Newmarket Hockey Club

Newmarket Hockey Club
Ladies 07-08

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Saturday, 8th December 2007. Cambridgeshire Ladies' Premier Division - round 10
Cambridge South 1	3 - 3	Newmarket Ladies 1
		Haird 2 Thomas

The top of the table tussle between Cambridge South and Newmarket Ladies did not disappoint as both teams were determined only to settle for a win.

Cambridge were quick and slick to start, utilising their wings and confidently running at defenders. Newmarket in contrast were slow to get going and found themselves on the back foot. They were perhaps apprehensive due to key players missing.

Cambridge broke down the left and managed to force a short corner. The injector presented an accurate ball to the waiting player at the top of the D, who shot, and with the help of a deflection Cambridge South were a goal in front.

Newmarket rallied to take the pressure off the defence with Sam Smith hitting well out to her wings and Isabel Hooley making some fine clearances. Cambridge again hit the backboard from a short corner but Newmarket were not deterred and remained confident.

Town kept themselves in the hunt and scored, also from a short corner. Sarah Haird who is the Newmarket injector, was perfectly positioned to knock in Lydia Fison's shot on the post.

Town's spirits were soon dashed as left winger Tracy Cockerill was forced to leave the field after gaining a hand injury and with two minutes of the half remaining, Cambridge South were awarded a short corner. With all Cambridge team members crowded around the D, Newmarket were baffled as to where the shot could come from. The ball was switched right and a skillful touch put the ball past defenders and keeper to make the score 3-1.

Town eager to fight back, dug deep and superb runs from Tania Parker and Hayley Stoneman refreshed Newmarket's challenge.

Jasmine Wombwell started winning a lot of lost passes in defence and Newmarket slowly began to dominate and found themselves in and around their opponent's goal. A ball on a foot created a short corner which gave Town the chance to get back into contention. Sarah Haird slipped a ball beautifully around the keeper to convert.

Cambridge South now looked a little nervy and rushed their passing giving Newmarket the opportunity to break. Lydia Fison released a ball to Rachel Allen on the right wing, she squared it to Beth Wombwell who linked with Di Thomas. Thomas with her back to goal swivelled and shot at the top of the D where the unsuspecting keeper could only watch as the ball bobbled over her hand to make the score even again.

The last ten minutes both teams seemed unable to gain momentum but Town finished slightly stronger. Sue Edwards was awarded Player of the Match for her outstanding goal keeping which surely saved Town from their first defeat this season.

The final 3-3 scoreline leaves Cambridge South still edging Newmarket in the table. They are level on 25 points but due to goal difference Cambridge are on top. They have played an extra game so this leaves Newmarket in a strong position and in charge of their own destiny.

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