Our Women’s team under Managers Tom Clingo and Jacob Bennett were back at grey but mild Home Call on Sunday afternoon. Off the back of 15 unanswered goals in the last three matches Clingo made four changes to the starting line as he rotated the squad. For an hour Woodingdean played six across the back making it a war of attrition. Hill huffed and puffed during a dour 1st half. However, after an amazing piece of luck and a Brogan Kirk brace Hill took the victory.
Hill kicked towards the Ashley Carr stand as Woodingdean parked the proverbial bus with no less than six defensive players. They ran their socks off, pressed well and made some robust challenges as Hill struggled to find their usual fluent rhythm. The creative spark came from from Hannah Sparshott down the right wing. Hill won several corners, skipper Alice Horton sending in decent crosses. On all occasions it was the defence who were 1st to the ball to snuff out any danger. Late in the half Rachel Walker was brought down 25 yards from goal. The resulting freekick was off target as the whistle went.
Work to do. Nil nil at the break.
Clingo rang the changes at half time introducing striker Brogan Kirk and midfield dynamo Alicia Hanworth. He also changed the shape allowing an extra player to roam up top. For 15 mins Hill had their best spell of the game looking sharp and bright. They were able to move the ball sideways and have that extra touch in mid field. New player Charlotte Rees, playing the number 10 role, increasingly having a positive influence on the game. Despite an almighty goal mouth scramble Woodingdean threw bodies in the way and then hacked the ball away.
After 70 mins Hill were provided with an amazing piece of luck. The visiting keeper had a brilliant game but made a crucial error on 70 mins. Kirk received the ball just inside the box but scuffed her shot goalwards. The keeper somehow allowing the ball to trickle into the goal. Joy for Hill desperation for Woodingdean. As Woodingdean tired late on Kirk tricked her way past two defenders to slam home the 2nd.
Huge congratulations to Woodingdean for making a real game of it and working so hard for 90 mins. Thanks for staying for a drink after the game. You guys are a credit to the league and good luck for the remainder of the season. However, its Hill who survive a thorough examination of their title ambitions and go marching on. The team are committed to keeping clean sheets and Emma Johnson at right back looked assured and commanding with any threats Woodingdean made to become the Player of the Match.
With five matches to go Hill top the league on goal difference but there is fierce title competition in the shape of Oakwood, Hailsham and the Seagals. Tom said that will be focusing on one game at a time. The next opportunity is an exciting Mid Week game against under the Home Call lights against Hollingbury Hawks on 1st April 2025 7.30ko.
