Both teams started off playing very
sluggishly due to the humid weather conditions. Newmarket missed a
couple of early chances to score but a short corner was awarded
after 17 minutes to Newmarket from a ball hitting a St Ive's
player's foot. This was swiftly converted by Lydia Fyson deflecting
the ball past the keeper. St Ives were woken up by this change in
the score and looked to be controlling the possession but they were
soon left feeling deflated once again with a goal coming from Di
Thomas edging the ball around the keeper after some skilful link up
play coming from the midfield.
As with recent past games Newmarket
went into the second half 2-0 up, and were determined not to let
their guard down. They reflected on advice from Newmarket coach
Colin Seakins to keep possession and not to panic when under
pressure, even if it means passing backwards. With this in mind
Newmarket scored 4 minutes after the break. The move started from a
sideline hit which saw Mel Cummins switching the play to Lydia
Fyson. This took St Ives by surprise and Claire McDonnell passed the
ball to unmarked Tracy Cockerill who swept the ball into the bottom
left corner.
Newmarket were now full of energy and
capitalised again through town's leading goal scorer Claire
McDonnell. This came again from a free hit that found McDonnell
waiting on the penalty spot where she calmly slotted the ball home.
St Ives were still battling and made
some terrific runs but Sue Bullimore showed great agility in goal to
keep a clean sheet. Clodie Rolph was on hand to clear a couple of
balls off the goal line and she showed great strength in her
movement and clearances.
Perhaps the most comical moment of
the game came from a bizarre goal by Di Thomas. She managed to reach
the ball just before the keeper could clear it. The pair were left
flat out on the ground leaving the ball to trickle over the line to
give Newmarket five goals in total.
Newmarket Captain Sam Smith who made
some quality runs up the pitch commented that she "was very pleased
with the result, particularly the play in the second half. We
have drawn from our experiences in training and have immensely
improved our passing and awareness. The team spirit is very high and
we look to continue the rest of the season in the same positive
manor."
The ladies next game is away on the
28th and their opponents are Bourne Ladies 3rd team.
