Slough Held to 0-0 at Clifton

Braving conditions so inclement that Kali swapped his trademark shorts for trousers, an excitable Slough team sprung out of the traps keen to bounce back from a disappointing display and result against East Grinstead the previous week.

Enjoying the better of the early chances, Slough dominated their hosts, pressing well from the forward line and through midfield. Early chances fell to Emma O'Nien, Christie Fearnside, and a Penalty Corner (PC) from a Dilly Newton slip injection also went begging. Luckily for Slough, Clifton Robinsons could only manage breakaway opportunities, which were easily smothered by Flor Nogueira and Asha Tranquille-Day: the latter from a penalty corner.

Leanne King was in imperious form at full-back, twice denying opposition attackers in the circle. Unfortunately the forwards couldn't quite match the form of their defensive teammates, as another PC was not converted just before half time.

Clifton clawed their way back into the game early into the second half, earning two PCs in the process: both harmlessly missing the target. After weathering the hosts' initial onslaught Slough continued to play well, excellently marshaled by Betsy Parsons in defence.

Despite a flurry of plastic for Lizzy Totten and Amy Sheehan, the Pink and Blacks (in Pink) should have been much more clinical from the five PCs they earned in the second half if they wanted any more than an equal share of the points.

The game ended 0-0 after a tame final play; Clifton Penalty Corner was saved by Asha's outstretched stick.

Holcombe arrive at Upton Court Park next weekend, with defensive surety and attacking decisiveness being the key takeaways from this venture to the West Country.