Way to Go Whittaker ! Derby Ladies 1st XI 5 – 1 Northampton

Derby Ladies 1st XI 5 – 1 Northampton

A superb hat-trick from Rachael Whittaker helped secure a terrific win today at Wilsthorpe for the Ladies 1st XI and maintain their 100% record and poll position at the top of Midlands Feeder East.

With the team talk concentrating on making sure we play to our strengths today we set about Northampton from the off.

After just 1min 40 seconds we again got the perfect start with an early goal as Taran found space, slotting home from close range. The “vocal” coach from Northampton was not happy to say the least at the ease in which we scored our first and his day certainly got worse as on just 11 minutes Rachael slammed home her first of the day and our 2nd to ease the pressure a little.

For the 1st time this season we relaxed and played our passing game, with the clean ball coming out of defence the midfield constantly did there stuff finding the wings and forwards with ease, who once again enjoyed terrorising the visitors defence.

With us constantly pressing you felt that just one more goal was going to be enough to seal the win and it was Rachael who gave us that comfort. The call went out from the coaches for the set play corner routine, excellently executed it was Rachael who found space and time to slam the ball home. Hi 5's from the coaches as the team went in well ahead at half time 3-0 up.

The team talk at the half was about ensuring we put the game even further away with an early breakthrough in the 2nd half and a target of a clean sheet for the defence.

OPPS !!!

As the 2nd half started the ball did find its way into the goal, unfortunately though it was at the Derby end! Not ideal as the volume once again rose on the sidelines from the Northampton coach. Derby 3 – 1 Northampton.

But we didn’t have to wait long for the 3 goal advantage to be redressed and for a little hush on the sidelines as following a now typical thumping strike from Kath Lee (it actually rolled over the line so slowly we never thought it would actually get there!) in it went and Derby were now 4-1 up.

With the team being rotated the game got a little scrappy but we were never in any danger of throwing the game away.

The final word though belonged to Rachael.

As the clock ran down we were awarded a penalty corner. Skipper Marie stepped up for the strike. The ball came out, Marie shot and the keeper got to the ball and pushed it away only to find the waiting Rachael inside the ‘D’. As Rachael started to wind up the shot the Neutral umpire (at the other end of the pitch) blew his whistle for full time, but Rachael had got her shot away and the ball crashed against the backboards.

But the umpire gave no goal as the final whistle had gone. After consultation though with the engaged umpire the rules were upheld and Rachael had her 3rd and Derby had their 5th.

Derby 5 – 1 Northampton

Coaches’ summary:

A fine fine day. We passed the ball so well, our lead runs and wing play was superb. The front pairing of Rachael and Taran just tore the Northampton defence to pieces at times, but it was the workhorses in midfield that enabled the whole game to go Derbys way.

Its finally starting to click, that’s 4 wins from 4, it doesn’t mean too much just yet, but we are setting the standard in this league, having said that we must keep our feet on the ground.

I know we have already beaten last seasons Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and now Northamptonshire Champions but there are still a fist full of tough games to come.

The girls are just clicking, Skippers leading by example and the relaxed feel to the whole game today was wonderful.

Happy times at Derby Asterdale, its great to be on top.

Match day 4... forth win perfection

The opening goal coming so earlier allowed us to relax and play some really excellent hockey..
Every player gave 110% and the coaches can't ask for anymore than that.. Well 120% would be good.. Jokes !!!

Wish I could be there next week for your game.. I'm sure if we play like we have been doing this season, 5 straight wins is more than possible

Oh, one last point to make.. Lisa, truly awesome

Cheers

Ass Coach