Saffron Walden 2 Colchester 0

NE14Hockey East Women's League

Division 1N

Saffron Walden 2 Colchester 0

COLCHESTER suffered their first defeat of the season away to a lively Saffron Walden.

Colchester started the game like a team that had had a long Christmas break, struggling to keep up with play and leaving players unmarked in dangerous positions. Saffron Walden dominated much of the first half but failed to create any clear cut shots on goal. By midway through the half the visitors finally managed to push forward and were rewarded with a string of penalty corners. Unfortunately for Colchester three resulting efforts were all too high from the initial penalty corner strike so the score remained 0-0 going into half time.

The second half saw much of the same, with Colchester pushing forward more but Saffron Walden looking dangerous on the break. The home side got the breakthrough on the counterattack with a clever shot slipped past keeper Jacqui Crombie. There was plenty of time left for Colchester to get back into the game, but it was clearly going to be one of those days and after another attacking breakdown, Saffron Walden broke away and scored what proved to be the winner.

Colchester remain top of the league but now have Saffron Walden one point behind them thanks to a comfortable victory.