Dream Team Combo

Last week Northallerton snatched a victory from us so Driffield L3 were determined to re-set our game.
Three new faces to the team, bringing youth and experience and I had a good feeling about the day!
Batley ladies presented a solid, well drilled team who had clearly played together for a number of seasons but Driffield were fitter and faster across the whole squad.
Rolling mid-fielders Southwell, Leeson, Soanes & Pippa Lucas worked hard across the width of the pitch, moving the ball quickly and accurately, looking for the forward pass. Four minutes into the game and Bella Thompson received the ball and galloped up the wing, driving the ball through the Batley defence. Julie Pease picked up the pass and smacked it into the goal. Batley came back hard, finding a high forward who just beat our fullbacks to equalise.

New face Lucy Beachell worked tirelessly in defence, using her skill to disrupt Batley’s attacks and win a number of free hits. Pippa was well positioned to collect one of these hits and then she set-up Bella to score Driffields 2nd goal.

Driffield Ladies never let up, attacking as a team and swamping the Batley defence and winning a Penalty Corner. Kate Leeson injected the ball and Pease belted it past the GK. Driffield leading 3:1 lost a little of their momentum playing too high up the field. We failed to cover our quarter and Batley were able to make the break down the centre of the pitch and scored from Driffield's muddle in defence and then again from a PC. Half time score was 3:3.

The second half proved to be another fast paced 35minutes. Sophie Dockerty formed a great partnership with Hannah Southwell to push forward from the left and after a skirmish in front of the goal, Pease was just able to flick the ball over the GK. Pippa Lucas again shone with her speed and reflexes. Receiving a pass from Bella, she dribbled the ball the last 40m,dodging 3 Batley defenders to smack the ball into the back of the goal. Unfortunately a couple of minutes later Pippa had to retire from the match with a head injury.

An ill-judged Driffield pass was intercepted by Batley who went on to score their 4th goal, but the Ladies 3rd were able to cement a win when Bella Thompson scored from the top of the D, four minutes before end of play.

A well deserved win for Driffield Ladies who all worked hard for each other.
Player of the match has to be a joint accolade to Bella Thompson and Pippa Lucas; our dream-team.
Huge thanks to Russ & John for Umpiring and Deano at The Spread Eagle for the sausage teas.