Driffield L2’s were back on home turf this week to face City of York 3’s. Having played and lost to York 2’s last week the girls needed a win to secure their position on the league table.

The away side started with the pushback and immediately put pressure on the Driffield defence but Sophie Watson, Ellen Calder, Helen Holdsworth and Mags Purnell were quick off the mark reacting well and ensured York did not have the opportunity to build on their strong start.

As the game pressed on the two teams were very evenly matched; the young, fit Driffield side frequently outpacing York on the ball but they were often too bold and were met by skilled defenders who broke down the attack. Both sides were testing each other for weakness and a lucky break from the visiting side at 25 minutes saw a York forward come to a one-on-one with Driffield keeper Riona Welburn. Despite Riona closing down the players options well and a great dive the York forward was faster and managed to get points on the board for her team.

The teams battled on and Driffield were not without their chances, forwards Harriet Dobson, Di Levitt, Ash Cowton, Bry Sykes, Lauren Dinsdale-Young and Chloe Rhodes managed to earn themselves 5 penalty corners in the first half but were unable to convert any of these into a goal in spite of their efforts.

Captains Charlotte Smith and Jenny Dawson gave solid advice to the ladies at half time aiming to refocus the team and strengthen the midfield; Jenny, having to watch from the sideline due to injury, was able to offer extra guidance on gaps in the Driffield play and kept subs rolling to ensure fresh legs were available where they were needed most.

Despite this, the second half saw much of the same. The midfielders, Nicola Guthrie, Beth Dinsdale-Young and Alice Walker worked hard, defending and attacking in equal proportions and the forwards, again, making some promising breaks only to be closed down by York. The Driffield defence were also not out of a job working hard to prevent York from extending their lead.

As the game came into its final minutes the hope of a win or even a draw was fading but the Driffield girls still kept fighting holding the play mainly in the opposition half yet, still, they were out of luck. The team had faced a very physical match against a strong side and came off the pitch battered and bruised but with the bitter taste of defeat in their mouths they will almost definitely come back fighting next week when they travel to Shipley to take on Airedale L1’s.

Thanks as always to Bob at The Spread for post match refreshments and to the umpires Russ Kulmbacher and John Shepherd.

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