After a disappointing spell of recent results, Yateley Ladies 2s were eager to get back to the winning ways and remain cool, calm and collected for the 70 minutes ahead of them.

With an unusually late pushback you would expect that the ladies were feeling fresh and well rested on this chilly Saturday afternoon - but with the accumulation of some dodgy muscles, dodgy groins and even some dodgy bones, Yateley knew they were going to have to work hard as team to secure three points. This week’s opponents Trojans were now sitting just one place above Yateley, a spot the 2s were eager to win back.

As the whistle blew, Yateley began strong, attacking with purpose and forcing eyes down. Trojans were quick to counter the pressure, and a momentary lapse of attention from Yateley saw the visitors go 1-0 up. Not wanting to face a repeat of the last few games, Yateley were spurred on by this and began the fight for an equaliser.

Defensive force Dobbers (aka Dwayne the Rock Dobson), felt it was time she took matters into her own hands (or stick?), running the ball into what was unchartered territory for her - the attacking D. A quick slip to Becks, who struck the ball past the Trojan’s keeper and into the back of the net meant Yateley were back in it at 1-1.

Keeping cool heads, Yateley continued their pursuit, successfully winning a number of short corners, with Trojan’s keeper denying shots from the likes of Lizzie and Nat. Not content with just an assist, Dobbers found herself in the ugly zone once again, this time picking up the rebounded shot from Becks and smashing it into the goal herself, prompting the entire team to erupt like they had just won the world cup, lottery and euro millions all in one. Fired up by this, Yateley headed into half time with the lead and in control of the match.

After a clear and concise team talk from Capt. Janette, the 2s were ready to continue the intensity into the second half. Super left-back Hills was ready to send any balls that came her way straight down the line to double trouble Hattie and Clara who confused the oppo not only with their twinning, but with their slick stick skills around the attacking D.

Trojans, not willing to give up the fight, made a number of advances on goal, which were soon soaked up by Jo and Kate. However, Yateley were unlucky to concede a short corner, allowing the oppo to level the scores at 2-2.

As the clock ticked down, Janette stepped up in the time of need to plant the ball firmly on the foot of a unwitting defender to win what would be the last short corner of the game. After a moment of deliberating whether to slip it left or pass it right, the 2s knew it was time to let Lizzie do what Lizzie does best, a top of the D strike into the backboard - job done. Final result: 3-2 to Yateley.

MOM - Dobbers, congrats on your first YHC goal!

DOD - Alana, becoming the new default?!