BRETFORTON Ladies over 45s are London-bound once again after seeing off Wolverhampton & Tettenhall 2-1 to reach the final of the Investec Tier 2 Over 45s Women’s national competition.
With the advantage of a home draw, defending champions Bretforton stepped up to the mark against a strong Wolverhampton team and they did not disappoint the supporters who came to cheer on the Pink Ladies on a wet and windy day.
Bretforton made a blistering start with strong midfield play from Lisa Workman and Sophie Hamilton and, after the ball was passed out wide to Julie Hall on the right, the first threat to the Wolverhampton goal came from a cross from Hall to Andrea Cole who could not quite get her shot on target.
Midway through the first half Bretforton rewarded the crowd with the opening goal when a fine run from Workman ended with her crossing the ball into the D and it was deflected off the stick of Lewinton into the path of Cole on the left post who swept the ball home.
The Black Country side rallied well and, despite firm defending from Dawn Thatcher, Blanche Surman, Sylvia Thomas and Sally Privett and some smart saves from Vicky Watkins, the visitors drew level before the break.
With wise words in their ears from manager Sue Barker, Bretforton emerged for the second half showing fighting spirit and great work from Workman and Hamilton in midfield kept the pressure on.
The visitors defended stubbornly but were threatened when captain Workman won a short corner from which a fine injection by Danielle Cox almost paid dividends.
At the other end, Watkins made some outstanding saves to keep her side level, but Bretforton continued to look dangerous on the wings through Hall and Cox.
The winner arrived when Cox was on hand to convert from a tight angle on the rebound and, despite ten minutes of pressure from Wolverhampton, the hosts held on to book their place in the final against Canterbury on April 27 at Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre.