News / Hockey women reach district cup final
SHETLAND’S hockey ladies have made it through to the final of the Scottish District Cup after eight years of trying – and will face inter county rivals Orkney in the final at the end of April.
Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Madras FP at the Aberdeen Sports Village earned Shetland a place in the final after reaching the semi-finals five consecutive times.
Coach Brenda Leask paid compliment to the players and described it as “a great team effort with all the lasses buying into a new formation and giving maximum effort in muggy and warm conditions after practicing in the wind and snow all winter”.
“We used all 16 squad players and everyone made a contribution to this victory,” she said. “We know we will have to continue to improve to have a chance of beating Orkney, but that’s our objective. We welcome all supporters who would like to travel down to the final and cheer us on.”
Madras FP proved resilient and determined opposition, but Shetland controlled the game and scored their goals at critical moments in the match.
The opening goal came from a well-worked short corner when a Kristan Robertson shot was prevented from going in by the body of a Madras defender. Nicola Balfour stepped up to coolly dispatch the resulting penalty flick low to the goalkeeper’s right hand side.
In very warm conditions, fitness became a major factor and Shetland found a strong second wind, in no small part due to the endless hours of training the girls have put in over the winter.
The second goal arrived when Rhea Nicolson was in the right place at the right time to slot home after a powerful run from Robertson.
Shortly afterwards Emma Inkster scored the goal of the match from a well-rehearsed penalty corner with a powerful drive after a decoy first strike.
After the third goal Madras enjoyed a period of sustained pressure but Shetland defended strongly and never looked under threat.
Player of the match was Inkster with a super goal and relentless wing play, which always had the Madras defence on the back foot and created openings and space for her teammates to work into.
- Shetland’s hockey players incur significant personal expense travelling to the mainland to represent the islands in this national competition. They would be extremely grateful to any organisations or businesses that would like to assist them in any way. Please contact treasurer Maggie Kay Irvine at irvine9lb@btinternet.com if you can offer any support.
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