Ladies 1st XI Vs Southwell Brincliffe United 3

Southwell Brincliffe Ladies XI trotted on to their home pitch, burning to recover from a very narrow defeat earlier in the season by us and keen to overtake us in the league positioning.

South were fully aware of this zeal and Captain Eleanor (Rock of Gibraltar) Wallace gave a rousing pre-match briefing to her team. Eleanor said that Southwell were hard on our heels in the league and would pounce on any error by us.  We had to play it wide and be quickest into picking up any loose ball. Our team sprinted on to the pitch with all cylinders firing, to encounter an all-guns-blazing series of highly competent fast attacks by Southwell Brincliffe.

Our returning keeper (just back from Texas) Elizabeth (They shall not Pass) Turner provided a brilliant and steadying “barn door” of defence. Beyond Eleanor at sweeper, Fiona (Greyhound ) Sweetman and Jo (Barrier of the Pyrenees) Shaw, gradually began (with initial difficulty but with great effect) to counter Southwell’s tactics.

0-0  as Caroline (the Incomparable)  Brackenbury in South’s centre midfield began to take a firm grip in a controlled, constricted and clinical performance. Sheer artistry to watch.

Caroline kept swinging the ball wide each way, to open up opportunities for speedy buzzing wingers nimble Alex (the Spear) Stevenson and Sophie ( the Tiger ) Runciman to try to sprint round the back of the Southwell defence and to drill crosses to our lurking centres.

Also playing vital roles in midfield were Emma (Speedy Gonzales) Roberts  and Sophie (Swift to Pounce) Atkinson. Swift, purposeful, highly-skilled impetus and put to great effect. Back to tackle, up front to support and creating in midfield. More artistry.

Rose (Crafty) Cartwright flashed through the tiniest of gaps and created a stunning opener.  Then twinkle-toed Lucy (Strike Force) Lloyd followed this with an exquisitely taken goal, apparently created out of nowhere. Then Sammy Markwick pierced in (like the sharpest of Arrows} and lashed a thunderous shot into the far corner. 3-0.

Southwell demonstrated great attitude and fighting spirit, encouraged by a growing army of enthusiastic vocal supporters but just could not manage to get past South’s “barn-door” of Elizabeth Turner in goal and sweeper Eleanor.

Then our Becky (Comet) Humphris stepped up with her stardust. With tireless tenacity and dynamic dexterity, her co-forwards Lucy Lloyd, Sammy Markwick, and Evie (Shooting Star) Bates kept spearheading deep penetration. They cunningly kept drawing defenders, leaving Becky Humfris inadequately marked for their cunning little inside passes. And so Becky took advantage of this highly planned teamwork to score 5 sublime goals to make it 8-0.

Euan Temple comments that Becky is “one of our very best attackers. An undimming, undiminished force”.

 Eleanor Wallace adds “We had a game plan and stuck to it. The result was a priceless 3 points against a really good opponent. We are now lying 5th in the league, just ahead of Boots Ladies”

Thanks to our band of loyal supporters. It was lovely to see Gemma Robinson on the touchline, even though not playing today, and Mike Bates with his camera. Photos will go on the club website, and thank you to Mike