Confederates’ place in the women’s Premier League Hockey top four is under serious threat after the young Feds girls lost 2-0 to Bathurst St Pat’s on Saturday.
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In a third-versus-fourth clash, St Pat’s scored twice in the opening 35 minutes through Julie Hanman and then Amy Glenn to shoot to a 2-0 lead.
That’s where the scoring ended, too, as both sides’ defences held firm, but Feds coach Fiona Reith said St Pat’s first-half showing was as clinical as it gets, at both ends of the field.
“I think after one of their goals I just applauded. St Pat’s were too good,” Reith said.
“And really, after they lost last weekend to Parkes, it was like poking the bear. They were very good.”
Feds remain in the top four following the loss, but now sit on the edge of the finals places, and only on differential.
Ex-Services’ one-goal win over Parkes has jumped the Orange club to a share of 26 competition points with Confederates, making for a juicy second derby of the 2017 season this Saturday.
The girls were gutted after that loss.
- Feds coach Fiona Reith
After being in the top four all season, Feds now face the real possibility of missing the finals.
“I wouldn’t say we’re under pressure, but the girls were gutted after that loss,” the Feds coach added.
“And that’s a positive. It means a lot to them, winning and making the finals.
“Which shows you how far we’ve come. This time last year the girls would have been happy if a 2-0 half-time scoreline didn’t blow out to 8-0.
“A lot of the girls in the team now are new faces, and they haven’t been here for five years of losses.
“They’re determined to make an impact.”