This week Brooklands Poynton made the journey into rural Derbyshire to take on Belper HC. In contrast to last weeks’ opposition, Belper are propping up the table, yet to get off the mark. Despite this Brooklands were keen to produce a dominant performance, complacency free.

Immediately Brooklands controlled possession, finding themselves predominantly playing in the attacking half. However, despite this dominance Belper’s organisation and dogged defending meant the creation of clear chances to test Belper’s keeper could not be carved out. As the first half progressed frustration was beginning to show, allowing Belper to apply sporadic threats to the Brooklands’ defence, yet there was no way through for them.

A frustrating 0-0 at half time. Firm words were spoken by coach Aidan Khares, demanding the team re-focus on quality and calm intensity. Instantly from the restart, Gavin and Clough delivered slicker passing around the back and out from defence, allowing Aine Curran and captain, Jess Berry to cut through Belper releasing several dangerous attacks. Brooklands were now more composed and looking increasingly threatening on the attack. The dead-lock was finally broken on 46 minutes, from a sharp penalty corner rebound strike from Helen Turner.

Once in the lead Brooklands continued to significantly control possession, with Belper defending for their lives in the D. Aussie Jess Bestall stepped up to fire home her second goal in as many matches from a PC. The pressure continued and Brooklands were unlucky not to increase the lead, Caro Hulme particularly unlucky after great skill saw her round the keeper as the whistle blew prematurely for a PC. Eventually a third goal came from a sweet Ellen Lockhart strike to seal a comfortable victory. Man of the match went to Helen Turner.