on their losing streak against West Herts, a team over which they demonstrated superior technical ability, pace, fitness, and determination, but by which they were outplayed in organisation and finish.

Despite having lost their number one runner to a dislocated shoulder the previous week, Cambridge’s containment of set pieces was impressive. Even as West Herts besieged Cambridge keeper Vicky Evans, the Blues looked sure-footed in defence, although their inability to then distribute led to frustration among the front three, whose dynamic runs went unrewarded.

It was with fifteen minutes to spare in the first half that West Herts were finally rewarded for their pressure, drilling a short corner slip into the left hand corner. This was shortly followed by a second as the umpire awarded a penalty stroke after Evans unintentionally obstructed play, the ball slipping under her pad.

For a moment, Cambridge looked like they might come back into the game after Rachel Quick picked up a beautifully measured ball on the top of the D and was unlucky to miss the far post by inches; however, after a another West Herts strike found the net just before half time, such hopes seemed unfounded.

The second half followed almost exactly as the first: Jess Hume was denied by a quick-footed keeper, and sustained pressure on the West Herts goal did not have the same results as the opposition who managed a further three in the second half. Returning after being sin-binned for a cynical tackle, Bec Langon found the goal after a well worked string of passes and a searching cross from Jess Hume.

Unfortunately, such inspiration was patchy for Cambridge, who were ultimately let down by a lack of polish in their distribution and finishing.