EG Ladies met Sonning Ladies 1’s, at Bracknell, in the quarter final of the EH Vase competition. 

Sonning showed their intentions from the first whistle, beginning at a fast pace and immediately penetrating the EG circle.  Indeed, they scored after just five minutes, having forced several errors from EG defenders.

EG responded well and gathered composure and momentum.  The EG midfielders worked hard to support both the defence and forwards, in particular Emma Pearson made several crucial tackles on the left.  Briony Bray and Steph Baggett worked hard up front, and threatened Sonning with their pace and skills.  However, the Sonning defence were both experienced and solid, regularly breaking down EG’s attacking moves.

The score was levelled after 17 minutes with a goal from Vicky Griffiths, following clever play down the left from Caroline Judd and Emma Pearson.

Sonning maintained the pressure on EG and continually tested the EG defence.  In goal Nikki Robinson made several key saves and worked hard to clear the ball out of the circle.  Louise Shaill had a busy time at sweeper, working hard to control the defence.  However, the Sonning forwards worked very effectively in groups, making life difficult for the EG wing-backs Ellie Farrow and Caroline Judd.

Following some rather scrappy defending from EG, Sonning scored on the follow-up to a penalty corner shortly before half-time, making the half-time score 2-1 to Sonning.

The second half was well fought, at a fast pace.  EG created several chances of their own, with Steph Baggett and JoJo Blunt both winning penalty corners for EG.  However, the Sonning defence was well organised and did not give the EG forwards many scoring opportunities.  JoJo Blunt and Louise Keith both came close to scoring but were denied by impressive saves from Sonning on the line.

As the second half progressed, Sonning’s superior fitness began to pay off as EG’s work rate declined.  Sonning capitalised on this, scoring their third goal 20 minutes into the second half, following an overlap on their left.

Spurred on by their travelling supporters, EG did not give up.  Pauline Joseph and Steph Baggett worked well together on the right, assisted by some clever runs by Louise Keith and Helen Prinsloo up front.

EG scored a consolation goal one minute before the final whistle, from a short corner.  An accurate injection from Pauline Joseph and clever play from Nicky Hampstead created the opening for Vicky Griffiths to score her second goal.  The final score was 3-2 to Sonning and EG’s run in the EH Vase thus came to an end.