Womens 4 Vs Long Sutton 2

This Saturday saw St Neots Women's 4s make the long trip north to meet Long Sutton Ladies 2s. In stark contrast to last week, the team were significantly depleted in numbers, and Long Sutton Ladies on paper appeared to be formidable opposition, being unbeaten and having only conceeded one goal in the season to date. Still St Neots would not be put off by this and saw it as a chance to change those statistics!

This week also saw Amanda Rout very kindly reprise her role in the team to boost numbers beyond the bare 11, although not as goalkeeper this time, but chief outfield substitute. And boy did she prove to be a valuable asset.

This match was a perfect demonstration of outstanding camaraderie and teamwork, as well as excellent hockey skills and reading of the game. The Saints started strong and many chances were to be had in Long Sutton's D, created by beautiful passing and linking of play from the defence, through to midfield and up to the forwards. It was seamless, and the team were like a well oiled machine. But misfortune was to strike as, at 20 minutes in, Captain Alex Colby went down on the pitch twice in quick succession, her left ankle well and truly sprained. Limping off the pitch, frustrated and disappointed, she spent the rest of the match propped up with ice, taking advantage of the very rare chance to watch, admire and coach her team from the sidelines. Game on, Amanda Rout, now newly promoted to Centre Forward. 

With a quick reshuffle of the midfield, the team resumed play with a vengeance. They were not going to let this set back affect their game. There were lots more chances of a goal before half time, but try as they might, St Neots just could not convert. Long Sutton hardly had a look in down the Saints end. 

After a quick half time pep talk conducted from ground level, the 4s were out for a goal, and they didn't have to wait long. Some superb play from Marie Quintilla saw her make a beautiful pass across the D, to a perfectly placed Amanda Rout, who confidently swept the ball straight past the keeper into the back of the net. Her first goal in over 40 years, to say she was ecstatic was an understatement. The team were beeming from ear to ear and their Captain could hardly contain herself. 

Despite being a goal up, the 4s did not let this go to their heads and kept their concentration firmly on the game. Even when they were tiring in the last few minutes, and the midfields' legs felt like they were wading through treacle, the team kept their composure and continued to play to the excellent standard they had done throughout the game. The final whistle blew, St Neots had won, and Long Sutton's unbeaten run had come to an end. 

As the team thanked the opposition for an enjoyable match, their Captain couldn't have been any prouder. The performance that they had put in today was second to none despite being disadvantaged by lack of numbers and injury. All the team played superbly.

Notable commendation should be given to those members who played out of their normal position, to Eleanor Masters, Willow Browne and Marie Quintilla who all competently and with great skill took on midfield, to Julie Lewis who bravely withstood a whole match in defence, and to Amanda Rout who demonstrated cracking goal hanging ability.

However, there could only be one player of the match. A very well deserved second place went to Mia Herbert, who played some beautiful hockey today, blocking Long Sutton time and time again from getting anywhere near scoring, at one point single handedly! Her development and confidence in her skills really showed in this match.

But first place went to a player who has become integral to the 4s midfield. We thought we had lost her to college and other commitments this year but she couldn't keep away. Her first class skills were on show throughout the match today, she was always there in support of her fellow teammates and she has shown great development in her game reading skills. The accolade of player of the match goes to Callie Wicks. 

St Neots Ladies 4s headed home on a high, 4 wins out of 5 and a solid top three league table place. Watch out Pelicans, here they come.