Price strikes twice to boost Banbury ahead of tough trip

Charli Price struck twice as Banbury thumped Spencer 5-1 in Saturday’s South Club’s Women’s Hockey League fixture.

The success means Banbury remain fifth in division two ahead of this weekend’s trip to Brighton & Hove, who lie one place above them but only on goal difference.

Banbury started well and had an early attack which was quickly turned over and Spencer raced down the pitch to take the lead. But Banbury recovered from the early setback and Lyndsey White forced a short corner from which Price hit a sweet straight strike home.

The home team got into a good rhythm with some strong defensive play from Lauren Woodwiss and Becca Edwards which helped set Natasha Nunneley up in the D and she popped the ball around the Spencer keeper to give Banbury the lead. Another short corner for Banbury saw Price again slam the ball into the bottom corner to give the hosts a 3-1 lead at halftime.

Coach Sadie Lapper kept Banbury on their toes during the interval and even though Spencer came out strong after the restart the home team were not going to let them through. Banbury countered their initial attack and won a penalty flick which Natasha Nunneley neatly put away.

Spencer did not give up and kept trying to break through Banbury’s defence but the home team stayed strong and put into practice the strength on the ball they have been working on in training. Aveline Cruickshank put the final nail in Spencer’s coffin as she scored Banbury’s fifth goal.