Result : WIN 4-3 vs Imperial Medics
Match Report : Jo Price
Our earlier game against this opposition on a warm day in October was a fractious, high-scoring draw with more than a little controversy. This time around, with a home fixture, there was hope for a calmer encounter. This week the team welcomed Izzy to the forward line and Olivia in goal to share the keeping role with Erin.
Southgate began positively with good pressure through the middle and the defence able to mop up any through balls. Sarah was rewarded around 15 minutes in, when her signature drive-into- the- circle- and- shoot saw the ball stopped by a defender’s body and a PS awarded. She neatly dispatched the ball low into the left hand corner and the 5s were on the scoreboard.
A second score came from home pressure in the D and with the ball tantalisingly close to the goal it was Lynn who was on hand to push the ball across the line.
With little success down the wings Medics now focussed their attention on utilising their two strongest players by driving through the central channels and were finally able to break through a strong defensive line when a sharp hit in front of goal ricocheted away off an SG foot. Erin had had a storming first half but was unable to prevent a well-taken penalty stroke from hitting the back of the net.
Despite some lovely passing and good front running ,the second half saw some clear SG scoring chances go begging. Imperial, heartened by the unchanged score, continued to play to their strengths pressing through the centre and their doggedness was rewarded when a hard shot from the top of the circle flew off a defensive foot and into the roof of the net. 2-2 and game on!
The home side counterattacked well and a lunging tackle from the LB position sent the ball through the middle with an excellent pass from the mid finding Sophia in space and she made no mistake finding the backboard.
The opposition maintaining their belief found a gap through the middle and with player advantage their CF produced a fine solo goal jinking past two defenders and holding her nerve to slot past the keeper.
With the minutes ticking away it was going to take something special to get a win. And so it was. A slick pass from Sally running through from right back found Sarah at the top of the circle and her diving shot cannoned over the goalie’s head into the roof of the net. This was undoubtedly the most spectacular and timely goal of the season so far bringing the small crowd of supporters to their feet and with prize for the best reaction going ti Giles Weblin!
Another good all-round team performance was reflected in 7 players getting an MVP vote. Sophia narrowly taking it with 4 votes. Next up Old Uxes away 11.30 PB on 12th February.