Womens 4 Vs Ely City 3

Saints Team:   4s (Ladies)                  Opposition:     Ely 3s              Score (SNHC first): 3-0

Venue:                        Ely Hockey Club                               

Date and PB time:      26.9.20 10.30am

Weather:         Like the depths of winter and rather windy

Spirit: Too cold to tell

First half report plus score:    

Roasting hot last week, freezing cold this week. The Saints stood shivering at the edge of Ely pitch, praying the rain would stay away. This week, the 4s welcomed new member to the club, Claire Cooper, and young Eleanor Masters from the fifth team. Eleanor was joined by her fellow teammate, Louise Abell, to give the 4s 13 for their first league game of the season.

Ely had first pushback and the Saints sprung into action, still shivering. Similar to their friendlies, the 4s dominated the first half of the match. Ely struggled to get the ball down to the St Neots end and goalkeeper, Steph, was rarely challenged. Louise Abell demonstrated development in her skills, providing some good blocks in the right defence, supported and encouraged by fellow defensive players, Ali Stubbs and Anya Poole. Claire Cooper settled right in and proved her worth in midfield. The 4s had struggled in the last friendly to find that elusive goal, but this was not the same today and, towards the end of the first half, the 4s were rewarded for their hard work. It might have been a scuffle, and the Captain may have missed seeing it (oops!) but some dogged determination by Jay Dickinson saw her place the ball firmly in the back of the net. The first half ended, and Saints were in the lead.

Score at half time: 1-0                            

Second half report plus final score:

The Saints started the second half slightly warmer and raring to go, following a supportive half time talk from Vice Captain, Ali Stubbs. Iris and Eleanor teamed up on the LW but it was the right side this time that proved fruitful. Ten minutes in and the 4s’ upbeat spirits were rewarded with a cracking strike from Becky Roberts across the D to Captain, Alex Colby, who planted the ball confidently into goal. Minutes later, Becky Roberts, still on fire, struck again and found the back of the net. 3-0 up and it felt good. The Saints continued with some excellent play throughout the rest of the match. Ali McMurray looked solid in midfield, and some well-timed tackles from Chris Deeks, Claire Piper and Claire Cooper, saw most of the second half in the Ely D. The full-time whistle blew and the 4s had their first league victory!! Roll on next week, Haverhill you better watch out!!

Final score 3-0

Best goal for Saints:   Becky’s beautiful strike, glancing the opposition, straight into the far corner of the goal

Controversial moment: Some very dubious umpiring involving the opposition, Ali Mac and some clear obstruction from Ely that did not get awarded to the Saints.

Anything else: Missing in action were Liz Owen, sadly still injured, and Bridget Bickley, this time at work!!

Where is the team placed now in the league? Top of the league!!