Hearts go one better this week

HITCHIN Hearts won on home soil against the league leaders Sharnbrook. Hearts won by the odd goal in five at home ground Ickleford after the previous week s 3-3 away draw. Overnight rain and galeforce winds made the match all the more difficult for both s

HITCHIN Hearts won on home soil against the league leaders Sharnbrook.

Hearts won by the odd goal in five at home ground Ickleford after the previous week's 3-3 away draw.

Overnight rain and galeforce winds made the match all the more difficult for both sides.

Becky Saunders set up Ollie Olsson twice in as many minutes.

A goal was the reward the second time, Jade Turner closing in on an Olsson cross for a shot but it was a defender trying to make a clearance that deflected the ball into her own net.

With half time approaching, Turner played the ball wide to Saunders who crossed low for Olsson to tap home number two.

Then, right on the stroke of half time, a defender handled a cross to allow Saunders to score herself from the penalty spot.

Hearts, holding a three-goal lead, now had the task of facing the vicious wind.

The back four of Tracey Ross, Ronnie D'Amico, Sam Porter and Georgie Mumford held firm as they were tested to the full.

Player of the match Mel Sayer made the first of three tremendous saves until eventually a breakthrough was made.

Sharnbrook had another effort ruled out for handball before a goalmouth scramble following a corner saw a sliced clearance go in off captain Paula Hawkins.

Hawkins, Saunders, Laura Ravenscroft and Sade Dunstan worked hard in midfield to continually break up Sharnbrook attacks while creating openings for the forwards.