Brookfields 1 Preston 1

ONCE again Brooks knew that they had to start the game with 10 and were missing a couple of key players but they had expected their opponents, who also usually struggle to make a team, to be in the same position -- but not today.

Preston arrived with a full contingent plus two reserves. Brooks knew they had a heavy task: the team had to be rearranged to accommodate for the absentees but the heart was there and they played their socks off in a bid to maintain their position at the top of the league.

Sue Langan played a commanding role as central defender and set up some fine attacks with her clearances, as did Claire Thompson working hard on the right and Caroline Smith pushed through some telling final balls.

Patterson came closest to scoring mid way through the half. Preston's goalie left an open goal mouth as she covered her right post to deny Jane Blackwell a shot, instead the latter passed back to Patterson and but for the quick covering of Preston's central defender who blocked the shot -- her strike would have opened the score line.

Brookfields continued the pressure and soon afterwards Linda Dunstan saw her shot rebound, luckily in the direction of Patterson who slammed the return to the right of the goalie for the first of the game. Late in the half Marianne Neale arrived to make up the team and with Preston rattled, Brookfields played out the half in control.

On reflection maybe Brooks should have made some positional changes at the half but with things as they stood, they retook the field. Preston came out strong, they had made changes and their attacks were more telling.

Niki Hunter, Lanagan and Neale had to make decisive tackles. Jolanda Argentina in goals also had her work cut out and she made some fine saves finally being beaten by an excellent strike by Preston's right attacker following a penalty corner. Brooks were disappointed but they continued to battle.

Late in the half the chance came, a Preston attack broke deep in Brook's half, Patterson cleared the ball upfield to Blackwell lurking in Preston's half and well to the rear of their last line of defence.

Bets were on, it was a cert. Brooks top scorer had only the goalie to beat to take the lead. Money was lost as Preston's goalie ran out blocked Blackwell's vision and her push to the right flew past the goal post, disbelief for Brooks but elation for Preston.

Brooks and Preston always have a tight game and this was no exception, the strength of Preston's defensive three the usual deciding factor and this match was no different as they thwarted Brook's attacks. Brooks maintain their lead at the top of the table but the gap has narrowed and the remainder of the season will be tight.

They are still interested in new players, so anyone who fancies a go should contact Emma on (01257) 411951.