This week, Driffield Ladies 1s played at home against Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 2s, a team not to be underestimated.

Driffield came out strong, continuing the intensity and pace of the warm up into the opening minutes. The opposition were feeling the pressure from the Driffield forwards and some good link play through the midfield created a chance for Emma Speake to get back on the score sheet and put Driffield in the lead, 1-0.

Driffield were dominating the play and were soon rewarded with a second goal when a super-human pick out of the air by Bry Holtby saw the ball make its way to Emma Speake in the D who made sure it found the back of the goal, 2-0. A momentary lapse in concentration from Driffield gave Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 2s the chance to reclaim a goal, taking the score to 2-1.

Driffield continued to stretch the opposition's players by swiftly moving the ball around the back line, awaiting the opportunity to attack. Their patience was rewarded again when a skilful run through the midfield by Keira Dinsdale-Young and some quick triangular passing allowed captain Charlotte Braidwood-Smith to find the back of the net to take the score to 3-1.

The last few minutes of the first half were quite defensive following a decrease in pace however Driffield held strong and kept Whitley at bay.

After a half time team talk from the captain and a sugar boost, Driffield were re-focused and raring to go.

The second half started with the same intensity as the first, with the forwards creating numerous opportunities which unfortunately couldn't be converted. Driffield continued to battle, putting relentless pressure on Whitley Bay's defence in order to capitalise with a fourth goal, 4-1. Some creative play from the defence into the midfield allowed Gemma Tuplin to fire the ball across the D for a great deflection by Emma Speake, hatrick hero.

Similarly to the first half, Driffield took their foot off the gas momentarily, allowing Whitley Bay and Tynemouth the space to threaten the Driffield defence once more. Some quick passing which caught Driffield off guard unfortunately resulted in a second goal, taking the scoreline to 4-2.

This gave Driffield the nudge they needed and the ladies re-focused to allow them to play their own game, with patience to create the space and opportunities to score once again. The fifth and final goal was from open play, some well-worked passes down the wing created space in the midfield for Charlotte Braidwood-Smith to take on the Whitley Bay defence with a straight strike taking the final score to 5-2.

This was another great team performance for Driffield Ladies 1s who are currently sat at the top of the table, 6 games into their new division.

Next week they travel away to play Leeds 3s.

Our thanks goes to The Spread Eagle for post match teas.

Girlie: Emma
Donkey: vicky S