WILLS DOES A WILKINSON TO COST BADGERS VICTORY

By Gemma Wilkinson

The Badgers had a point to prove this week as they faced off against Canterbury at Badger Field. After losing 5-1 to the visitors in the first half of the season the home team were fired up from the start to reclaim the bragging rights.

The Badgers started strongly and instantly piled the pressure on the Canterbury defence who seemed unable to get the ball past the half way line. A number of driving runs by the trio of broxbourne midfielders Emily Wilkins, Gemma Wilkinson and Kay Finch saw a series of attacks probe deep into the Canterbury D.
The Badger's front line were able to get on the end of a number of penetrating passes and it was only some excellent saves from the Canterbury goalkeeper that kept the home side from scoring.

It was in the last few minutes of the first half that the Badgers finally got the goal they deserved. Emily Wilkins was through on goal before a horrifically mistimed tackle by the Canterbury defender resulted in the award of a penalty corner.
A perfect routine between Lisa Banahan and Wilkinson allowed Wilkins to strike the ball into the bottom corner to give the home side a 1-0 lead at half time.

Unfortunately the break did them no favours and it was less than a minute into the second half that a truly spectacular tumble from Wills left her team outnumbered in defence, this led to a break away goal that was perhaps Canterbury's only chance of the game. Distraught, Wills was comforted by teammate Wilkinson who herself suffered similar humiliation in last years mixed cup fiasco.

The home side got back in control after the after the shock goal and Canterbury never really looked like scoring. Anytime they came near the Badgers goal, defenders Becky Watkins, Tor Stacey and Banahan dealt with it calmly leaving keeper Freya Green with nothing to do.

Despite good pressure by the Badgers and late chances from Kerri Marshal and Charlotte Skipp they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Despite feeling as though they had squandered two points; after two straight defeats, the Badgers were able to see the positives in the form of an improved performance and will look to build on this in the next two weeks before the February break.

Wills however, must be feeling pretty nervous about selection for next week's away match against Sudbury!