MATCH REPORT

The ladies 2s were without their leader today although why Bedford couldn't play hockey and then sprint down the aisle in her green skort I just don't know! However we were determined to do her proud and it is fair to say the team battled hard for their 2-1 victory over Spalding 3s. It was clear for the first 15 that everyone was a little rusty after the enforced break due to the weather and at moments looked like they were still dancing on ice as they scrambled to find their position. The calming influence of Cooper and Hales kept things steady as everyone settled . Welcoming more back to hockey players into the fold of the ladies 2s Smith and Hoyles soon made their mark and were a credit to Woodheads coaching. They slotted in and worked hard in midfield and defence with Hoyles using her fitness to chase down every ball that was going free. It was an unfortunate fall of the ball that saw spalding go ahead as L. braginton took a cruel deflection into the back of Suttons own net that wrong footed Braginton junior in goal. Despite this the troops rallied and with manager Andrew getting a feel for the game and making some timely substitutions the team had the opportunity to finally capitalise on some of the long penetrating balls from Oldershaw Ellis. With Laming battling on the wing and coming away with a long corner. Cooper found Hales who sent a rocket into the d for Petty to get behind and lift over the young Spalding keeper. With the game level it was Sutton who looked the more composed. Sutton absorbed considerable pressure at times and Gray, Warrick and Smith were called on several times to hold players up just enough to let Oldershaw Ellis and Cooper clear the d . It was from another long Oldershaw Ellis ball that the second goal came as she powered it down to Laming who took the first shot, followed up by Wilson who yet again had run the length of the pitch to be thwarted by the Spalding defence but Petty was there to slot home her second. Half time broke the Sutton stride a little and allowed Spalding to organise some speedy attacks down the left wing. But Sutton showed their grit defending and breaking away for he rest of the half unlucky not to bag another as Ludlam and Wilson made headway for Synott and Petty to try and convert. Tired legs saw some short corners conceded in the last five minutes but once again the defence were up to the challenge as they were charged down and deftly cleared. A great start to the new year, a promising start for some new players and a well deserved player of the match for Oldershaw Ellis.