Tough Derby

Intra club league games are difficult and it is far from a given that the higher side will win, with the various strengths and weaknesses well known.

The 4s started strongly but creating a clear cut shot in a crowded D proved challenging. As so often this season we needed a short corner to break the deadlock, Claire Jefferies-Wilson firing in a rebound to calm a few nerves. Ball movement was too slow though and the 5s swarming defence successfully blunted many attacks whilst threatening a goal on the break if the 4s weren’t prepared to match their opponents’ energy. A settling second goal came from a high turnover which put Bella Bridgeman clear to score her first senior goal.

Halftime saw a request that the ball be moved faster to tire the 5s out and give us some space to play in. This we started to do which penned the 5s in but chances were at a premium against a packed defence. Kathryn Mitchell made the game safe ten minutes in with an opportunist strike from wide that took everyone by surprise. The final goal came after a driving right wing run by skipper Ella Addison. A deliberately bounced cross caused chaos and Kathryn was on hand to grab her second.

This was a tough game. We had to battle for everything against a 5s team that should finish high up the table. Particular thanks to Katie Huddart for stepping up to keep for us in a game where she ultimately saw no action.

Next week is our second visit to the seaside for a game against Felixstowe 2s.