A mass of sideline supporters turned
out for the top of the table crunch derby game between Newmarket and
Ely ladies teams. The match produced good quality hockey and plenty
of goals.
Town were well prepared for the
strength of Ely and after seven minutes Di Thomas put the home side
in front after immaculate link up passing with Beth Wombwell.
Precisely seven minutes later Lydia Fison stepped up to the
challenge and blasted a short corner play into goal. This left Ely
examining their defensive methods as this was the first time they
had been behind all season.
Newmarket were not done and increased
their lead from a short corner where Fison slipped short to Thomas
who swept the ball first time into the bottom right hand corner.
Town’s spirits were high as they entertained the crowd with superb
launches of attack. They were working beautifully as a unit and
communicating very positively.
Tracy Cockerill ensured Town were 4-0
up before the break. Being perfectly positioned, she nudged the ball
home in a goalmouth scramble.
Ely clawed their way back into the
game after half time as Newmarket relaxed prematurely. After twelve
minutes the visitors looked strong and produced two goals off well
worked short corners. Claire McDonnell was swift in her reply to
this and strode into the D beating two players and chipped a ball
past the keeper. The tempo increased again and Ely stole possession
and capitalized once more by wrong footing Sam Smith in goal,
bringing the score to 5-3. A fresh wave of enthusiasm from Town gave
opportunity for the midfield to stretch their legs. Isabel Hooley
and Sarah Haird intercepted a string of balls and released coolly to
their team mates out wide.
Tracy Cockerill again hit the
backboard. She seized upon a bobbling cross and guided the ball into
the left side of the goal confirming a gallant and memorable victory
for Town.
The ladies have a break next weekend
due to postponement before they meet Peterborough at home on the 17th.
