Ladies 2nd 4- Matlock 3rds 2

BATTERED, BLOODIED, BRUISED BUT TRIUMPHANT

It was a nervous 13 who turned up at Wirksworth this morning, but with our new penalty corner routine ready we knew we could upset Matlock. This only works though if we win some short corners! Never mind we'll keep that plan for next Saturday.

Still who needs penalty corners when you can settle for goals, and that's what today brought. In the first minute Claire won the ball, direct pass to Anna, straight across the D to Lucy who calmly converted with her 1st touch. It was looking good but very fairly we decided to let them get a goal back to make the game more interesting. With Anna and myself off the pitch nursing injuries (wimps), Tracey decided to make her mark and slide the ball through the goalies legs for number two. Ellie then made a fantastic block when a Matlock forward ran through on her own to maintain our lead at half time.

Although we also practised defending penalty corners on Tuesday, Matlock did have several and after T made one tremendous block, we did feel they needed another goal for all their efforts.

T now needed injury break time so time for Jan to do some defending. Also time to stop messing about and win this game. Ball across the D from Tracey and Lucy met it full on with the softest touch I've ever seen to completely wrong foot the G.K. Another break saw Anna shoot just wide of the far post, but it was just a sighter and next opportunity there was no mistake. 4-2. Shezza then got in the way of a lifted ball full on the pad, but being the tough cookie she is got up and played on, even facing the free hit which somehow she gave away for this incident. She now has 3 stitches in a shin wound. Better be fit for next week.

A very rewarding if somewhat painful day. Thanks for all the support, it was very welcome. Nice to receive comments from various parts of the sidelines. Also thanks to Paul for a good day with the whistle.

Runner up M-O-M went to Ellie who had a great day in goal, but was won by Lucy who was brilliant on both wings and in front of goal.

Congratulations from us all to Kelly.

Well done ladies.

You handled the pressure of this key match superbly. Lucy’s goals were well taken and to score 4 away at Matlock is no mean achievement on its own, but it took more than just the goals to get your rewards today.

Great all round team play at times with some quality goalkeeping from Ellie gave you a great foundation for the result we all wished for.

Onwards and upwards now ladies, its in your own hands, continue to do the club proud and the rest will take care of itself.

Andy
Ladies 1st XI Coach