Better. :)

After some recent demoralising games, determination and hard work resulted in a well deserved if unexpected win on Saturday for Ladies 3rd team. Our opposition University of Leeds 4 currently sit 2nd in our Division having won 6 and drawn 3 matches.
Captain Soanes re-structured the team to accommodate the strengths of a couple of new team members; Rosie Field and Chris Davies.
From the onset Driffield Ladies controlled the game. Midfield Soanes, Southwell and Goodlass worked to maintain the link across the centre of the pitch, intercepting the Leeds passes and forcing Leeds to make mistakes.
When under pressure Driffield moved the ball back to the fullbacks; Falkingham and Beachell who were then able to pass wide to wingbacks; Welburn and Davies.
Hannah Percival scored Driffields first goal 12 minutes into the match from a clear pass from Field up the right wing. Hannahs speed left the Leeds defence behind giving her a free shot at the goal that sailed past the GK.
The Uni girls were clearly rattled but Driffield kept to their game plan; not holding onto the ball too long and working in groups of 3 across the pitch.
The young forwards; Clemmi,Sophie and Hannah constantly moved position and into clear space. The Leeds defence struggled to block their shots on goal. Sophie scored Driffields second goal with a great reach to deflect a shot into the corner of the goal. Half time and Driffield Ladies were buoyant with a 2:0 lead.
The second half and the University girls advantage of 5 subs and fresher legs was starting to show. A determined forward attack by the Leeds team enabled them to take a couple of shots on our goal. Our GK Debs Nelson showed her experience and kicked one shot clear and another she dived to knock the ball clear of the corner post. Unfortunately the constant pressure and crowding on top of our D resulted in Leeds finding a gap in our defence and they scored from a deflected strike on goal.
Our lead narrowed to just one goal and still twenty minutes of the match remaining, Driffield Ladies stayed positive with the older team members influencing the mood.
Phoebe Goodlass worked tirelessly in midfield, running the ball down with Southwell in centre controlling the direction of play.
Driffield forwards had a number of shots on goal just going wide until Sophie won us a penalty corner by turning into an attacker. Immi Spear injected, Lucy Welburn took the strike and Immi just got her stick to the ball to deflect onto the backboard.

Final whistle and Driffield Ladies were elated to claim 3 points and a well deserved 3:1 win over Leeds Uni 4.
We play the same team next week but on their home turf !
Thanks to Rebecca and Lev for umpiring and The Spread Eagle for match teas.
The whole team put in 100% and supported each other but Phoebe was voted girlie for her tenacious game.