Poor defensive display ensures Herons are beaten at Hullbridge
Eastern Avenue suffered a rare defeat at the weekend as Hullbridge Sports came out on top in a six-goal thriller.
Ashleigh Lewis-Shodeinde and Katie Peers were on target for Herons, but they returned home pointless after struggling to defend properly all game.
The visitors made a super start when Lewis-Shodeinde slotted home from close range.
Hullbridge ensured the lead didn’t last long by responding less than a minute later when Herons failed to defend a long ball properly.
Although the hosts were level and in the ascendancy, Avenue hit back to take the lead for a second time in the contest.
Peers’ effort on 11 minutes bounced awkwardly and found the net to put Herons 2-1 up.
However, that would be as good as it got for the away team.
They were struggling to find any rhythm, despite leading, and Hullbridge were able to capitalise on some naive defending from a corner to level it up.
Herons continued to look out of sorts and the hosts went in front for the first time 10 minutes before the break.
More poor defending by Herons from a set-piece allowed Hullbridge to go 3-2 up.
The away team needed to find a response in the second period, but they were restricted to counter-attack opportunities.
And they added a fourth goal in the 75th minute to virtually ensure their victory.
Herons pushed for a response and Peers had an effort hit the bar, but they suffered a 4-2 loss.
Eastern Avenue: Hynes, B Davis, D Davis, Owens, Lowther, Hudson, Lynch, Warner, Peers, Lewis-Shodeinde.
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