Driffield L2 3 - 3 Acomb L1

An unexpected cold snap had given the ladies a week off following their last win; but back in action this week they faced Acomb L1’s away. The last game against Acomb had been a physical and mental challenge and this one was no different.

The Driffield 2’s started strong with Kathryn Bumby putting points on the board for the away side within the first five minutes. This fuelled the blues and strong play from forwards, Di Levitt and Lauren Dinsdale-Young helped produce a fabulous lead up the right from Chloe Rhodes released across the D to Lauren Johnstone on the left post, this found Driffield 2-0 up at half way through the first half.

Acomb were growing anxious knowing they needed to make the points back if they stood a chance to take the game and sending play relentlessly through the middle they worked the midfield, Niclola Guthrie, Bryony Sykes, Mags Purnell and Beth Dinsdale-Young hard; however, the girls were not drawn and kept their width with Sophie Watson, Captain Charlotte Smith and Ellen Calder all sending strong balls through from the back to find high players. These were not in vain when Bumby picked up a ball sent from the back and whipped round the keeper to take the girls 3 goals clear of the home side just before half time.

The ladies were running on a high and went back out onto the pitch with a positive attitude. This was soon brought into check when Acomb bagged a cheeky goal early in the half. This knocked the ladies in blue’s confidence and there was an undercurrent of anxiety running through the team. This brought with it breakdowns in communication and trust which lead to another Acomb striker taking tadvantage of the chinks in the armour and chipping the ball around keeper Debs Nelson tho bring themselves just one point behind Driffield.

The extra pressure was felt and with the away side desperate for a win, they fought hard. However, Acomb exploited the fractures in the Driffield team and broke through once more into the D, here they did not waste the chance and, despite Nelson’s valiant efforts, they rattled the backboard once more taking the teams even with one minute on the clock. Driffield were not keen on the idea of falling from such a high and battled their pushback. Textbook hockey took them flying into the Acomb D and the first shot on goal was deflected off the keeper; a quick slip right found Rhodes in the perfect position to strike just as the final whistle blew ending the chances for the Driffield team to take the lead.

Where the first half really showed a true team spirit with fantastic communication and control of the game the ladies lost this in the second half when put under pressure which, unfortunately, led them to a draw.

Next week the ladies play Pocklington L1’s who currently sit just one point above them in the division. The game will be a fierce battle of wills on both parts, especially considering Driffield narrowly beat these local rivals 4-3 when they last played; calm and collected will be the aim. This is a home game, 12.30pb at Driffield Leisure Centre.

Final Score: Acomb L1’s 3-3 Driffield L2’s