Welwyn Garden City ladies go clear at the top

Anna Geaves for WGC (Image: Archant)

With everything to play for the Welwyn girls started the game well enough but it was an early breakthrough from Shefford which fired the de Havilland based side into action.

Player of the match Becky Llewellyn joined the game soon after the goal, having missed the start due to traffic problems, and was soon stamping her authority on proceedings.

Combining well with Kay Dobney and Michelle Webster in midfield she was soon putting pressure on the Shefford defence.

WGC’s efforts were rewarded midway through the half when Welwyn were awarded a penalty corner. Dobney’s shot from the top of the circle was tipped in at the post by Lizzie Owen, beating a defender on the line.

Welwyn took the lead following an excellent passing move between Llewellyn, Webster and Owen on the right hand side of the pitch which set Llewellyn clear for a run along the back line. Her pull back across the face of goal was met by Jane Kinghorn on the far post who gave the keeper no chance to save.

With the score 2-1 at half-time Welwyn started the second half determined to build on their lead and they were soon rewarded following a penalty corner when Dobney struck the ball home from the top of the circle.

Dobney was involved in the fourth goal when she flicked on to Sharkey, in front of goal, to push the ball home. This had been following a run down the right by Llewellyn whose pass into Dobney wrong-footed the defence.

Sharkey added to her tally after an excellent through pass from Kinghorn left her with only the keeper to beat. Her first shot was well saved but she pounced on the rebound to slide the ball home.

Sharkey then made it three after Anna Geaves’ shot was heading straight to the keeper to save and Sharkey stepped in front to tip the ball in.

Current top goalscorer, Geaves, had a couple of further chances to add to her season’s tally, as she was put through on goal by Llewellyn, but she was denied by some fine goalkeeping and desperate defending.

Owen added the final goal after some interplay between Geaves and Kinghorn found her unmarked on the far post.

Welwyn continued to press for goals right to the end of the game knowing that goal difference could have a bearing if they slip up in their last two games.

However, Welwyn are now four points clear at the top after their nearest rivals, Leighton Buzzard, dropped points with a draw so they go into their next game, against Broxbourne, knowing that a win will see them claim the league title with a game to spare.