre-season friendly with Newhaven.
