City ladies suffer narrow play-off loss

Southampton suffered a 1-0 defeat by Amersham & Chalfont in their South Women’s League Division 3 promotion play-off – but the loss has heightened their desire to gain a top two automatic promotion place next season.
Amersham, who finished third in Division 3A, pounced on some hesitant Southampton defending early in their second half to snatch the all-important goal.
But were indebted to their goalkeeper for a brilliant save which denied Sue Merry a potential Southampton penalty stroke equaliser soon after.
Reflecting on the disappointing defeat, Sue Merry said: “We played the better hockey, had more of the possession but could not score that vital goal.”
“We continued to attack and kept the majority of the play in the Amersham half with some further chances, but alas it just wasn’t meant to be.
“The score remained 1-0 at full time and we remain in South Div 3B – but ready for automatic promotion next year with a goal of finishing top of the league!
“It was a well fought battle after a cracking season for the ladies 1st XI.”