Ladies 3rds Vs Matlock VI's Away 24/01/09

Derby Asterdale 0 - Matlock VI's 1

Struggling for palyers this week the thirds were grateful to be able to play with a pair of more experienced players, Gill H and the return of the Whippet! Both of whom had played an earlier game and were still prepared to have another run around! Push back was 4pm and even this was delayed by previous game. The light wsa slowly dimming and temperature dropping. A pre-match chat with Dan ensured that players had a grasp of their role in the formation particularly as some of our girls were playing new positions.

We towered over the majority of the Matlock 6ths girls, in fact i think only thier goalie was on eye-level to us and words were had to keep the game safe and fun for all. With that the whistle blew and the game was on! We had first push back and were on the attack, with Jen in the centre forward postion and Whippet in centre half we were hopeful of an ealy lead. The Matlock 6th's marked us like our own shadows but we evaded them with strong passing and use of space. Before we knew it we were in their D and had a good shot at goal, only to be denied by the goalie, lucky for us the rebound led to our first short. Unluckily it was cleared by a defense who were quick off the mark and quick on the attack!

Leggy little runners seemed to zip past us but a strong mid-field and an experienced defense with Gill at the helm closed down most of their attempts and kept possession in our favour. Our paasing was something to be proud of, we were used the whole of the width of the pitch stretching paly to our advantage. With a free hit just shy of the 25, Jo M stepped up to the mark. An absolute belter straight into the back of the net, it was just a shame none of us managed to get a stick on it to make it count! On the counter attack Matlock make it into our D, some sort turf war occurred and led to Matlock getting a short. Needless to say it was denied!!

With the first half over team spirit was high, there was some great play on Asterdales part and we appeared to have had the upper edge, most of the possession and more shots on goal we were hoping the second half would bring that illusive goal.

The second half was pretty much the same as the first, the team played well together and communicating effectively, Gill's experience supporting the rear guard to not only defend during the game but helping develop our girls was much appreciated by those who recieved it. This was evident in Sara's play who was as a result nominated as this weeks man of the match. On the attack again and in their D, Nathalie had a cracking sweeping shot at the goal, it missed the right post by a hare's breath but reinforced our goal scoring potential! Two more free hits near the 25 led to Jo M scoring twice from outside the D, unlucky and a little frustrating but still the oppotunities were there we just lacked the iciing on the cake.

Time was ticking by, a free hit for Matlock in the centre third saw the ball heading sky-ward, the whistle blew for dangerous play and in her wisdom one of the Matlock players attempted a one handed catch, she is incidentally a cricketer and claimed it was her 'cricketers instincted' as clasped her hand in cold agony. Play was halted. With 10minutes to go and a goal-less game, Umpires called in the Captian's, the pitch was starting to freeze. Do we play on or call it a draw in the name of safety.

We played on, throwing caution to the wind despite having the icier end to defend, that being due to most of the action happening in our attacking half, why assume that would change! It didn't until Matlock made an attack and were given a short. Remaining focused the defense delfected it out of the danger zone, soon brought back in by an assertive Matlock player, Annie moved in for a tackle and everyone held thier breath, the ball deflected upwards, just shy of Charlottes goalie padded hand but not shy of the goal. The final whistle blew! A flukey goal and a really unfortunate result for Asterdale, however the smiles were still beaming as we walked off the pitch, everyone played really well, we felt like a team and the game was played in the spirit of the thirds three F's rule : it was FUN, FRIENDLY and FAIR!!!

Man of the match, as above, was Sara O'Donovan for an excellent performance in defense.

Donkey award goes to Jo M for scoring a hat-trick,, all from outside the D!

Thanks again to Gill H and Whippet, your experience showed in our overall play. Thanks Dan for your pre-match chats, always highly beneficial for our development. Also thank you Will L for common sense umpiring.

Oh Angie Angie Angie, these reports are soo ace.

It was great having Gill & Whippet & we saw some great play down the right which we haven't had for a while. Well done Sara on MOM. Sara, Nat & Rosie, that is the best hockey I've seen you guys play yet and it really was great to see.
And as Angie says, forget the score, we were all so upbeat after the match and really enjoyed ourselves. We played really well.

Sorry bout that goal guys.

Dan - thanks for the pre-match talks. Everyone appreciated it. More of that coach!

xxx