Derby Asterdale Ladies 3rds Battle Hard Against a Strong Burton Squad

Many of the ladies 3rds arrived at Wilsthorpe bright and early this morning to give our support to the 2nds in their big game (well done ladies just one more game and it's yours). The weather was so great we stayed to watch the men's match and take in some sun - good times!

After the remainder of the team turned up a little late (tsk tsk) we set about preparation for the match in a rather unique position. Having already won the league we were quite relaxed about the game, but all agreeing that we wanted to finish the season unbeaten decided to go for the win.

Burton started very strongly and played some great hockey from the off, we defended really hard and managed to keep the ball out of the net. We had some great breaks and started to turn it around. After about 20 minutes we had a free hit (was it in the attacking 25?) either way Heather sent a great ball into the D, Helen fuelled by Jaegermeister got on the end of it and sent it strongly into the goal 1-0!

Some great play continued, end to end stuff in the warm spring sun. Half time came with a lot of red, sweaty faces apparent - though no one wanted to take a breather. On the restart the end to end play carried on. As the minutes ticked by though Derby started to take control of the game. Some lovely passing I think from Molly and Helen at about 22 minutes produced the second goal as Fuzzy created a bit of a dummy to allow Emma to sweep a shot in from the right post 2-0.

The third goal followed shortly on about 25 minutes as yet more great passing allowed Jo to make a great reverse stick strike near the top of the D that the Burton defence just weren't expecting. A quick formation change bolstered the defence (not that Hilary, Tammy and Annie needed it!) and we saw the rest of the game out with Burton pushing really hard aiming for that consolation goal. Final score: 3-0.

Another great team effort to be celebrated, it has extended our lead at the top and taken us 1 step away from an unbeaten league season. The grit and determination in the team always seems to win through, this is done with a great team spirit. Everybody plays their part and gives it their all, this is evidenced every week with the amount of players who get a vote for player of the match.

Player of the match was shared by Molly and Emma who both covered so much of the pitch today. Thanks so much Ali for umpiring on your birthday - you are not only a great player but also a brilliant umpire! I hope the cake helped to make it worthwhile Thanks also to everyone who came to support us, once again it made a massive difference.

1 match left to go and then we can really work on celebrating!

Sorry, I totally forgot to say who won the donkey award - it went to Heather for her wardrobe malfunction on Tuesday night which ended up with injury and blood We wish her a speedy recovery....photo will follow at some point.