Archer strikes twice as Baileans earn a draw

Cannock 3

Matlock followed up their win over Olton by hosting third-placed Cannock on Saturday and sharing six goals with the West Midlands side.

Having previously lost to Cannock away, the team were this time raring to go against a well-organised visiting side.

Early in the first-half the Cannock attack broke down their right hand side and their forward slipped the ball to an unmarked player on the post to slot it in the net.

Shortly afterwards, Cannock then broke again to score their second.

Matlock kept their heads up and made many good attacks, forcing Cannock into their own half before Sarah Archer pounced on a defender’s mistake in front of goal to calmly slip the ball into the back of the net.

Matlock kept the pressure on and excellent individual skill from Lenny Beacham saw her get round Cannock’s defence to calmly slip the ball to Archer to score her second.

Matlock came out strongly in the second-half, putting more pressure on the Cannock goal, but it was Cannock who took their chance with their forward reverse stick hitting the ball into the top of the net.

Shortly after this a Cannock goal was disallowed which spurred Matlock on and more chances were created and Cannock kept the hosts at bay until they earned a penalty corner which was coolly smashed home by Laura Boddy.

Matlock continued to battle but were unable to get another goal to take the three points.

With great saves from Alison Millyard and good performances all round it was Archer who got the man-of-the-match award for the second week running.