Newmarket knew their home fixture against Cambridge South, joint
leaders in Division 1 Cambs league was going to be a tough game but
one they needed to win. Town's depleted side got off to a positive
start with Di and Gail McDonnell applying pressure from the start.
Some great interlinking between Di and Tracy
produced a few chances but Newmarket failed to convert. Against the
flow of play Cambridge opened the scoring when a fast cross was
after some deliberation deemed to have crossed the line off a
Cambridge stick.
Newmarket soon regained control when a quick hit
out was taken by Mel Cummins. Beth Wombwell sprinted after the hit
and directed it towards Marie who wasted no time in smacking a
lifted ball past the Keeper from the edge of the circle in great
style. Cambridge were not without their share of chances in the
second half. Sue Bullimore was forced to make some spectacular
gazelle like saves and Sam Smith blocked three hard hits from short
corners in the skipper's usual brave style.
Newmarket always looked dangerous with runs from
Tracey and Marie on the wings and Di and Beth in the centre and
their persistence paid off when a short corner was awarded 20 mins
into the second half Di converted the penalty with a convincing
strike and Town were in the lead for the first time in the match.
Cambridge continued to apply pressure until the end but a brave team
performance saw them hang on for a 2-1 victory.
