So close in Horncastle mixed 7's tournament

Amanda, Taran, Kath & Marie all did the club proud in last weeks mixed 7's tournament at Horncastle, but sadly controversy in the semi final almost certainly robbed us of yet another trophy.

Game 1 was a tricky match against the home team Horncastle but thanks to a tremendous strike from Ross (1 st XI left back) right into the top right hand corner from 12 yds out we managed to hold on for a 1-0 opening win.

Game 2 again saw another tricky match against Kestrals - a mix of Grantham Ladies and past men players - both Marie and Kath scored in this game and despite a late consolation goal from Kestrals we were 2 wins from 2 games and feeling confident.

The key match of the day was Game 3 against the current Champions Newark. This is where all 4 ladies were to play a huge part in the match. Taran up front was continually making terrific runs and Amanda on the wing was up against probably the best female player available to Newark, but comfortably kept her at bay with great tenacious play and driving forward runs. It was 2 guest players from Lincoln men though that scored in this game to give us our 3rd win on the trot this time 2-0.

Game 4 was against an unknown quantity in Spilsby. Again though it was our ladies that shone through with Amanda and Taran both finding great space with good movement inside the 'D' only to be thwarted time after time by excellent goalkeeping. But 2 more goals firstly from Kath then Marie late on secured our 4th win to put us in the semis with a game to spare.

Game 5 against was a dead rubber against Louth, with both teams already qualified through to the semis and a 1-1 final scoreline was fair with Taran scoring for Derby.

The Semi Final was against eventual winners LEADENHAM and unfortunatley was surrounded by some controversy and questionable sportsmanship. Leadenham opened the scoring from a well taken strike but Derby battled back well with several opportunities going just wide or snuffed out by a very well organised defence.

But here comes the realy sad parts of the day....


After a break out by leadenham their female striker was in collision with our guest keeper and managed to stay down for a good 5-6 minutes. With 15 min 1 way central timing the rules stated that time would not be stopped for injuries!
As she eventually took herself off the Leadenham players had managed to persuade ANOTHER PLAYER FROM ANOTHER TEAM to come on for them!

There then followed another break out and as the Leadenham winger crossed the ball from the right, the Center Forward controlled the ball quite clearly with the back of his stick to take it around the keeper and score the 2nd goal. Despite some low key protests the umpire allowed the goal much to the small embarrassment of the player concerned. In fairness to the umpire he didn't see the back stick as he was probably still a little bleary eyed from all the beer he had been drinking all day while umpiring the friendly games with a Grolch in his hand!

With Derby pushing to get back into the game gaps began to appear and another well taken goal put the match beyond Derbys reach at 3-0. But we played on to the end and Amanda scored a well taken consolation goal but it was too little too late as the final whistle blew ending our courageous attempt today.

The value of having a full squad was evident as the whole team was still going strong right to the end. With every player playing in every game there where major contributions from all. With 6 of our 9 goals coming from the ladies and every Lady scoring you can see quite clearly the influence we had on this mixed tournament.

I want to thank Amanda, Marie, Kath and Taran for all there efforts today and give them my condolences for not winning a trophy - I think we were robbed! But ce la vie.

See you all soon.

Andy Taylor