Match Report: Ladies 3rd XI 2 March

Scarlet Runners 1-3 Yateley

The dedication of players in this fabulous team was demonstrated as Jo warmed up with a Pram jog at the side of the pitch, & at the ready for any intercessional sustenance that may be required from our youngest supporter! Once appropriate childcare was secured the Yateley Ladies 3s. were ready for the match against Scarlett Runners, currently a close 5th place in the table vs Yateley in 3rd.

We took the advice of stand-in Captain, Nicki, and worked at our pace - getting some good linking passes up the pitch to start to penetrate the D and worry the Runners defence early doors. Their keeper was hot on shots and clearing the ball well, much to the dismay of a focused Yateley team. A couple of Oppo attacks were cleared easily by Zara ,Carole & Flippa at the back - and these were able to convert quickly in to attach a the visitors dominated in midfield with Jo, Lys and Abi, with some fabulous passes from Niamh. A flurry of short corners, but Yateley still couldn't get the conversion, but we kept the patience, knowing that goals were going to come....

.....and so the first one did! An open play run from Izzy and cracking cross with Sharon perfectly placed to slip it home past the keeper! 1-0 for half time.

Swift relief came after the break, with another Sharon special 2 mins in to the 2nd half. But the Yateley team were then put under pressure for a good 15 mins, with plenty of recycled ball from the Runners as they took over the midfield. The pressure was soaked up well, with fantastic tackles from Rosie, Abi, Lys & Flippa (although the umpire didn't always agree!), but an unlucky one got through from follow-on play from a short, aided by a few feet of both colours on the way in!

2-1 and some nervousness that the match may slip away. Nicki made a great call to reverse the fortunes, shoring up defence with 3 in the back line. This helped Lys push up to take back control of the midfield and we began to worry the Runners on attacks once again.

Emily sealed the deal with a fab follow-up from short corner to finish 3-1 up, gaining 3 more points and a very deserved win.

MOM- Emily
DOD - Niamh