Ladies 1st XI Vs Trent Vale 1

South Nottingham Ladies team sprinted out against higher-placed in the League Trent Vale Ladies. Three main objectives. First, to play to Team Strengths, second to seek with a win to improve League position, and third to have a lot of enjoyment against a highly competent friendly rival.

Right from the start, South were constantly pressing to win the ball, pinning opponents back into their own 25. But Trent Vale had other ideas. Buzzing like irritant hornets about South’s defenders Eleanor (Rock of Gibraltar) Wallace, Freya (Meteor) Beaumont and Jo (Barrier of the Pyrenees) Shaw. And Trent nearly scored in the opening minutes by a deflection, but a brilliantly athletic save by  keeper Elizabeth (they shall not pass) Turner sent them back.

Trent Vale’s keeper later blocked a powerful shot by Evie (Shooting Star) Bates but Becky (Comet) Humfris silkily swept home the rebound, to make it 1-0 to South. Relieved cheers from the increasing number of South’s vocal supporters on the touchline. The rising tension in the spectators was immense. These included Steph (the Wall) Hagerty, presently on maternity leave, but happy to keep up the level of our enthusiastic support

Emma (Speedy Gonzales) Roberts and Gemma (Jet-Propelled) Robinson had outstanding games in midfield. They must have tracked back and forward  so ably  for absolutely miles, in creative support of team mates.

A bit later, a shrewd pass by midfielder Sophie (Tigress, Swift to Pounce) Atkinson found Ruby (Rocket) Ryan unmarked on the wing, who slipped it inside to Lucy (Strike Force) Lloyd to drill home flawlessly from a tight angle, to make it 2-0 to South. Phew.

Trent Vale’s control and movement were excellent. It was not long before Trent got a goal back to make it 2-1. Half time and all to play for.

Trent Vale piled on massive pressure, but South’s defence did not buckle under the tenacity. Then  a stunning team-passing sequence was started by Caroline (the incomparable) Brackenbury, up past Sophie (Bounding Leopardess) Runciman on the wing, by Becky Humfrtis skilfully driving through to make it an uncontestable 3-1.

South Nottingham is now placed 5th in the League, closer to Trent Vale, who now stays very  narrowly ahead .

Thanks to Umpires Neil Batty an Andy Wallace for their capable and cool handling of the match.