Spring had definitely sprung as Yateley Ladies 2s arrived to an almost tropical climate at their home ground this week, sparking the long-standing debate: wimp vests or no wimp vests? Once everyone was suitably dressed, the 2s were ready to get the momentum going after only settling for a single point the previous week. Unfortunately this momentum was threatened as opponents Andover were struggling to pull a team together, delaying the pushback much to Yateley’s frustration.

Once the ball was finally rolling, the staggered start seemed to work in favour of the guests, as a slightly lethargic Yateley were caught short within the opening 10 minutes, conceding an early goal. Andover continued to be quick on the break, shortly adding another to go 2-0 up.

Not willing to handover a victory to Captain JGJ’s previous club, the 2s with the help of Head Coach Tom on the side line finally woke up and started to put up a fight. Some lovely leading passes saw Yateley work the ball up the pitch with purpose, straight to Becks who struck the ball across the line to bring Yateley back in it.

With only one goal in it Yateley continued to build the momentum, now with the majority of attacking play in their possession. Persistence around the circle was soon rewarded in the form of an edge of the D strike from Alana, straight into the bottom right corner to bring the scores level at 2-2.

The half-time team talk provided Yateley with three key points: ball pace, pre-scanning and eyes down. With everything to play for, Yateley started the second half with the urgency that they lacked at the start of the first. A succession of penalty corners were awarded in favour of the home team, and after multiple failed attempts to slip the ball here and there, a straight strike from Clara finally found the backboard to take Yateley into the lead for the first time in the game.

Both teams continued to battle for the ball and Yateley’s defence performed well to fend off those quick breaks from Andover, with some cracking saves from Kate keeping the 2s in it. As the game reached peak intensity, a penalty corner was awarded to the opposition at Yateley’s dismay, and saw them draw level with their third goal of the game.

With emotions coming to the boil in the final stages of the match, Yateley had to remind themselves to stay cool and keep focused on the task at hand. Spurred on by some ‘encouraging’ words from Tom, Becks proved to be Yateley’s saving grace, seeing the ball over the line yet again to give Yateley the lead, followed by last minute clearance off the line to secure the win. Final score Yateley 4 Andover 3 ?

A very hard fought but well deserved win for the 2s.

MOM Becks, 2 goals, 1 save and 0 injuries!
DOD Dobbers just because!