Blackwell hat-trick

BROOKS registered a fine win in this local derby which, as usual, was an aggressive encounter of two teams desperate to win thanks largely to an excellent hat-trick from Jane Blackwell.

Brooks were in control of this game from the off and it was going to be a matter of time and from one particular advance they were awarded a penalty corner.

Their slick corner routine worked again and Louise Whaite's drive back into goal mouth was picked up by Blackwell and the ball directed past Foxes goalie for the opener. Foxes were rattled and their passing and clearances became more wayward.

Brooks however kept their composure and with central attacker Lisa Walsh holding the ball for forward play they continued to dominate.

The second goal came minutes later when the the ball was stroked across the goal line, wrong footing the goalie, and Blackwell was there to finish the job.

In the second half Brooks continued to build attacks from deep, intercepting rushed clearances and playing a passing game that contained their energy while sapped that of their opponents.

The third goal came when Blackwell fired a pass across the D that swerved and beat the goalie from an incredible angle, giving her a hat trick. It was the goal of the season. Shortly afterwards a fourth was disallowed, judged as being struck outside the D, but Brooks were not despondent.

Late in the half Foxes strong mid fielder Annie Downer began to make deeper runs at the Brooks' defenders who had a job on their hands to contain her. Speedy Helen Warburton cleared the ball inches from the line close to the whistle and Brooks were able to maintain their clean sheet.