After a poor performance last week, a better display was needed from the Ladies 1’s against a team placed 3rd in the league and pushing for promotion, Basingstoke 1’s.

Unfortunately, the game didn’t start well for Salisbury, conceding a short corner within three minutes which was expertly converted by a powerful Basingstoke strike.

Salisbury however did not allow their heads to drop and worked hard to implement the key things practised in training and drilled in during the pre-match team talk; Work hard off the ball, first to every ball, simple passes and never give up.

Salisbury began to create chances, especially down the right-hand side through defender Catherine Payne pushing high and the speed and skill of player of the match Emma Packman. With Salisbury unable to capitalise, it was Basingstoke who snatched a second, with their continued pressure and quick transfer of the ball.

Salisbury knew that with continued fight they were not out of the match. From the first whistle, Salisbury continued to press and put pressure on their opponents forcing them into errors.

READ MORE: Salisbury Hockey Club: Men's 1s earn hard-fought point

With the skill of Issy Viant and the speed, energy and distribution of midfielders Sophie Hayakawa, Emily Rowlands and Kate Parker, Basingstoke began to show cracks.

Ladies 1's battle hard but fall short of victory (Image: Matt Salmon) The pressure was finally rewarded when Packman was fouled and a Basingstoke player was shown a yellow card. At the resulting short corner, the team’s top scorer Nic George comfortably converted with a neat lift to the right of the keeper.

With Salisbury buoyed by this goal and looking for the equaliser, Basingstoke stole their 3rd of the game through a very quick break which left defenders stranded and the keeper with no chance in a two-on-one.

Salisbury still not giving up, scored their second of the game after fantastic link-up play, started from Clover Crosse in defence and culminating in a fine finish at the back post from Sophie Hayakawa. 3-2 but despite pressing Salisbury were unable to get an equaliser.

This might not have been the three points Salisbury wanted, but a good performance against a good side will lift them for future games.

The Men’s 2s had a tough season since gaining promotion last year. Last week they moved off the bottom with a draw against top-of-the-table Swanage and Wareham. This weekend they beat Chichester 2-1 thanks to goals from Bailey Hannaford and James Brewin and will hope that this is the start of a good run.