10 ladies hold on!

Only arriving with 10 ladies meant it was always going to be a difficult task ahead, but with positivity and determination in their minds Yateley started off the match. Taking the game to a 11 lady Andover side saw Yateley start off passing the ball, and marking well. A few quick saves and some good tackling saw a break for Yateley. Mel, Jackie and Scarlett teamed up well, passing and taking on the Andover left back – Scarlett laid off the ball to Jackie who slotted the ball into the goal.

10 mintues in with 10 ladies saw Yateley take a 1-0 lead. Andover decided to pile on the pressure and throw a extra player upfront. The Yateley defence took control, but a loose ball saw Andover slot the ball past Frankie and a tap in at the back post saw Andover draw level.
Yateley kept fighting, everyone marked and tried to contain the Andover attack but a quick run from the Andover forward saw the ball released past Frankie and into the back of the net (A typical GK error!). In succession Andover received a couple of short corners, and some super Yateley defensive play saw Andover pushed back to the half way line. 6 minutes before half time, saw another Andover short corner, the ball went straight to the top and was struck with some force and saw a diving save from Frankie to tip the ball around the post off the back line.

Half time YHC 1- 2 Andover. – A quick talk at half time spurred Yateley to really fight and win this game. We knew it was possible, and we were capable!

Half time started with Yateley piling the pressure on the Andover team. Some nice play from Claire, Lucy and Laura released the ball into some wide spaces for forward Sarah Cox to follow. Andover tried and tried to make the most of the extra man, but some strong tackles and marking from Carole and Jackie saw them fail.

A quick pick up from Jackie saw a passing ball through to Mel who danced her way through three players and smashed the ball into the net from the top of the D. 2-2. Yateley had hope and grit in their eyes and were ready for war with Andover. Everyone marked and fought back to pick up the extra player and close down any Andover attack.

A nasty tackle and fall saw Lucy leave the pitch and need some treatment. Yateley were down to nine with 24 minutes to play… Andover fought well and goal line tackle from Carole saw a goal saved. With Lucy off, Laura slotted back into defence trying to clear the lines and create some space.

Louise then hobbled off with cramp and Yateley went down to eight. A few forceful saves from Frankie and every player dropping back meant Yateley were determined not to let it slip by. Lucy hobbled back on, plastered and bandaged up on all sides and made some fine tackles to help proceedings!

The final whistle blew as Andover was awarded a short corner a split second before – 5 on 10 was an ulgy sight, the ball carried out to the top, a shot saved by Frankie back to a second shot saved and pushed out by Laura, a final shot, a final dive from Frankie, ball tipped off the stick onto the post and off the back line!

Shouts of joy, and celebration saw a well deserved point for the Yateley ladies. Everyone deserved man of the match and made one captain extremely proud!

NB TO ALL:Nobody take a holiday until APRIL!