RECREATING their pre-Christmas form in the West Clubs Women’s Hockey League proved a tricky task for Swindon as they were held to a goalless draw at Hereford in their first match for seven weeks.

Swindon, whose last outing was a 4-0 win over City of Bath on November 28 last year, were put under pressure in the first half as Hereford’s pacy young side turned the screw.

But some strong defending by Julie Lewis and excellent goalkeeping by Sarah Anstey kept the visitors in the game whilst they struggled to mount a noteworthy attack.

In the second period, Swindon upped their game, with Linda Brouwers and Gemma Scrase making positive contributions and gradually, they began to break their rusty chains, with great work between Scrase, Gael Little and Vic Stokes setting the latter free but she was denied by a robust challenge from the Hereford keeper.

In the final few minutes, player-of-the-match Anstey made another fine save, leaving both teams to share the spoils.

Afterwards, Anstey reflected on a tough game.

“We played nowhere near our capability but we are all relieved to have fought out a draw,” she said.